The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about media and personal experiences. One topic that frequently appears is describing a documentary that had a significant impact on you. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Task
When asked to describe a documentary that impacted you, the examiner is looking for your ability to:
- Clearly describe the documentary
- Explain its impact on you
- Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar
- Speak fluently and coherently
Let’s break down how to approach this task in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this part, you may be asked general questions about documentaries. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you enjoy watching documentaries?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy documentaries. They’re usually quite informative and help me learn new things about the world.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about documentaries. They offer a unique insight into various subjects and often broaden my horizons. I find them to be an invaluable source of knowledge on topics I might not otherwise explore.”
Q: What types of documentaries do you prefer?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I like nature documentaries and historical documentaries. They’re interesting and teach me a lot.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’m particularly drawn to investigative documentaries and those focusing on social issues. They tend to shed light on complex problems and often challenge my preconceptions. I also have a soft spot for nature documentaries, especially those that highlight environmental concerns.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a documentary that had a significant impact on you.
You should say:
- What the documentary was about
- When and where you watched it
- Why you found it impactful
- And explain how it influenced your thoughts or actions
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about a documentary I watched last year called ‘The Social Dilemma’. It was about the negative effects of social media on society. I watched it on Netflix at home during the lockdown.
I found it impactful because it showed how social media companies manipulate users to spend more time on their platforms. It made me realize how much time I was wasting on social media.
After watching it, I decided to reduce my social media usage. I set time limits on my phone for these apps and tried to be more mindful of how I use them. It really changed how I think about technology and its influence on our lives.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to shed light on a documentary that left an indelible mark on me – ‘The Social Dilemma’. This thought-provoking film delves into the insidious effects of social media on society and individual psychology.
I stumbled upon this documentary on Netflix during the height of the pandemic lockdown, which, in retrospect, was a fitting context given our increased reliance on digital platforms at the time.
What struck me about this documentary was its revelatory nature. It peeled back the curtain on the manipulative tactics employed by social media giants to captivate and retain user attention. The film featured insights from former executives of these companies, which lent credibility to its alarming claims.
The documentary profoundly influenced my perspective on technology. It prompted me to critically evaluate my digital habits and take concrete steps to regain control. I implemented stringent time limits on my social media usage, curated my digital environment more carefully, and made a concerted effort to engage in more face-to-face interactions.
Moreover, it sparked numerous discussions with friends and family about digital wellbeing, fostering a collective awareness of these issues. This documentary didn’t just inform me; it catalyzed a significant shift in my behavior and heightened my awareness of the ethical implications of our digital landscape.”
Follow-up Questions
- How has this documentary changed your view of social media?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“It made me more cautious about using social media. I now think about how these platforms might be influencing my behavior and try to use them more responsibly.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“This documentary has fundamentally altered my perception of social media. I now view these platforms through a more critical lens, acutely aware of their potential to manipulate user behavior. It’s prompted me to adopt a more mindful approach to my digital interactions, prioritizing quality over quantity in my online engagements.”
- Do you think documentaries can change people’s opinions on important issues?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think documentaries can change people’s opinions. They provide a lot of information and can show different perspectives on issues.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, documentaries have the potential to be powerful catalysts for changing public opinion. They can present complex issues in an accessible format, often humanizing abstract concepts through personal stories. When well-researched and balanced, documentaries can challenge preconceptions, stimulate critical thinking, and inspire viewers to delve deeper into important topics, potentially leading to shifts in societal attitudes.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to documentaries and their impact. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think documentaries differ from other forms of media in their ability to influence people?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Documentaries are usually more detailed and focused on real issues compared to other media. They can show real people and situations, which makes them more convincing and impactful.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Documentaries possess a unique capacity to influence people due to several factors. Firstly, they often employ a narrative structure that can engage viewers emotionally as well as intellectually. This dual appeal can make their messages more memorable and impactful. Secondly, documentaries typically delve into subjects with greater depth than other media forms, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of complex issues. Lastly, the perception of authenticity associated with documentaries, especially when they feature real people and events, can lend them a level of credibility and persuasive power that fictional media might lack.”
Q: Do you think the impact of documentaries has changed with the rise of streaming platforms?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think streaming platforms have made documentaries more popular. More people can watch them easily now, so they probably have a bigger impact.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The advent of streaming platforms has undeniably transformed the landscape for documentaries. These platforms have democratized access to a vast array of documentaries, exposing viewers to a diverse range of topics and perspectives that might have previously gone unnoticed. This increased accessibility has amplified the potential impact of documentaries.
Moreover, streaming platforms have altered viewing habits, allowing for more niche or challenging documentaries to find their audience. This has encouraged the production of a wider variety of documentary styles and subjects, potentially broadening the collective impact of the medium.
However, it’s worth noting that this abundance of choice could also dilute the impact of individual documentaries, as viewers’ attention is increasingly fragmented. The challenge now lies in creating documentaries that can cut through the noise and leave a lasting impression in an oversaturated media environment.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, incorporate these words and phrases into your responses:
-
Thought-provoking (adjective) /θɔːt prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/: Stimulating careful consideration or attention.
Example: “The documentary was thought-provoking, challenging my preconceptions about climate change.” -
Shed light on (phrasal verb) /ʃed laɪt ɒn/: To reveal new information about something.
Example: “The film shed light on the complexities of the healthcare system.” -
Delve into (phrasal verb) /delv ˈɪntuː/: To examine or investigate something thoroughly.
Example: “The documentary delved into the history of artificial intelligence.” -
Catalyze (verb) /ˈkætəlaɪz/: To cause or accelerate change or action.
Example: “Watching that documentary catalyzed my decision to reduce plastic usage.” -
Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle distinctions.
Example: “The filmmaker presented a nuanced view of the conflict, showing multiple perspectives.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing documentaries:
- Practice describing documentaries you’ve watched, focusing on their content and impact.
- Develop your vocabulary related to media, social issues, and personal impact.
- Be prepared to discuss abstract ideas about the influence of media on society.
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points and make your answers more engaging.
- Practice speaking fluently about your opinions and experiences with documentaries.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss documentaries and their impact in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and speak fluently and coherently.
For more tips on describing impactful experiences, check out our guide on how to describe a time when you felt inspired. This can help you draw parallels between inspirational moments and the impact of documentaries.