The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about movies and characters, as it’s a relatable topic for many candidates. One common task is to describe a film character you admire. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, focusing on the prompt “Describe a movie character played by an actor or actress you admire.”
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about movies and actors. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy watching movies?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I’m quite the film enthusiast. I find movies to be an incredible medium for storytelling and artistic expression. They allow me to immerse myself in different worlds and gain new perspectives on life. I particularly enjoy thought-provoking dramas and visually stunning sci-fi films.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a movie character played by an actor or actress you admire
You should say:
- Who the character is
- What movie they appear in
- What the character is like
- Why you admire this character
And explain why you think the actor or actress did a good job playing this character.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about the character of Sherlock Holmes, brilliantly portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch in the BBC series “Sherlock”. While it’s not a movie per se, this modern adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories has captivated audiences worldwide.
Sherlock Holmes, as depicted in this series, is a consulting detective with extraordinary deductive skills. He’s incredibly intelligent, often bordering on arrogant, but also deeply complex and surprisingly vulnerable at times. His rapid-fire deductions and unorthodox methods make him a fascinating character to watch.
I admire this character for several reasons. Firstly, his unwavering dedication to solving puzzles and crimes is truly inspiring. He demonstrates that with keen observation and logical thinking, one can unravel even the most complex mysteries. Secondly, despite his social awkwardness and apparent lack of empathy, Sherlock shows moments of genuine care for his friends, particularly Dr. John Watson. This adds depth to his character and makes him more relatable.
Benedict Cumberbatch did an exceptional job portraying Sherlock. He brought the character to life with his rapid, articulate delivery of complex deductions and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through subtle facial expressions and body language. Cumberbatch perfectly captured Sherlock’s brilliant mind and social quirks, making the character both intimidating and endearing.
What I find most impressive about Cumberbatch’s performance is how he balanced Sherlock’s genius with his human flaws. He showed us a Sherlock who is not just a cold, calculating machine, but a person struggling with his own demons and learning to connect with others. This nuanced portrayal added layers of complexity to the character, making him more than just a stereotypical genius detective.
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How do you think playing such a complex character affects an actor’s career?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Playing a complex character like Sherlock Holmes can be a career-defining moment for an actor. It showcases their versatility and acting prowess, often leading to critical acclaim and increased recognition in the industry. Such roles can open doors to diverse opportunities, as they demonstrate the actor’s ability to handle nuanced performances. However, there’s also a risk of typecasting, where the actor becomes so strongly associated with the character that it might limit their future roles. Ultimately, though, I believe that successfully portraying a complex character can significantly elevate an actor’s status and broaden their artistic horizons.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think movie characters influence young people?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Movie characters can have a profound impact on young people, often serving as role models or sources of inspiration. They can shape attitudes, influence behavior, and even affect career choices. For instance, characters who embody resilience and overcome adversity might inspire young viewers to persevere in their own challenges. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this influence can be both positive and negative. Characters who engage in risky behaviors or promote unrealistic standards might lead to misguided aspirations or unhealthy habits. Therefore, it’s essential for young people to develop critical thinking skills to differentiate between fictional portrayals and reality, and for parents and educators to guide them in interpreting media messages responsibly.
Examiner: Do you think the way characters are portrayed in movies has changed over time?
Candidate (Band 6-7): Yes, I think movie characters have changed a lot over time. In the past, characters were often more simple and stereotypical. Now, they are more complex and diverse. For example, we see more strong female characters and characters from different backgrounds. Movies also show more realistic problems and emotions now. I think this change is good because it helps people understand different perspectives and relates more to real life.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Brilliantly portrayed (adverb + verb): Excellently acted or represented
Example: The character was brilliantly portrayed, capturing every nuance of their personality. -
Captivate audiences (verb phrase): To attract and hold the attention of viewers
Example: The film’s stunning visuals captivated audiences worldwide. -
Nuanced portrayal (adjective + noun): A performance that shows subtle differences in character
Example: Her nuanced portrayal of the complex protagonist earned her critical acclaim. -
Career-defining moment (compound adjective + noun): An event or role that significantly shapes one’s professional path
Example: Playing Sherlock Holmes was a career-defining moment for Benedict Cumberbatch. -
Embody resilience (verb + noun): To represent the quality of bouncing back from difficulties
Example: The character embodied resilience, overcoming numerous challenges throughout the film.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing movie characters:
- Use a range of descriptive vocabulary to bring the character to life.
- Explain your thoughts and feelings about the character in detail.
- Connect the character’s traits to broader themes or real-life situations.
- Practice speaking about various characters from different genres to expand your vocabulary and ideas.
- Remember to describe a film character who impressed you in your own words, avoiding memorized scripts.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to Describe a film character played by an actor or actress whom you admire in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and enthusiastically about your chosen character while showcasing your English language skills.