The topic of describing a film or performance you didn’t enjoy is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. This subject allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express opinions, describe experiences, and use appropriate vocabulary related to entertainment and personal preferences.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions related to entertainment and leisure activities. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:

Sample Question: Do you enjoy watching movies?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy watching movies. I try to watch at least one or two films a month, usually on weekends when I have some free time. I find movies to be a great way to relax and escape from daily stress.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about cinema. I make it a point to watch a variety of films regularly, ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to independent arthouse productions. Not only do I find movies entertaining, but I also appreciate them as an art form that can provide valuable insights into different cultures and human experiences.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe A Film Or Performance You Didn’t Enjoy.
You should say:

• What it was
• When and where you saw it
• Who you were with
• And explain why you didn’t enjoy it

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about a movie I watched recently that I didn’t particularly enjoy. It was a science fiction film called “Cosmic Disaster” that I saw about two months ago at a local cinema in my city. I went to see it with a group of friends who were excited about the movie because of its impressive special effects.

The film was about an alien invasion of Earth, and while the visual effects were indeed spectacular, I found the plot to be quite predictable and clichéd. The characters were poorly developed, and their actions often didn’t make sense. I remember feeling disappointed because the trailer had made the movie look much more interesting than it actually was.

What made the experience even less enjoyable was the fact that the cinema was very crowded, and we had to sit in the front row, which made it uncomfortable to watch the big screen. The sound was also too loud, which gave me a bit of a headache.

Overall, I didn’t enjoy the film because of its weak storyline, uninteresting characters, and the uncomfortable viewing conditions. It taught me to be more careful about choosing movies based solely on their special effects or marketing hype.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to discuss a theatrical performance I attended that left me feeling rather disappointed. It was a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” that I saw approximately six months ago at the city’s renowned theatre. I went with my literature study group, as we had been analyzing the original play and were keen to see a contemporary interpretation.

From the outset, it was evident that the director had taken significant artistic liberties with the source material. While I generally appreciate innovative approaches to classic works, this particular production seemed to prioritize style over substance. The set design was minimalist to the point of being austere, which could have been effective if it hadn’t detracted from the emotional impact of key scenes.

What I found particularly jarring was the decision to set the play in a dystopian future, complete with anachronistic elements that seemed at odds with the core themes of the original work. The actors, though clearly talented, appeared to be struggling with the dissonance between the traditional Shakespearean dialogue and the futuristic setting.

Moreover, the pacing of the performance was problematic. Some of the most pivotal moments in the play were rushed through, while less significant scenes were drawn out unnecessarily. This imbalance made it difficult to connect with the characters or become fully immersed in the story.

Despite my disappointment, I found the experience valuable as it sparked a lively debate within our study group about the merits and pitfalls of modernizing classic literature. It also reinforced my appreciation for productions that manage to innovate while still honoring the essence of the original work.

In retrospect, while I didn’t enjoy the performance, it provided a thought-provoking experience that enhanced my understanding of the challenges involved in adapting timeless works for contemporary audiences.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How do you think the performance could have been improved?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think the performance could have been better if they had stuck closer to the original play. Maybe they could have used modern costumes but kept the original setting. Also, they should have focused more on the important parts of the story instead of changing too many things.

Band 8-9 Answer:
To enhance the performance, I believe a more nuanced approach to modernization would have been beneficial. Rather than imposing a completely new setting, the director could have sought to draw parallels between the themes of the original play and contemporary issues. This could have been achieved through subtle changes in costume and set design, while maintaining the integrity of the original narrative structure. Additionally, a more judicious editing of the script could have preserved the crucial elements of the story while still allowing for some innovative interpretations.

