The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about movies and emotions, making “describe a movie that made you emotional” a highly relevant topic. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about movies and emotions. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy watching movies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy watching movies. I try to watch at least one or two films a week, usually on weekends when I have more free time. I find movies a great way to relax and escape from daily stress.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about cinema. I make it a point to watch a diverse range of films, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent foreign productions. Not only do I find movies entertaining, but I also appreciate them as an art form that can provoke thought and spark meaningful discussions.
- What types of movies do you find most emotional?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I find dramas and romantic movies to be the most emotional for me. These genres often deal with deep human relationships and personal struggles, which can be very touching.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my experience, the most emotionally impactful films are those that delve into the complexities of the human condition. While dramas certainly fall into this category, I’ve found that well-crafted documentaries about real-life struggles or biographical films can be profoundly moving. Additionally, some science fiction movies that explore existential themes can evoke strong emotions by challenging our perceptions of reality and humanity.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a movie that made you emotional. You should say:
- What the movie was
- When and where you watched it
- What it was about
- And explain why it made you emotional
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The movie that really made me emotional was “The Pursuit of Happyness.” I watched it about two years ago on Netflix at home.
This movie is based on a true story and stars Will Smith. It’s about a struggling salesman named Chris Gardner who becomes homeless with his young son. Despite facing many challenges, he never gives up and works hard to create a better life for himself and his child.
The movie made me very emotional because it showed the incredible love between a father and son, and how they stayed together through really tough times. There were scenes where they had to sleep in public bathrooms or shelters, which were heartbreaking to watch. But it was also inspiring to see how Chris never lost hope and kept trying to improve their situation.
I felt a mix of sadness and hope throughout the film. The ending, where Chris finally gets a good job, made me cry with happiness. It reminded me that with determination and hard work, it’s possible to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The film that profoundly moved me was “Schindler’s List,” directed by Steven Spielberg. I had the privilege of watching this masterpiece during a film studies course at university, where we analyzed it in depth.
“Schindler’s List” is a poignant historical drama set during the Holocaust. It chronicles the journey of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who initially exploits Jewish workers for profit but gradually transforms into their savior. The film meticulously portrays the horrors of the Nazi regime while highlighting the power of individual compassion and moral courage.
This cinematic tour de force elicited a complex tapestry of emotions within me. The stark black-and-white cinematography, punctuated by rare splashes of color, created a haunting visual landscape that amplified the gravity of the narrative. Spielberg’s masterful direction, coupled with stellar performances from Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley, brought the characters’ struggles and triumphs to life with gut-wrenching authenticity.
What made the film particularly emotional for me was its unflinching depiction of human cruelty juxtaposed against acts of extraordinary kindness. Scenes of wanton violence and dehumanization left me feeling devastated and angry, while moments of bravery and sacrifice inspired a profound sense of hope. The famous scene where Schindler laments that he could have saved more lives by selling his possessions was especially poignant, highlighting the weight of moral responsibility in the face of atrocity.
Moreover, the film’s basis in historical events added an extra layer of emotional impact. Realizing that these horrors actually occurred, and that individuals like Schindler truly existed, instilled in me a deep reverence for the resilience of the human spirit and a renewed commitment to standing against injustice.
In essence, “Schindler’s List” wasn’t merely a film I watched; it was an experience that challenged my perceptions, stirred my conscience, and left an indelible mark on my emotional landscape.
Follow-up questions:
- Do you think it’s important for movies to evoke emotions in viewers?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think it’s important. Movies that make us feel emotions can be more memorable and enjoyable. They can also help us understand different experiences and perspectives.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I believe that the ability to evoke emotions is a hallmark of powerful cinema. Films that resonate emotionally with viewers can transcend mere entertainment, serving as catalysts for empathy, self-reflection, and even social change. By engaging our emotions, movies can help us process complex issues, broaden our understanding of the human experience, and inspire us to view the world from different perspectives. This emotional engagement often leads to more profound and lasting impacts, making the viewing experience more meaningful and potentially transformative.
- How do you think filmmakers create emotional scenes in movies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Filmmakers use different techniques to create emotional scenes. They might use sad music, show close-ups of actors’ faces, or write dialogue that touches on universal themes like love or loss. Lighting and camera angles can also help set the mood.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Filmmakers employ a multifaceted approach to crafting emotional scenes. At the foundation is a well-written script that delves into universal human experiences and complex characters. Directors then utilize a range of cinematic techniques to amplify these emotional elements. This includes thoughtful casting and nuanced performances from skilled actors who can convey deep emotions authentically.
Cinematography plays a crucial role, with lighting, camera angles, and shot composition carefully orchestrated to reflect and enhance the emotional tone. For instance, close-ups can create intimacy, while wide shots might convey isolation. Color grading can subtly influence mood, as seen in the use of cooler tones for melancholy scenes.
