The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and preferences, including topics like movies. “Describe a movie you want to watch again” is a common theme that can appear in Part 2 of the Speaking test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing a familiar and enjoyable subject. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about movies to warm you up. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy watching movies?
Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): Absolutely! I’m quite the movie enthusiast. I find that films are not only a great source of entertainment but also a window into different cultures and perspectives. I try to watch a diverse range of genres, from thought-provoking documentaries to edge-of-your-seat thrillers. It’s fascinating how a well-crafted movie can transport you to another world for a couple of hours.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a movie you want to watch again
You should say:
- What the movie is
- When you first watched it
- What the movie is about
- And explain why you want to watch it again
Describe a place in your city you like just as vividly as you would describe your favorite movie. Now, let’s look at sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Answer:
The movie I want to watch again is “Inception.” I first watched it about five years ago when it came out in theaters. It’s a science fiction movie about a group of people who can enter other people’s dreams. The main character, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, has to plant an idea in someone’s mind through their dreams. I want to watch it again because it’s a very complex movie with many layers. There were some parts I didn’t fully understand the first time, so I think watching it again would help me catch more details. Also, the special effects were really impressive, and I’d like to see them again on a big screen.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The film I’m eager to revisit is Christopher Nolan’s masterpiece, “Inception.” I vividly recall my first encounter with this mind-bending narrative about five years ago when it took the cinematic world by storm. This sci-fi thriller revolves around a skilled extractor, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, who possesses the extraordinary ability to infiltrate people’s subconscious during their dream state.
The plot intricately weaves through multiple layers of dreams, as the protagonist and his team embark on the seemingly impossible task of inception – planting an idea in someone’s mind. What sets this film apart is its labyrinthine plot structure and stunning visual effects that blur the lines between reality and dreams.
I’m itching to rewatch this film for several reasons. Firstly, the multi-layered narrative is so intricate that I believe subsequent viewings will reveal nuances and details I may have missed initially. Secondly, the philosophical questions it raises about the nature of reality and perception continue to intrigue me. Lastly, the groundbreaking special effects, particularly the gravity-defying sequences, are simply awe-inspiring and deserve to be appreciated on a big screen once more.
Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:
- Are there any other movies you’d like to watch again?
- Do you think watching a movie multiple times can change our perception of it?
Band 6-7 Answer:
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Yes, there are a few other movies I’d like to watch again. One is “The Matrix” because it’s also quite complex and has interesting special effects. Another is “Forrest Gump” because it’s a heartwarming story that I enjoy.
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I think watching a movie multiple times can change how we see it. We might notice things we missed before or understand the story better. Sometimes our opinions about the characters or the plot might change too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
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Absolutely, I have a handful of films I’d love to revisit. One that immediately springs to mind is “The Shawshank Redemption.” It’s a timeless classic that never fails to move me with its powerful themes of hope and friendship. Another is “Memento,” which, like “Inception,” is directed by Christopher Nolan. Its reverse chronological structure makes it a fascinating puzzle to unravel with each viewing.
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I firmly believe that multiple viewings can significantly alter our perception of a film. Each viewing allows us to peel back layers of the narrative, character development, and cinematic techniques that we might have overlooked initially. Moreover, our personal growth and experiences between viewings can lend new perspectives to the themes and messages of the film. It’s quite remarkable how a movie can evolve in our minds over time, revealing new depths with each watch.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think the film industry has changed in recent years?
Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): The film industry has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, primarily driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Streaming platforms have revolutionized content distribution, challenging the traditional theatrical release model. This has led to a surge in high-quality, serialized storytelling that was once the domain of television.
Moreover, CGI and special effects have reached new heights, allowing filmmakers to bring increasingly fantastical worlds to life. However, this has also sparked a counter-movement favoring practical effects and more grounded storytelling.
Another significant change is the global nature of film production and consumption. We’re seeing more international collaborations and a greater appreciation for diverse storytelling from different cultures. This cross-pollination of ideas is enriching the cinematic landscape and broadening audiences’ perspectives.
Lastly, the pandemic has accelerated some of these trends, particularly the shift towards streaming and the blurring of lines between film and television. It’s an exciting time for the industry, with both challenges and opportunities on the horizon.
Describe an activity you do regularly for relaxation, such as watching movies, can be another interesting topic in IELTS Speaking.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing movies, consider using these sophisticated words and phrases:
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Cinematic masterpiece (noun): A film of outstanding artistry and quality
Example: “The Godfather is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece.” -
Thought-provoking (adjective): Stimulating careful consideration or attention
Example: “The documentary raised several thought-provoking questions about climate change.” -
Character development (noun): The process of creating a believable character with depth
Example: “The protagonist’s character development throughout the film was truly remarkable.” -
Plot twist (noun): An unexpected change in the direction of the narrative
Example: “The plot twist at the end of ‘The Sixth Sense’ left audiences stunned.” -
Cinematography (noun): The art of motion-picture photography and filming
Example: “The cinematography in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ was visually stunning.” -
Narrative structure (noun): The way in which a story is organized and presented
Example: “Christopher Nolan is known for his complex narrative structures.” -
To resonate with (verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief
Example: “The themes of friendship and loyalty in the film resonated deeply with me.”
Describe a language you would like to speak fluently can be another interesting topic to practice using sophisticated vocabulary.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing movies or any other topic:
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Expand on your answers: Provide detailed explanations and examples to showcase your vocabulary and fluency.
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Use a variety of structures: Incorporate complex sentences and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Stay relevant: Always address the question directly, but feel free to expand on related ideas.
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Practice active listening: Ensure you fully understand the examiner’s questions before responding.
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Maintain a natural pace: Speak clearly and confidently, but don’t rush your responses.
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Show enthusiasm: Genuine interest in the topic can enhance your overall performance.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively while showcasing your English language skills. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you feel more confident and prepared on test day.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the “describe a movie you want to watch again” topic and other similar questions in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, describing a movie that made you emotional can also be an excellent way to showcase your language skills and personal experiences.