The ability to describe a movie or performance you recently watched is a common topic in IELTS Speaking exams. This theme has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to remain relevant in future examinations. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about movies and performances. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy watching movies?
- How often do you go to the cinema?
- What kind of movies do you prefer?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I really enjoy watching movies. I find them entertaining and a great way to relax after a long day. I try to watch at least one or two movies every week, usually at home on streaming platforms.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about cinema. Not only do I find films incredibly entertaining, but I also appreciate them as an art form. I’m particularly fascinated by how directors use visual storytelling techniques to convey complex narratives and emotions. I make it a point to watch a diverse range of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent foreign productions, as I believe each offers a unique perspective on storytelling.”
IELTS Speaking Examiner asking questions
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to our topic:
Describe a movie or performance you recently watched
You should say:
- What it was
- When and where you watched it
- What it was about
- And explain why you liked or disliked it
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I recently watched a movie called ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ at home on Netflix. It’s an older film from the 1990s, but I had never seen it before. The movie is about a banker named Andy who is wrongly convicted of murder and sent to Shawshank Prison. It shows his experiences in prison over many years and his friendship with another inmate named Red.
I really liked this movie because the story was very engaging. The main character, Andy, is very smart and never gives up hope, even in difficult situations. The acting was also very good, especially by Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman. The film made me think about important themes like hope, friendship, and justice.
What I found most impressive was how the movie showed the passage of time and the changes in the characters over many years. It was interesting to see how prison life affected different people in different ways. The ending of the movie was also very satisfying and unexpected.
Overall, I would highly recommend this movie to others. It’s not just an entertaining story, but also a film that makes you think about life and human nature.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I recently had the pleasure of watching Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film ‘Inception’ at a local cinema’s special screening event. This mind-bending sci-fi thriller, released in 2010, has long been on my watchlist, and I’m thrilled to have finally experienced it on the big screen.
The film revolves around the concept of dream infiltration, where a skilled team, led by Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Cobb, can enter people’s dreams to extract or implant information. The plot thickens as they attempt an ambitious ‘inception’ – planting an idea in someone’s subconscious through multiple layers of dreams.
What captivated me most about ‘Inception’ was its intricate plot structure and thought-provoking themes. Nolan’s masterful direction seamlessly weaves together multiple dream levels, each with its own distinct physics and time dilation. This complex narrative not only keeps viewers on the edge of their seats but also invites them to ponder deeper questions about reality, perception, and the power of ideas.
The stellar ensemble cast, including DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Marion Cotillard, delivers compelling performances that bring depth to their characters. The visual effects are nothing short of breathtaking, particularly the scenes of Paris folding in on itself and the gravity-defying hotel corridor fight.
Hans Zimmer’s haunting score perfectly complements the film’s tone, adding layers of tension and emotion to key scenes. The use of Edith Piaf’s ‘Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien’ as a plot device is particularly ingenious.
What I appreciate most about ‘Inception’ is how it challenges the audience intellectually while still providing top-notch entertainment. It’s a rare film that manages to be both a commercial blockbuster and a cerebral experience, prompting discussions and interpretations long after the credits roll.
In conclusion, ‘Inception’ is a tour de force of filmmaking that exemplifies the power of cinema to transport, challenge, and inspire viewers. It’s a film that rewards multiple viewings and continues to spark debate about its meaning and implications, solidifying its place as a modern classic in the sci-fi genre.”
Inception movie scene showing dream layers
Follow-up questions:
- How did the visual effects contribute to the storytelling?
- What themes did you find most interesting in the movie?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 6-7):
“The visual effects in ‘Inception’ were really impressive. They helped to show the different dream levels and made the impossible seem real. For example, the scene where the city folds over itself was amazing and helped me understand how dreams can be manipulated in the movie.”
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“The visual effects in ‘Inception’ were integral to the storytelling, serving as a visual metaphor for the film’s complex ideas. They masterfully illustrated the malleability of dreams and the blurring of reality and illusion. The iconic scene of Paris folding in on itself, for instance, not only showcased spectacular CGI but also symbolized the architect’s power to manipulate dream environments. Similarly, the gravity-defying hotel corridor fight sequence visually represented the concept of different physical laws applying in various dream levels. These effects weren’t merely eye candy; they enhanced the narrative by making abstract concepts tangible and immersing the audience in the surreal world of shared dreams.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think movies influence society?
- What makes a movie successful in your opinion?
- Do you think streaming services are changing the way we watch movies? How?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think movies have a big influence on society. They can shape people’s opinions on different issues and even change how we behave. For example, movies about environmental problems might make people more aware of climate change. Also, popular movies often influence fashion trends and what kind of products people buy. Sometimes, movies can also bring attention to important social issues that people might not know about otherwise.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Movies wield a profound influence on society, acting as both a mirror reflecting our culture and a catalyst for social change. On a surface level, films often shape popular culture, influencing fashion trends, consumer behavior, and even colloquial language. However, their impact runs much deeper.
Firstly, movies have the power to shape public opinion on various issues. A well-crafted film can raise awareness about social, political, or environmental problems, potentially inspiring viewers to take action. For instance, documentaries like ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ have played a significant role in bringing climate change to the forefront of public discourse.
Moreover, films can challenge societal norms and promote empathy by exposing audiences to diverse perspectives and experiences. Movies that tackle sensitive topics or represent marginalized groups can foster understanding and contribute to social progress. The increased representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream cinema, for example, has arguably contributed to greater acceptance in many societies.
However, it’s important to note that this influence isn’t always positive. Movies can also perpetuate stereotypes or glamorize harmful behaviors. This underscores the responsibility that filmmakers have in shaping public perception.
In essence, cinema serves as a powerful medium for storytelling, education, and social commentary. Its ability to evoke emotions and create shared cultural experiences makes it a uniquely influential force in shaping societal values and norms.”
Movie's influence on society
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, consider incorporating these sophisticated words and phrases:
Captivating (adjective) /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ – fascinating or attractive
Example: “The captivating plot kept me engaged throughout the entire film.”Thought-provoking (adjective) /ˈθɔːt prəˌvoʊkɪŋ/ – stimulating careful consideration or attention
Example: “The movie raised several thought-provoking questions about the nature of reality.”Cinematography (noun) /ˌsɪnəməˈtɒɡrəfi/ – the art of making motion pictures
Example: “The stunning cinematography in this film truly brought the story to life.”Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
Example: “The lead actor gave a nuanced performance, conveying complex emotions with subtlety.”To resonate with (phrasal verb) /ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/ – to evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief
Example: “The themes of friendship and perseverance in the movie really resonated with me.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a movie or performance:
Develop your vocabulary: Use a range of descriptive words and phrases specific to discussing films and performances.
Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas.
Provide detailed responses: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations.
Show critical thinking: Don’t just describe what happened in the movie. Analyze themes, techniques, and your personal response to the film.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Stay on topic: While it’s good to elaborate, make sure your responses remain relevant to the question asked.
Remember, regular practice and exposure to a wide range of movies and performances will help you develop the language and ideas needed to excel in this topic.
describe a movie character you relate to to further enhance your speaking skills on movie-related topics. By mastering these techniques and expanding your cinematic vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about movies or performances in your IELTS Speaking test.