The score and sound design are equally important, with music and ambient sounds working in harmony to underscore emotional beats. Editing rhythm can also significantly impact emotional resonance, with the pacing of cuts often mirroring the internal states of characters.
Moreover, skilled filmmakers often use visual metaphors or symbolic imagery to add layers of emotional depth that resonate on both conscious and subconscious levels. By harmonizing all these elements, directors can create scenes that deeply move audiences and leave lasting emotional impressions.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
- Examiner: Do you think movies have the power to change people’s perspectives on social issues?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe movies can change people’s views on social issues. When we watch a movie about a problem in society, we might learn new things and start to see the issue differently. For example, a film about climate change could make people more aware of environmental problems and maybe encourage them to take action.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. Films possess a unique ability to influence public opinion and shape societal attitudes. Through the power of storytelling and visual imagery, movies can humanize complex issues, making them more accessible and relatable to a wide audience. This emotional connection often serves as a catalyst for deeper understanding and empathy.
For instance, films like “Philadelphia” played a pivotal role in changing public perceptions about HIV/AIDS and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Similarly, documentaries such as “An Inconvenient Truth” have been instrumental in raising awareness about climate change and spurring environmental activism.
Moreover, movies can challenge existing narratives and give voice to marginalized communities, fostering a more inclusive social dialogue. The impact of cinema extends beyond the immediate viewing experience, often sparking conversations, debates, and even policy changes. However, it’s crucial to note that while films can be powerful tools for social change, their effectiveness ultimately depends on the receptiveness of the audience and the broader societal context in which they are viewed.
- Examiner: In your opinion, is it more effective to use real events or fictional stories to convey emotional messages in films?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think both real events and fictional stories can be effective for emotional messages in films. Real events might feel more impactful because we know they actually happened. But fictional stories can also be very moving and might allow filmmakers more freedom to explore different ideas. It probably depends on the specific message and how well the film is made.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Both approaches have their merits, and their effectiveness often depends on the specific message and the filmmaker’s skill in conveying it.
Real events carry an inherent gravitas and immediacy that can profoundly resonate with audiences. The knowledge that the portrayed events actually occurred can lend a deeper emotional weight and urgency to the narrative. Films like “Schindler’s List” or “Hotel Rwanda” derive much of their emotional impact from their basis in historical reality, serving as powerful reminders of human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.
On the other hand, fictional stories offer filmmakers greater creative latitude to craft narratives that distill complex emotional truths. They can transcend the constraints of historical accuracy to create allegorical or metaphorical stories that speak to universal human experiences. For example, a science fiction film like “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” explores themes of love, memory, and loss in ways that might be difficult to achieve within the confines of a true story.
Ultimately, the most effective approach often lies in the filmmaker’s ability to tap into universal emotional truths, regardless of whether the story is fact or fiction. Some filmmakers even blend both approaches, using fictional narratives inspired by real events to create emotionally resonant stories that feel authentic while allowing for artistic interpretation.
In my view, the key lies not so much in the choice between real or fictional, but in the authenticity and depth with which the emotional core of the story is presented. A well-crafted fictional narrative can sometimes illuminate emotional truths more effectively than a poorly told true story, and vice versa.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
-
Evoke emotions /ɪˈvəʊk ɪˈməʊʃənz/ (phrasal verb): To bring forth or elicit feelings
Example: “The film’s poignant scenes evoked strong emotions in the audience.” -
Cinematic masterpiece /ˌsɪnɪˈmætɪk ˈmɑːstəpiːs/ (noun phrase): An outstanding achievement in filmmaking
Example: “Schindler’s List is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece.” -
Profoundly moving /prəˈfaʊndli ˈmuːvɪŋ/ (adjective phrase): Deeply affecting emotionally
Example: “The documentary was profoundly moving, leaving many viewers in tears.” -
Nuanced performance /ˈnjuːɑːnst pəˈfɔːməns/ (noun phrase): An acting portrayal with subtle variations and complexity
Example: “The lead actress delivered a nuanced performance, capturing the character’s inner turmoil.” -
Resonate with /ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/ (phrasal verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief
Example: “The themes of love and sacrifice in the movie resonated with people from all walks of life.”
Describe a documentary you recently watched to further practice your speaking skills on film-related topics.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing emotional movies:
- Practice describing your emotional reactions using varied and precise vocabulary.
- Prepare to discuss both personal experiences and broader themes in cinema.
- Develop your ability to analyze filmmaking techniques and their emotional impact.
- Be ready to connect movie themes to larger social issues for Part 3 discussions.
- Use specific examples from films to support your points, demonstrating both language skills and cultural awareness.
Remember, authenticity in expressing your thoughts and emotions is key to a high-scoring performance. Regular practice with a variety of film-related topics will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual test.
Describe a film character who impressed you can be another excellent way to practice discussing movies in detail.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated language, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle any question about emotional movies in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!