The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about films and their impact on our lives. One common topic is describing a film that changed your perspective. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal opinions, use descriptive language, and discuss abstract concepts. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.
Describe an invention that changed the world for you is another popular IELTS Speaking topic that requires similar skills in expressing personal opinions and discussing impacts.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about films to warm you up. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy watching films?
- How often do you go to the cinema?
- What kind of films do you like?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about cinema. I try to catch a film at the theater at least once a month, but I also stream movies at home regularly. I have a particular fondness for thought-provoking dramas and documentaries that challenge my perspectives and broaden my horizons.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for the main topic:
Describe a film that changed your perspective
You should say:
- What the film was
- When and where you watched it
- What it was about
- And explain how it changed your perspective
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a film that profoundly impacted my worldview – ‘The Pursuit of Happyness‘. I watched this compelling drama about five years ago on a long-haul flight, and it left an indelible impression on me.
The film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, portrayed brilliantly by Will Smith. It chronicles his struggle as a single father facing homelessness while pursuing a career as a stockbroker. The narrative unfolds in 1980s San Francisco, where Chris navigates numerous hardships, including eviction, the loss of his wife, and the challenge of providing for his young son while chasing his dreams.
What struck me most about this film was its raw depiction of resilience and determination. It fundamentally altered my perspective on success and the human spirit. Before watching it, I had a somewhat narrow view of what it meant to overcome obstacles. However, Chris’s journey opened my eyes to the immense strength that lies within individuals facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The film beautifully illustrates that success is not just about talent or luck, but also about unwavering perseverance and the willingness to sacrifice for one’s goals. It made me reflect deeply on my own life and the obstacles I face, helping me realize that many of my perceived limitations were self-imposed.
Moreover, the film shed light on the issue of homelessness, challenging my preconceptions about people living on the streets. It humanized their struggles and made me more empathetic towards those facing economic hardships.
In essence, ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ revolutionized my understanding of human potential and the power of resilience. It instilled in me a newfound appreciation for the struggles others may be facing and motivated me to approach my own challenges with greater determination and optimism.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing a film that changed perspective
Follow-up questions:
- Have you recommended this film to others? Why or why not?
- Do you think films have the power to change society’s perspectives?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I’ve enthusiastically recommended this film to numerous friends and family members. I believe its powerful message of perseverance and hope is universally relatable and can inspire people from all walks of life. The film’s ability to evoke empathy and challenge preconceptions makes it a valuable tool for fostering understanding and personal growth.
Regarding films’ power to change societal perspectives, I firmly believe they can be incredibly influential. Cinema has the unique ability to transport viewers into different realities and experiences, fostering empathy and broadening horizons on a mass scale. Documentaries, for instance, can shed light on important issues and spark public discourse, while fictional narratives can challenge societal norms and promote progressive thinking. The visual and emotional impact of films often resonates more deeply than other mediums, making them potent catalysts for social change.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to films and their impact. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think films influence people’s behavior and attitudes?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Films can exert a profound influence on people’s behavior and attitudes through various mechanisms. Firstly, they often present role models or characters that viewers may identify with or aspire to emulate. This can shape individuals’ aspirations, values, and even their manner of speaking or dressing.
Moreover, films have the power to evoke strong emotions and create lasting impressions, which can alter perceptions on various issues. For instance, a film depicting the consequences of climate change might inspire viewers to adopt more environmentally friendly practices in their daily lives.
Additionally, films can challenge existing stereotypes and broaden perspectives by exposing audiences to diverse cultures, lifestyles, and viewpoints. This exposure can foster greater empathy and understanding, potentially reducing prejudices and promoting social cohesion.
However, it’s important to note that the influence of films isn’t always positive. Portrayals of violence or unhealthy behaviors can sometimes normalize these actions, particularly among impressionable viewers. Therefore, it’s crucial for filmmakers to recognize their responsibility in shaping public attitudes and for viewers to approach media critically.”
Film's influence on behavior and attitudes
- Do you think the impact of films on society has changed over time?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe the impact of films on society has evolved significantly over time, primarily due to changes in technology and social dynamics. In the past, films were primarily viewed in cinemas, creating a shared experience that could spark immediate public discourse. Now, with the rise of streaming platforms, the impact is often more individualized but potentially longer-lasting, as people can easily revisit and share content.
Furthermore, social media has amplified the reach of films, allowing discussions and interpretations to spread rapidly across global audiences. This has increased films’ potential to influence public opinion on a larger scale.
Another significant change is the democratization of filmmaking. With advanced technology becoming more accessible, there’s now a wider variety of voices and perspectives being shared through film. This diversity has expanded the potential for films to challenge societal norms and represent underrepresented communities.
However, the sheer volume of content available today might also mean that the impact of any single film is more diluted than in the past. It’s now harder for a film to capture the collective attention of society in the way that classic films once did.
Overall, while the nature of films’ impact has changed, I believe their power to shape societal attitudes and spark important conversations remains as strong as ever, if not stronger.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples from the sample answers:
- Profoundly impacted: Had a deep and significant effect
- Indelible impression: A lasting mark or effect
- Chronicles: Records or narrates in chronological order
- Navigates: Finds a way through a difficult situation
- Raw depiction: Honest and unfiltered portrayal
- Fundamentally altered: Changed in a basic or essential way
- Unwavering perseverance: Steady persistence in a course of action
- Shed light on: To reveal or provide information about something
- Instilled in me: Gradually but firmly established an idea or attitude in a person
- Evoke empathy: To bring about or elicit understanding and sharing of others’ feelings
- Potent catalysts: Powerful agents that provoke or speed significant change
- Exert a profound influence: To have a strong, far-reaching effect
- Emulate: To match or surpass, typically by imitation
- Foster greater empathy: To encourage or promote a better understanding of others’ feelings
Remember to pronounce these words correctly and use them in appropriate contexts to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a film that changed your perspective:
Prepare diverse examples: Have a few films in mind that have impacted you, allowing you to choose the most suitable one for any given question.
Practice storytelling: Work on narrating your experience coherently, focusing on key plot points and your personal reaction.
Develop your vocabulary: Build a repertoire of film-related terms and descriptive language to express your thoughts more precisely.
Connect personal experience to broader themes: Show your ability to link your individual experience to wider societal issues or universal concepts.
Use a variety of sentence structures: Demonstrate your language skills by employing both simple and complex sentences appropriately.
Speak naturally and fluently: Aim for a conversational tone while maintaining proper grammar and pronunciation.
Practice expressing opinions: Be prepared to discuss abstract ideas related to films and their impact on society.
By following these tips and regularly practicing with various topics, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.
Describe a subject you enjoyed in school is another topic that requires similar skills in describing personal experiences and their impacts, which can be useful practice for your IELTS Speaking preparation.