When it comes to IELTS Speaking tasks, describing a movie character you relate to can be both exciting and challenging. This topic has been a recurring theme in past IELTS exams and is likely to appear in future tests as well. To help you excel in this task, let’s explore effective strategies and sample answers that can boost your performance.
Describe a book you plan to read again is another common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. The skills you develop for character description can also be applied when discussing books, enhancing your overall performance.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about movies and characters. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy watching movies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy watching movies. I try to watch at least one or two movies a week, usually on weekends. I find them entertaining and a good way to relax after a busy week.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about cinema. I make it a point to watch a diverse range of films, from mainstream blockbusters to independent art house productions. Not only do I find movies entertaining, but I also see them as a window into different cultures and perspectives, which I find incredibly enriching.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a movie character:
Describe a movie character you relate to
You should say:
- Who the character is
- What movie they are from
- What qualities or traits they have
- Why you relate to this character
Band 6-7 Answer:
The character I’d like to talk about is Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. She’s one of the main characters in these popular fantasy films. Hermione is known for being incredibly intelligent and hardworking. She’s always studying and trying to learn more, which I really admire. I relate to her because I also value education and try to do my best in school. Like Hermione, I’m often the one my friends come to for help with homework or advice. Her determination to succeed and her loyalty to her friends are qualities I strive for in my own life. While I may not be as brilliant as Hermione, I see a lot of myself in her dedication and desire to prove herself.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The character I find myself particularly drawn to is Atticus Finch from the film adaptation of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Atticus, brilliantly portrayed by Gregory Peck, is a small-town lawyer in the American South during the 1930s. What stands out about Atticus is his unwavering moral compass and his commitment to justice, even in the face of overwhelming societal pressure.
Atticus embodies several admirable qualities. His intellectual rigor and eloquence are evident in his courtroom speeches, while his compassion shines through in his interactions with his children and the broader community. Perhaps most notably, Atticus demonstrates remarkable courage by defending a Black man falsely accused of a crime, challenging the deep-seated racial prejudices of his time.
I relate to Atticus on multiple levels. Like him, I strive to uphold my principles, even when it’s not the easiest path. His approach to parenting – treating his children with respect and honesty – resonates with my own beliefs about how to nurture young minds. Moreover, Atticus’s ability to see beyond surface-level judgments and his commitment to fighting injustice align closely with my personal and professional aspirations.
While I certainly don’t claim to have achieved Atticus’s level of wisdom or impact, I find in him a compelling role model. His character serves as a constant reminder of the importance of integrity, empathy, and moral courage in both personal and public life.
Follow-up questions:
- How do you think the character’s personality has influenced the plot of the movie?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think Hermione’s intelligence and bravery have greatly influenced the plot of the Harry Potter movies. Her knowledge often helps the main characters solve problems and overcome obstacles. Without her, Harry and Ron might not have succeeded in many of their adventures.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Atticus Finch’s character is absolutely pivotal to the narrative of “To Kill a Mockingbird.” His unwavering commitment to justice and equality serves as the moral backbone of the story, driving the plot forward and creating the central conflict. His decision to defend Tom Robinson, despite the social backlash, sets in motion a series of events that expose the deep-seated racial tensions in the community. Moreover, Atticus’s parenting style and his lessons on empathy and moral courage profoundly shape the worldview of his daughter Scout, through whose eyes the story is told. In essence, Atticus’s character doesn’t just influence the plot; it’s the catalyst that enables the story’s powerful exploration of prejudice, injustice, and the loss of innocence.
- Do you think it’s important for movies to have relatable characters? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s important for movies to have relatable characters. When we can relate to characters, we become more invested in the story. It makes the movie more enjoyable and memorable. Relatable characters can also help us understand different perspectives and experiences.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The importance of relatable characters in films cannot be overstated. Relatable characters serve as a bridge between the audience and the narrative, facilitating a deeper emotional connection and engagement with the story. When viewers see aspects of themselves reflected in characters, it enhances their investment in the plot and can lead to more profound introspection and empathy.
However, it’s crucial to note that ‘relatable’ doesn’t necessarily mean ‘similar to the viewer’ in all aspects. A well-crafted character can be relatable even if their circumstances are vastly different from our own, as long as their motivations, struggles, or emotional journeys resonate on a human level. This is particularly valuable in films that aim to broaden perspectives or shed light on diverse experiences.
