In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are often asked to describe people, places, or things that have left a lasting impression on them. One popular topic that frequently appears is describing a movie character you find inspiring. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal opinions, use descriptive language, and discuss abstract concepts like inspiration and influence.
Describe a time when you were inspired by a book or movie is a closely related topic that may also come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared to discuss both movie characters and the overall impact of films will give you a significant advantage.
Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about inspiring movie characters across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about movies and characters to warm you up for the more in-depth discussion later. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:
- Do you enjoy watching movies?
- What type of movies do you prefer?
- Who is your favorite movie character?
- How often do you go to the cinema?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Examiner: Who is your favorite movie character?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“My favorite movie character is Tony Stark from the Iron Man and Avengers films. I find him incredibly captivating because he’s not just a typical superhero. He’s a genius inventor with a complex personality, blending wit, charm, and vulnerability. What I admire most about him is his character arc throughout the series, as he evolves from a self-centered billionaire to someone willing to sacrifice everything for the greater good. His journey of personal growth is truly inspiring.”
This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, clear organization of ideas, and the ability to express personal opinions with supporting details.
Part 2: Long Turn
For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:
Describe A Movie Character You Find Inspiring
You should say:
- Who the character is
- What movie they are from
- What they do in the movie
- And explain why you find this character inspiring
Here’s a sample answer targeting Band 8-9:
“I’d like to talk about a movie character I find truly inspiring: Erin Brockovich, portrayed by Julia Roberts in the film of the same name. This character is based on a real person, which adds an extra layer of authenticity and impact to her story.
Erin Brockovich is a single mother who, despite lacking formal legal education, becomes instrumental in building a case against a powerful corporation that has been polluting a local water supply. Throughout the movie, we see her transform from a struggling job-seeker to a determined legal clerk who refuses to back down in the face of overwhelming odds.
What I find most inspiring about Erin is her unwavering commitment to justice and her ability to leverage her unique strengths. She may not have the traditional qualifications, but her tenacity, empathy, and street smarts prove to be invaluable assets. Erin’s down-to-earth approach allows her to connect with the affected families in a way that the lawyers cannot, gathering crucial evidence and building trust within the community.
The character’s journey is a powerful reminder that formal credentials aren’t everything and that with enough determination and passion, one person can indeed make a significant difference. Erin’s resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges is truly admirable. She juggles her responsibilities as a mother with her growing involvement in the case, often at great personal cost.
What I find particularly inspiring is how Erin grows into her role as an advocate for the community. She’s not a flawless hero from the start; we see her struggle, make mistakes, and learn from them. This realistic portrayal of personal growth makes her achievements all the more impressive and relatable.
In conclusion, Erin Brockovich’s character inspires me because she embodies the idea that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things when they stand up for what’s right. Her story encourages me to persevere in the face of adversity and to use my own unique skills and experiences to make a positive impact in the world.”
This response demonstrates several key features of a high-scoring answer:
- Detailed description of the character and their role in the movie
- Clear explanation of why the speaker finds the character inspiring
- Use of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
- Well-structured response with clear progression of ideas
- Personal reflection on the character’s impact
After your long turn, the examiner might ask one or two follow-up questions. For example:
Examiner: Do you think movies based on true stories are more inspiring than fictional ones?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an interesting question. I believe both true stories and fictional narratives can be equally inspiring, but in different ways. True stories like Erin Brockovich’s have the advantage of authenticity, which can make them more relatable and impactful. They show us real-world examples of courage and perseverance, proving that extraordinary achievements are possible in our own lives.
On the other hand, fictional stories have the freedom to explore idealized scenarios and push the boundaries of what’s possible. They can present us with larger-than-life heroes who embody the very best of human qualities, inspiring us to strive for those ideals. Additionally, fictional narratives can tackle complex issues or futuristic concepts that might be difficult to explore in a true story format.
