The topic “describe a movie character you admire” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express opinions. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about movies and characters. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy watching movies?
- What kind of movies do you prefer?
- How often do you go to the cinema?
Let’s focus on the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy watching movies?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about films. They’re not just a form of entertainment for me, but also a window into different cultures and perspectives. I particularly enjoy thought-provoking dramas and sci-fi movies that challenge my imagination.”
Key points for high scores:
- Use of enthusiastic language (“Absolutely!”, “quite passionate”)
- Expanded answer with personal insight
- Varied vocabulary (“form of entertainment”, “thought-provoking”, “challenge my imagination”)
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a movie character you admire.
You should say:
- Who the character is
- What movie they appear in
- What qualities they possess
- Why you admire this character
And explain how this character has influenced you.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a character I greatly admire: Atticus Finch from the film ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. This classic movie, based on Harper Lee’s novel, is set in the 1930s American South and tackles issues of racial injustice and moral growth.
Atticus, portrayed brilliantly by Gregory Peck, is a widowed lawyer and father of two. What I find most admirable about him are his unwavering integrity, moral courage, and compassion. Despite facing intense social pressure, he agrees to defend a black man falsely accused of a crime, demonstrating his commitment to justice and equality.
One of Atticus’s most striking qualities is his ability to stand firm in his beliefs, even when it means going against the grain of society. He teaches his children to judge people based on their character rather than their skin color, a revolutionary idea in that time and place.
I admire Atticus because he embodies the qualities I aspire to have. His calm demeanor in the face of adversity, his wisdom in guiding his children, and his unwavering pursuit of what’s right are truly inspiring.
This character has influenced me profoundly. Whenever I face ethical dilemmas or challenging situations, I often find myself thinking, ‘What would Atticus do?’ His example has encouraged me to stand up for what I believe in, even when it’s difficult, and to always strive to see things from others’ perspectives.
In conclusion, Atticus Finch is more than just a movie character to me. He’s a role model who continues to inspire me to be a better person and to fight for justice in my own way.”
Key points for high scores:
- Detailed description of the character and movie
- Well-structured answer following the cue card prompts
- Use of sophisticated vocabulary (“unwavering integrity”, “moral courage”, “revolutionary idea”)
- Personal reflection on the character’s influence
- Cohesive discourse with clear transitions between ideas
Follow-up question:
Examiner: How do you think movies can influence people’s behavior?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe movies can have a profound impact on people’s behavior through various mechanisms. Firstly, they can expose viewers to new ideas and perspectives, challenging preconceived notions and broadening horizons. For instance, a film about climate change might inspire someone to adopt more environmentally friendly habits.
Moreover, characters in movies often serve as role models, either positive or negative. When audiences connect emotionally with these characters, they may unconsciously emulate their behaviors or attitudes. This is particularly evident in how certain iconic characters influence fashion trends or social attitudes.
Additionally, movies can raise awareness about social issues, potentially motivating viewers to take action. A documentary about poverty might compel someone to volunteer at a local charity or donate to a cause.
However, it’s crucial to note that the influence of movies isn’t always positive. Some films might glorify harmful behaviors or reinforce stereotypes, which is why media literacy is so important in today’s society.
In conclusion, while the extent of influence varies from person to person, I believe movies have the power to shape attitudes, inspire action, and even drive societal change when used responsibly.”
Key points for high scores:
- Comprehensive answer covering multiple aspects
- Use of examples to illustrate points
- Critical thinking demonstrated by considering both positive and negative influences
- Advanced vocabulary (“preconceived notions”, “emulate”, “media literacy”)
- Cohesive structure with a clear conclusion
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think the portrayal of characters in movies has changed over time?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe the portrayal of characters in movies has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting broader societal shifts and evolving audience expectations.
Firstly, there’s been a noticeable trend towards more complex and nuanced characters. In the past, characters often fell into clear-cut categories of ‘good’ or ‘evil’, but modern films tend to explore the gray areas of human nature. We’re seeing more antiheroes and morally ambiguous protagonists, which I think reflects a growing appreciation for the complexities of real-life personalities.
Secondly, there’s been a push for greater diversity and representation in cinema. We’re seeing more films featuring characters from various ethnic backgrounds, different sexual orientations, and diverse body types. This shift is not just about inclusion, but also about telling a wider range of stories that resonate with a broader audience.
Another significant change is in the portrayal of gender roles. Female characters, for instance, are increasingly being depicted as multi-dimensional individuals with agency, moving away from stereotypical roles or mere supporting characters to male leads. Similarly, male characters are being shown with more emotional depth, challenging traditional notions of masculinity.
Technological advancements have also influenced character portrayals. With the rise of CGI and motion capture, we’re seeing more non-human characters that are incredibly lifelike and emotionally engaging, expanding the range of stories that can be told.
However, it’s worth noting that while progress has been made, there’s still room for improvement in terms of authentic and equitable representation across all demographics.
In conclusion, I believe the evolution in character portrayal reflects broader cultural shifts towards inclusivity, complexity, and realism in storytelling, which ultimately enriches our cinematic experiences.”
Key points for high scores:
- Comprehensive answer covering multiple aspects of character portrayal
- Well-structured response with clear examples and explanations
- Use of sophisticated vocabulary (“nuanced”, “morally ambiguous”, “agency”)
- Demonstration of critical thinking by considering both positive changes and areas for improvement
- Cohesive argument with a clear conclusion
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Nuanced /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ (adjective): Characterized by subtle differences or distinctions.
Example: “Modern films often present more nuanced characters, avoiding simplistic stereotypes.” - Compelling /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ (adjective): Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Example: “The protagonist’s compelling journey of self-discovery kept me engaged throughout the film.” - To resonate with (phrasal verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
Example: “The character’s struggles resonated with me on a personal level.” - Multi-faceted /ˌmʌlti ˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “The villain was a multi-faceted character, with complex motivations and a troubled backstory.” - To embody /ɪmˈbɒdi/ (verb): To be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling.
Example: “The hero embodied the values of courage and selflessness.”
Using these words and phrases can demonstrate a rich vocabulary and help you express complex ideas about characters and their portrayal in films.
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
- Practice describing characters: Regularly watch movies and try to describe the characters in detail. Focus on their personality traits, motivations, and development throughout the story.
- Use a variety of adjectives: Instead of simple words like “good” or “bad”, use more specific and sophisticated adjectives to describe characters.
- Make personal connections: Relate the character’s qualities or experiences to your own life. This shows deeper understanding and engagement with the topic.
- Structure your answer: For the long turn, use the cue card as a guide to structure your response. This ensures you cover all required points.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts about the character. Explain your thoughts and opinions, and provide reasons for your admiration.
- Use film terminology: Incorporate some basic film terms (e.g., protagonist, antagonist, character arc) to demonstrate your familiarity with the subject.
- Stay relevant: In Part 3, make sure your answers relate to the broader themes suggested by the examiner’s questions.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you can confidently approach the topic of describing a movie character you admire in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly, use a range of vocabulary, and demonstrate your ability to discuss the topic in depth.
For more practice on describing characters and improving your speaking skills, you might find it helpful to describe a film character who impressed you. This can broaden your perspective and vocabulary when discussing cinematic personalities.