The topic “describe a book or movie that is your favorite” is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal preferences, describe storylines, and analyze themes. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about books and movies. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
- Do you prefer reading books or watching movies?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I enjoy both, but if I had to choose, I’d say I prefer watching movies. They offer a more immersive experience with visuals and sound, which can be quite captivating. That said, I do appreciate the depth and detail that books provide, allowing me to use my imagination more freely.”
- What kind of books or movies do you usually like?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m particularly drawn to science fiction and thought-provoking dramas. I find that these genres often explore complex themes and ideas that challenge my perspective on the world. For instance, I recently watched a sci-fi film that delved into the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, which I found fascinating.”
Describe a place in your city you like to visit for inspiration when writing or thinking about movie plots. The atmosphere and surroundings can greatly influence your creative process.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a book or movie that is your favorite
You should say:
- What the book or movie is about
- When you first read the book or saw the movie
- Why you like it so much
And explain why you consider it your favorite
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my favorite movie, ‘The Shawshank Redemption’. It’s a drama film about a man named Andy who is wrongly convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank prison. The movie shows his life in prison over many years and his friendship with another inmate named Red.
I first saw this movie when I was in high school, about 10 years ago. A friend recommended it to me, and we watched it together one weekend.
I like this movie so much because it has a really powerful story about hope and friendship. The main character, Andy, never gives up hope even in terrible situations. It’s inspiring to see how he keeps his spirit strong and helps others around him.
I consider it my favorite because it teaches important lessons about life. It shows that we should never lose hope and that friendship can help us through difficult times. The acting is also really good, and the story keeps you interested until the very end. Every time I watch it, I notice something new, which makes it special to me.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss my favorite book, ‘1984’ by George Orwell. This dystopian novel is set in a totalitarian society where the government, led by the enigmatic Big Brother, maintains absolute control over every aspect of citizens’ lives, including their thoughts.
I first encountered this literary masterpiece during my final year of high school, approximately seven years ago. It was part of our required reading list, but it left an indelible impression on me that far surpassed any academic obligation.
What I find particularly captivating about ‘1984’ is its prescient vision of a surveillance state and the power of language manipulation. Orwell’s creation of ‘Newspeak’, a language designed to limit free thought, is both ingenious and chilling. The book’s exploration of how truth can be distorted and history rewritten resonates deeply in our current era of ‘fake news’ and information warfare.
I consider this my favorite book because of its profound impact on my worldview. It serves as a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of individual thinking. The narrative’s psychological depth, particularly in depicting the protagonist’s struggle against indoctrination, is both harrowing and thought-provoking. Moreover, Orwell’s razor-sharp prose and the book’s enduring relevance make it a work I frequently revisit, always discovering new layers of meaning with each reading.”
IELTS Speaking favorite book or movie
Follow-up questions:
- Has your taste in books or movies changed over time?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, my literary and cinematic preferences have evolved significantly over the years. In my youth, I was drawn to more straightforward narratives and action-packed plots. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve developed an appreciation for more nuanced storytelling and complex character development. I now find myself gravitating towards works that offer deeper philosophical insights or challenge societal norms. This shift reflects my own personal growth and increasing interest in understanding the intricacies of human nature and the world around us.”
- Do you think books and movies can influence people’s behavior?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I firmly believe that both books and movies have the power to shape people’s perspectives and, consequently, their behavior. These mediums often present new ideas or alternative viewpoints that can challenge our preconceptions. For instance, a thought-provoking film about environmental issues might inspire viewers to adopt more eco-friendly habits. Similarly, a well-written book can foster empathy by allowing readers to experience life from different perspectives, potentially leading to more compassionate behavior in real-life interactions.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to books and movies. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
- How do you think technology has changed the way we consume books and movies?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized our consumption of books and movies in numerous ways. For books, e-readers and audiobook platforms have made literature more accessible than ever before. People can now carry entire libraries in their pockets, adjusting font sizes or listening to narrations as per their preference. This has led to increased reading among certain demographics, particularly commuters and those with visual impairments.
As for movies, streaming services have dramatically altered the landscape of film consumption. The traditional model of cinema releases followed by home video has been disrupted by platforms offering instant access to vast libraries of content. This has not only changed viewing habits but also influenced production, with streaming services now creating their own original content.
However, these technological advancements come with their own set of challenges. The abundance of choice can sometimes lead to decision paralysis or shallow engagement with content. Moreover, the algorithms used by these platforms may create ‘echo chambers’, limiting exposure to diverse content.
Despite these concerns, I believe the overall impact has been positive, democratizing access to a wide range of books and films and allowing for more personalized consumption patterns.”
- Do you think the popularity of visual media is affecting people’s reading habits?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“There’s no doubt that visual media, especially in the form of movies, TV shows, and online videos, has become increasingly popular. This trend does seem to be impacting reading habits, particularly among younger generations. Many people now prefer to watch a film adaptation rather than read the book it’s based on, citing time constraints or finding visual storytelling more engaging.
However, I don’t think this necessarily means reading is declining overall. Instead, reading habits are evolving. For example, there’s been a rise in graphic novels and illustrated books, which blend visual and textual storytelling. Additionally, many people are reading more short-form content online, such as articles and blog posts.
It’s also worth noting that visual media can sometimes spark interest in reading. A popular TV series based on a book often leads to increased sales of that book and its sequels. So while traditional reading habits might be changing, I believe there’s still a strong appetite for written content, just in different forms.”
Technology impact on books and movies consumption
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Literary masterpiece (noun) – /ˈlɪtərəri ˈmæstəˌpiːs/ – A book that is considered to be of exceptional quality and lasting artistic merit.
Example: “To Kill a Mockingbird is widely regarded as a literary masterpiece.”Thought-provoking (adjective) – /θɔːt prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/ – Stimulating careful consideration or attention.
Example: “The film raised several thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality.”Character development (noun) – /ˈkærəktər dɪˈveləpmənt/ – The process of creating a believable character in fiction through the use of details and actions.
Example: “The author’s skill in character development made the protagonist feel incredibly real.”Plot twist (noun) – /plɒt twɪst/ – An unexpected change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot in a movie or book.
Example: “The sudden plot twist at the end of the movie left the audience gasping in surprise.”Cinematography (noun) – /ˌsɪnəməˈtɒɡrəfi/ – The art of making motion pictures, especially with regard to camera technique.
Example: “The film’s stunning cinematography captured the beauty of the landscape perfectly.”
Describe a movie character you find inspiring by using these advanced vocabulary terms to articulate your thoughts more effectively.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing your favorite book or movie:
- Use a variety of descriptive language to bring your favorite book or movie to life.
- Explain your thoughts and feelings clearly, providing specific examples from the book or movie to support your points.
- Discuss themes and character development to demonstrate deeper understanding.
- Use appropriate film or literary terminology to show your familiarity with the medium.
- Practice describing different aspects of books and movies, such as plot, characters, and themes, to improve your fluency on this topic.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a good range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.
IELTS Speaking advice for book and movie description
Describe a room in your house where you feel most comfortable reading your favorite book or watching your favorite movie. This can help you practice connecting different topics in your IELTS Speaking responses.