Ultimately, I think the power to inspire comes from the story’s ability to connect with the audience emotionally, regardless of whether it’s based on fact or fiction. It’s the universal themes of hope, courage, and overcoming adversity that resonate with us and have the potential to inspire change in our own lives.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example of how this might unfold:
Examiner: How do you think movie characters influence young people’s behavior?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Movie characters can have a significant impact on young people’s behavior, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, inspiring characters can serve as role models, encouraging young viewers to develop admirable traits like courage, empathy, and perseverance. For example, a character who stands up against bullying might inspire a young person to do the same in real life.
However, there’s also a potential for negative influence, especially when characters engage in risky or antisocial behaviors that are glamorized on screen. Young people might be tempted to emulate these behaviors without fully understanding the consequences.
I believe the key is to promote media literacy among young people, teaching them to critically analyze the characters they see and understand the difference between fiction and reality. Parents and educators play a crucial role in guiding discussions about movie characters and helping young people interpret the messages they’re receiving from media.”
Examiner: Do you think the influence of movie characters on society has changed over time?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe the influence of movie characters on society has evolved significantly over time, largely due to changes in technology and social attitudes.
In the past, movie characters had a more localized and delayed impact. People would watch a film in theaters or on television, and its influence would spread gradually through word-of-mouth and cultural osmosis. Characters like James Dean’s rebel without a cause or Audrey Hepburn’s elegant heroines shaped fashion and attitudes, but the process was relatively slow.
Today, with the advent of social media and streaming platforms, the influence of movie characters has become more immediate and global. A compelling character can become a worldwide phenomenon overnight, sparking conversations, inspiring memes, and influencing behavior on a massive scale. Think of how quickly characters from franchises like Marvel or Star Wars become part of the global cultural lexicon.
Moreover, there’s been a shift towards more diverse and complex characters that reflect our evolving social consciousness. We’re seeing more characters that challenge stereotypes, represent underrepresented groups, and tackle complex social issues. This has allowed movie characters to have a more nuanced and potentially more profound influence on societal attitudes towards issues like gender equality, racial justice, and mental health.
Another interesting development is the rise of interactive media, where audiences can actually become or influence characters in video games or choose-your-own-adventure style films. This blurs the line between viewer and character, potentially increasing the impact on behavior and attitudes.
In conclusion, while movie characters have always been influential, the speed, scope, and complexity of their impact on society have dramatically increased over time, reflecting broader changes in technology and social awareness.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some words and phrases that can help you discuss inspiring movie characters more effectively:
- Compelling (adjective) – /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ – Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way.
Example: “The protagonist’s compelling journey from adversity to success resonated with audiences worldwide.” - Embody (verb) – /ɪmˈbɒdi/ – To represent or express (an idea, quality, or feeling) in a tangible or visible form.
Example: “The character embodies the values of perseverance and integrity throughout the film.” - Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: “The actor gave a nuanced performance, revealing the character’s complex motivations and inner conflicts.” - Paradigm shift (noun) – /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The character’s journey represents a paradigm shift in how society views success and fulfillment.” - Transcend (verb) – /trænˈsend/ – To go beyond the range or limits of something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division.
Example: “Great movie characters often transcend their fictional origins to become cultural icons.”
Describe a famous actor from your country is another topic where you can apply these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases to elevate your speaking performance.
Examiner’s Advice
As an IELTS examiner, I would offer the following advice to candidates preparing for the Speaking test:
- Practice regularly: Engage in English conversations daily, even if it’s just talking to yourself about movies you’ve watched.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to cinema, characters, and emotions. Use them in context to internalize them.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just describe, but analyze and reflect on why certain characters inspire you. This demonstrates critical thinking skills.
- Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to show your range of linguistic abilities.
- Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing scripts. Examiners value natural, spontaneous responses.
- Stay relevant: Always keep your answers focused on the question asked, using the character discussion as a springboard for broader insights when appropriate.
- Show enthusiasm: Your genuine interest in the topic can enhance the overall impression you make on the examiner.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss inspiring movie characters and a wide range of other topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.
Describe a movie that made you emotional is another topic where you can apply these strategies to demonstrate your speaking abilities and engage the examiner in a meaningful discussion about cinema’s impact on our emotions and perspectives.