The topic of describing a recently watched movie is a common and engaging subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate your thoughts, use descriptive language, and express opinions. This theme has consistently appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about movies and your viewing habits. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy watching movies?
2. How often do you go to the cinema?
3. What types of movies do you prefer?
4. Do you have a favorite actor or actress?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy watching movies?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about cinema. I find that movies offer a unique blend of entertainment and artistry. They’re not just a way to unwind after a long day, but also a window into different cultures and perspectives. I particularly appreciate how films can evoke strong emotions and spark thought-provoking discussions.”

This response demonstrates a high level of vocabulary, uses idiomatic expressions, and provides a thoughtful, extended answer.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a movie:

Describe A Movie You Watched Recently. You should say:

• What the movie was about
• When and where you watched it
• Who you watched it with
• And explain why you liked or disliked it

describe a book or movie that is your favorite

Here’s a sample response for Band 8-9:

“I’d like to talk about a thought-provoking film I watched recently called ‘The Social Dilemma’. It’s a documentary-drama hybrid that explores the dark side of social media and its impact on society.

I watched it about a month ago on Netflix, curled up on my couch at home. I actually viewed it alone, which I found quite fitting given the film’s theme of technology-induced isolation.

The movie delves into how social media platforms are designed to be addictive and how they manipulate user behavior for profit. It features interviews with former executives from major tech companies, who shed light on the inner workings of these platforms.

What I found particularly compelling about this film was its balanced approach. While it highlighted the negative aspects of social media, it also acknowledged its benefits. The dramatized segments featuring a fictional family really drove home the points being made in the interviews, making the content more relatable and impactful.

I was genuinely impressed by how the film managed to simplify complex concepts without oversimplifying them. It sparked a lot of self-reflection about my own social media habits and made me more conscious of my digital footprint.

In conclusion, I’d highly recommend this movie to anyone interested in understanding the hidden mechanisms behind the technology we use daily. It’s a wake-up call that I believe everyone should hear.”

This response demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and a thoughtful analysis of the film.

Describing a recent movie in IELTS Speaking Test

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this movie compare to others you’ve seen in the same genre?
2. Would you recommend this movie to others? Why or why not?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Compared to other documentaries I’ve seen, ‘The Social Dilemma’ stands out for its innovative approach. While many documentaries rely heavily on expert interviews and statistics, this film skillfully blends factual information with dramatized scenes. This unique format makes it more engaging and accessible to a wider audience. Moreover, the film’s scope is remarkably comprehensive, covering not just the tech industry, but also touching on psychology, politics, and social issues. In terms of impact, I’d say it’s on par with groundbreaking documentaries like ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, as it sheds light on a pressing issue that affects virtually everyone in the modern world.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do you think movies influence society?
2. What makes a movie successful in your opinion?
3. Do you think streaming services are changing the film industry? How?

Let’s look at a sample response for the first question:

Examiner: How do you think movies influence society?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Movies have a profound impact on society in various ways. Firstly, they serve as a powerful medium for cultural exchange, allowing people to gain insights into different societies and ways of life. This can foster empathy and understanding across cultures.

Secondly, films often reflect and shape social norms. They can challenge existing paradigms and bring important issues to the forefront of public discourse. For instance, movies tackling topics like climate change or social inequality can raise awareness and potentially inspire action.

Moreover, movies can influence fashion trends, language usage, and even career choices. Many people have been inspired to pursue certain professions after seeing them portrayed in films.

However, it’s important to note that this influence isn’t always positive. Some critics argue that certain movies can perpetuate stereotypes or glorify harmful behaviors. Therefore, it’s crucial for filmmakers to exercise responsibility in their storytelling.

In essence, I believe movies act as a mirror and a mold for society – they both reflect our current reality and help shape our future perspectives.”

This response demonstrates critical thinking, uses a wide range of vocabulary, and provides a balanced view of the topic.

describe a nature documentary you recently watched

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To score high in your IELTS Speaking test when describing a movie, consider using these words and phrases:

1. Genre /ˈʒɑːnrə/ (noun): A category or type of movie
   Example: “I typically prefer the science fiction genre.”

2. Plot /plɒt/ (noun): The main events of a movie
   Example: “The plot was intricate and kept me guessing until the end.”

3. Cinematography /ˌsɪnəməˈtɒɡrəfi/ (noun): The art of movie photography
   Example: “The cinematography in this film was breathtaking.”

4. Soundtrack /ˈsaʊndtræk/ (noun): The music used in a movie
   Example: “The soundtrack perfectly complemented the emotional scenes.”

5. Character development /ˈkærəktər dɪˈveləpmənt/ (noun phrase): The way characters grow or change throughout a movie
   Example: “I was impressed by the protagonist’s character development.”

6. Thought-provoking /ˈθɔːt prəˈvəʊkɪŋ/ (adjective): Stimulating careful consideration or attention
   Example: “The film raised several thought-provoking questions about our reliance on technology.”

7. Compelling /kəmˈpelɪŋ/ (adjective): Evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible way
   Example: “The lead actress gave a compelling performance that moved me to tears.”

Key vocabulary for describing movies in IELTS Speaking

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a movie:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language: Don’t just say a movie was “good” or “bad”. Use precise adjectives and adverbs to convey your thoughts.

2. Provide specific examples: When you make a point about the movie, back it up with a specific scene or element from the film.

3. Express and justify your opinions: Explain why you liked or disliked certain aspects of the movie.

4. Use appropriate film terminology: Incorporate words like “plot”, “character development”, and “cinematography” to demonstrate your knowledge.

5. Practice fluency: Try to speak smoothly without long pauses. It’s okay to use fillers like “well” or “you know” occasionally, but don’t overuse them.

6. Extend your answers: Especially in Parts 2 and 3, aim to give detailed responses. Use linking words to connect your ideas logically.

7. Show critical thinking: In Part 3, try to analyze the broader implications of the topic. For example, discuss how movies influence society or reflect cultural values.

Remember, the key to success is practice. Try describing different movies you’ve watched, focusing on various aspects each time. This will help you build a repertoire of vocabulary and ideas to draw from during the actual test.

describe a sport you enjoy watching on television

By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss movies in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score significantly.