Moreover, relatable characters can serve as powerful vehicles for conveying complex themes and ideas. They can challenge viewers’ preconceptions, inspire personal growth, and even catalyze social change by encouraging audiences to see the world through different eyes.
That said, not every character needs to be relatable for a film to be effective. Sometimes, the very ‘otherness’ of a character can be what makes them compelling and thought-provoking. The key is striking a balance that serves the overall narrative and thematic goals of the film.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s a sample question with suggested answers:
Examiner: How do you think the portrayal of characters in movies has changed over time?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think characters in movies have become more complex over time. In older films, characters often seemed very simple, either good or bad. Now, we see more characters with both good and bad qualities, which makes them more realistic. Also, there’s more diversity in movies now, with characters from different backgrounds and cultures.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The evolution of character portrayal in cinema has been quite remarkable and multifaceted. In the early days of film, characters were often archetypal and one-dimensional, serving primarily as vehicles for straightforward narratives. However, as the medium has matured, we’ve seen a significant shift towards more nuanced and complex characterizations.
One notable change is the increasing prevalence of morally ambiguous protagonists. Where once heroes were unambiguously virtuous and villains purely evil, modern films often feature leads with significant flaws and antagonists with understandable motivations. This gray area reflects a growing appreciation for the complexities of human nature and allows for more thought-provoking storytelling.
Another significant development is the diversification of represented experiences and perspectives. Films are increasingly showcasing characters from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as different gender identities and sexual orientations. This shift not only provides more authentic representation but also enriches storytelling by exploring previously underrepresented narratives.
Furthermore, the psychological depth of characters has increased dramatically. Modern films often delve into the inner lives of their characters, exploring their motivations, fears, and personal growth in ways that were less common in earlier cinema. This psychological realism has been facilitated by advancements in filmmaking techniques, allowing for more subtle performances and nuanced storytelling.
Lastly, the rise of long-form storytelling, particularly in television series and film franchises, has allowed for even more extensive character development. Characters can evolve over years, reflecting the complexities and contradictions inherent in real human growth and change.
All these developments have contributed to a more sophisticated and engaging approach to character portrayal, reflecting our evolving understanding of human psychology and societal complexity.
Describe a famous painter or artist from your country is another topic where you can apply similar descriptive skills. The ability to vividly portray a person’s characteristics is valuable across various IELTS Speaking tasks.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, consider incorporating these sophisticated words and phrases:
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Multifaceted /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The protagonist in this film is a multifaceted character with complex motivations. -
Nuanced /ˈnjuː.ɑːnst/ (adjective): Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
Example: The actor gave a nuanced performance, conveying a wide range of emotions through subtle facial expressions. -
Paradigm shift /ˈpær.ə.daɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: The film’s portrayal of its antihero represented a paradigm shift in how villains are depicted in cinema. -
Quintessential /ˌkwɪn.tɪˈsen.ʃəl/ (adjective): Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example: Atticus Finch is often seen as the quintessential morally upright lawyer in American literature and film. -
Catharsis /kəˈθɑː.sɪs/ (noun): The process of releasing strong emotions through art or drama, resulting in relief and purification.
Example: The character’s journey in the film provides a sense of catharsis for the audience, allowing them to process complex emotions.
Describe a movie you watched recently that left a strong impression is a topic where you can effectively use these advanced vocabulary items to articulate your thoughts more precisely.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing movie characters:
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Prepare diverse examples: Familiarize yourself with characters from various genres and eras of cinema. This will allow you to choose the most appropriate example for any given question.
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Practice articulating character traits: Work on describing personality traits and motivations in detail. Use specific examples from the movie to support your points.
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Develop your analytical skills: Practice analyzing how characters contribute to themes and plot development. This will help you provide more insightful answers in Part 3 discussions.
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Expand your vocabulary: Build a repertoire of sophisticated words and phrases related to character description and film analysis. Use them naturally in your responses.
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Work on fluency: Practice speaking about movies and characters regularly. The more comfortable you are with the topic, the more fluent and confident you’ll sound during the test.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
Describe an area in your home where you feel most comfortable is another common topic where you can apply these speaking strategies to create vivid and engaging responses.