2. Do you think it’s important for people to see performances they don’t enjoy?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it can be useful sometimes. Even if you don’t like a performance, you can learn from it. It helps you understand what you do and don’t like in art or entertainment. It’s also good to experience different things and form your own opinions.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. Exposure to performances or art forms that don’t align with our personal preferences can be incredibly valuable. Such experiences broaden our cultural horizons and challenge our preconceptions about art and entertainment. They provide opportunities for critical thinking and can refine our aesthetic sensibilities. Moreover, discussing works we didn’t enjoy can lead to insightful conversations and a deeper appreciation of the creative process. It’s through this diverse range of experiences that we develop a more nuanced understanding of artistic expression and our own tastes.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Sample Questions and Answers:

1. How has technology changed the way we consume entertainment?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has changed entertainment a lot. Now we can watch movies and shows on our phones or computers anytime we want. Streaming services like Netflix have made it easy to access a wide range of content. Social media also lets us share our opinions about entertainment with others quickly.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized our consumption of entertainment in multifaceted ways. The advent of streaming platforms has democratized access to a vast array of content, allowing for more personalized viewing experiences. This shift has led to a fragmentation of audiences and the rise of niche content catering to specific interests. Moreover, the interactivity afforded by digital platforms has blurred the lines between creators and consumers, fostering a more participatory culture. We’re also seeing the emergence of new forms of entertainment, such as virtual reality experiences, which are pushing the boundaries of traditional media. However, this technological shift also raises questions about attention spans, the quality of content, and the potential for echo chambers in our entertainment choices.

2. Do you think traditional forms of entertainment will disappear in the future?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think traditional entertainment will completely disappear, but it might become less common. People still enjoy going to theaters or concerts for the experience. However, new technologies might change how we experience these traditional forms of entertainment. For example, virtual reality might be used in theaters to make the experience more immersive.

Band 8-9 Answer:
While it’s unlikely that traditional forms of entertainment will vanish entirely, they are undoubtedly undergoing a significant transformation. We’re witnessing a hybridization of traditional and modern forms of entertainment. For instance, theatre productions are increasingly incorporating digital elements to enhance storytelling. The enduring appeal of live performances lies in their ability to create shared experiences and foster a sense of community, something that digital platforms often struggle to replicate. However, traditional entertainment forms will need to adapt and evolve to remain relevant in an increasingly digital world. This might involve leveraging technology to enhance the live experience or finding innovative ways to blend physical and virtual elements. The key to their survival will likely be in offering unique, immersive experiences that cannot be fully replicated in the digital realm.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Artistic liberties (noun phrase)
   /ɑːˈtɪstɪk ˈlɪbərtiz/
   Definition: Changes made to an original work when adapting it
   Example: The director took artistic liberties with the classic novel when adapting it for the screen.

2. Prioritize (verb)
   /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/
   Definition: To give importance to something over other things
   Example: The film seemed to prioritize special effects over character development.

3. Anachronistic (adjective)
   /ənækrəˈnɪstɪk/
   Definition: Belonging to a different time period than the one being portrayed
   Example: The use of modern slang in the historical drama felt anachronistic.

4. Dissonance (noun)
   /ˈdɪsənəns/
   Definition: Lack of harmony or agreement between things
   Example: There was a clear dissonance between the actor’s casual delivery and the formal language of the script.

5. Nuanced (adjective)
   /ˈnjuːɑːnst/
   Definition: Characterized by subtle differences or distinctions
   Example: A more nuanced approach to the adaptation might have yielded better results.

Key vocabulary for IELTS Speaking about films and performances

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a film or performance you didn’t enjoy:

1. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to express your feelings and opinions about the experience.
2. Provide specific examples and details to support your points, making your answer more vivid and engaging.
3. Use advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions where appropriate, but ensure you use them correctly and naturally.
4. Practice discussing both positive and negative aspects of experiences to demonstrate balanced critical thinking.
5. Work on your fluency by regularly discussing films, performances, and your opinions on them with others or by recording yourself.
6. Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation, especially when using new or complex vocabulary related to entertainment.
7. Be prepared to extend your answers in Part 3 by considering broader implications and connecting the topic to wider social or cultural issues.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your ideas clearly are just as important as the range of vocabulary and grammar you use.