IELTS Speaking – a book that you would recommend to others

Yes, I do, although I don't read as much as I'd like to. I usually read for about half an hour before bed, because it helps me switch off from my phone and fall asleep more easily. I mostly read novels and the occasional self-help book. When I'm on holiday, I can easily get through two or three books.

I definitely prefer paper books. There's something special about the feel of the pages, and I find it easier to concentrate without notifications popping up. I also like seeing my books lined up on a shelf. That said, e-books are really handy when I'm travelling, because I can carry dozens of them without any extra weight.

As a child, I was a huge fan of comics, especially Doraemon and Detective Conan, which I used to borrow from a little rental shop near my house. I also loved Vietnamese folk tales, which my grandmother used to read to me at bedtime. Those stories taught me a lot about right and wrong without feeling preachy.

Yes, I've been trying to read more in English to improve my vocabulary. I started with graded readers, which are simplified versions of famous novels, and now I can manage some easier original books. I'm currently reading a mystery novel. It's slow going, and I still look up quite a few words, but it's very rewarding.

The book I'd like to recommend is 'Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind' by Yuval Noah Harari. I actually read the Vietnamese translation first and then the English version later. It's a non-fiction book that tells the story of the human species, from our early ancestors in Africa to the present day. What makes it different from a typical history book is that it focuses on big ideas rather than dates and battles. For example, Harari argues that what made humans so successful was our ability to believe in shared stories, such as religions, nations and even money, which allowed huge numbers of strangers to cooperate. He also discusses how farming, empires and science have shaped our lives, and raises questions about where we might be heading in the future. I read it about three years ago, during the summer before I started university. A friend lent me her copy, and I remember being hooked from the very first chapter. I'd read a few pages each night, but I often ended up staying awake much longer than I'd planned because I wanted to find out what came next. The main reason I'd recommend it is that it completely changes the way you look at the world. It made me question things I'd always taken for granted, like why we value money or why we organise societies the way we do. It's also written in a very accessible and entertaining style, with lots of humour and surprising examples, so you don't need any background in history to enjoy it. Of course, some experts disagree with certain arguments in the book, but I think that's part of its value, because it encourages readers to think critically and form their own opinions.

I think the main reason is the competition for our attention. Streaming services, video games and social media offer instant entertainment, which requires much less effort than reading a novel. Many of us have also got used to consuming information in short bursts, so sitting down with a long book can feel quite demanding. Busy lifestyles play a role as well, since people often feel too tired to read after work. That said, I'm not sure reading is dying out entirely. Audiobooks are increasingly popular, and online book communities have actually encouraged many young people to start reading again.

I don't think they'll be completely replaced, at least not in the foreseeable future. Digital formats are clearly growing, because e-books are cheaper, portable and instantly available. Textbooks and reference books in particular may well become mostly digital. However, many readers, including young people, still prefer the physical experience of a printed book. In fact, sales of paper books have remained surprisingly stable in many countries. Printed books also make great gifts and collectibles in a way e-books never will. So my prediction is that the two formats will coexist, with people choosing whichever suits the situation.

I think the most powerful thing parents can do is to lead by example. If children see their parents reading regularly, they're much more likely to see it as a normal and enjoyable activity. Reading aloud together at bedtime is also great, because it builds a positive association between books and family time. Another important point is to let children choose what they read, whether it's comics or adventure stories, rather than forcing 'serious' books on them. Finally, parents could limit screen time a little and take children to libraries or bookshops, so books become part of everyday life.

I'd argue that it's just as valuable, but in a different way. Factual books are obviously great for gaining knowledge and learning practical skills. Fiction, on the other hand, helps develop empathy, because it lets you see the world through someone else's eyes and understand their emotions. Several studies have suggested that people who read novels are better at understanding others. Fiction can also improve creativity and language skills. Personally, I think a healthy reading diet includes both, much like a balanced meal. Fiction feeds your imagination, while non-fiction feeds your understanding of the real world.