The topic of describing a movie with a twist ending is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate events, express opinions, and use descriptive language. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this question effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about movies and your viewing habits. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you enjoy watching movies?
- How often do you go to the cinema?
- What type of movies do you prefer?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Examiner: What type of movies do you prefer?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “I’m particularly drawn to psychological thrillers and movies with intricate plots. I find that these genres often challenge my intellect and keep me engrossed throughout the film. The element of surprise and the mental stimulation they provide are what I enjoy most. That said, I also appreciate a well-crafted comedy or drama from time to time, especially if it offers insightful commentary on social issues.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some prompts. Here’s an example related to our theme:
Describe a movie you watched recently that had a twist ending.
You should say:
- What the movie was about
- When and where you watched it
- Who you watched it with
- And explain why the ending surprised you
Here’s a sample answer targeting different band scores:
Band 6-7 response:
“I recently watched a movie called ‘The Sixth Sense’. It’s a psychological thriller about a child psychologist who tries to help a young boy who can see dead people. I watched it at home with my roommate last weekend. We decided to have a movie night and chose this film because we had heard good things about it.
The ending really surprised me because it revealed that the main character, played by Bruce Willis, had actually been dead the whole time. This was shocking because throughout the movie, we thought he was alive and helping the boy. The twist made me think back to all the scenes and realize there were clues I had missed.
I found the ending clever and it made me want to watch the movie again to spot all the hints. It’s not often that a movie can surprise me like that, so I really appreciated the creative storytelling.”
Band 8-9 response:
“I recently had the pleasure of watching Christopher Nolan’s mind-bending masterpiece, ‘Inception’. This intricate sci-fi thriller revolves around the concept of entering people’s dreams to manipulate their subconscious. I viewed it at a local independent cinema during a retrospective of Nolan’s works, accompanied by a group of film enthusiast friends.
The ending of ‘Inception’ left me utterly astounded. Throughout the film, we follow the protagonist’s journey through various layers of dreams, with a spinning top serving as his ‘totem’ to distinguish reality from illusion. In the final scene, as he reunites with his children, the top is shown spinning – but the screen cuts to black before we see if it topples, leaving the audience to question whether he’s truly awake or still dreaming.
This ambiguous conclusion was brilliantly crafted to provoke discussion and interpretation. It challenged my perception of the entire narrative and prompted me to reconsider every scene from a new perspective. The genius of this ending lies in its ability to engage the audience long after the credits roll, sparking debates and multiple viewings to uncover hidden clues.
What particularly impressed me was how Nolan masterfully wove this uncertainty throughout the film, subtly foreshadowing the twist without giving it away. It’s a testament to his skill as a director and storyteller, elevating the movie from mere entertainment to a thought-provoking piece of cinema.”
Follow-up questions:
- How did this twist ending affect your overall opinion of the movie?
- Do you think twist endings in movies are overused?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
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“The twist ending significantly enhanced my appreciation of the film. It transformed what could have been a straightforward narrative into a multi-layered experience, prompting me to re-evaluate every scene and character interaction. This depth of storytelling not only showcased the filmmaker’s creativity but also rewarded attentive viewers, making the movie infinitely more engaging and memorable.”
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“While twist endings have certainly become more prevalent in recent years, I wouldn’t say they’re overused when executed skillfully. A well-crafted twist can elevate a film from good to exceptional, providing intellectual satisfaction and encouraging multiple viewings. However, the key lies in ensuring the twist serves the story rather than feeling contrived or gimmicky. When done right, twist endings can be a powerful tool in a filmmaker’s arsenal, challenging audience expectations and creating lasting impact.”
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:
Examiner: How do you think twist endings in movies affect the audience’s experience?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Twist endings, when executed skillfully, can have a profound impact on the audience’s experience. They often serve to challenge preconceptions and force viewers to reassess everything they’ve seen up to that point. This can lead to a sense of intellectual satisfaction, as audiences piece together clues they might have missed earlier.
Moreover, effective plot twists can evoke strong emotional responses, ranging from shock and disbelief to admiration for the filmmaker’s craft. They can transform a seemingly straightforward narrative into a complex, multi-layered experience that rewards repeated viewings.
However, it’s crucial that these twists feel organic to the story rather than contrived for mere shock value. When done well, they can elevate a film from being simply entertaining to becoming a thought-provoking piece of art that lingers in the viewer’s mind long after the credits roll.”
Examiner: Do you believe that the increasing popularity of twist endings might be making them less effective?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “That’s an intriguing question. While it’s true that twist endings have become more prevalent in recent years, I don’t necessarily believe this diminishes their effectiveness across the board. However, it does raise the bar for filmmakers to create truly innovative and impactful twists.
As audiences become more savvy and accustomed to plot twists, they’re likely to become more discerning. This means that predictable or poorly executed twists may indeed lose their impact. However, this challenge can also spur creativity, pushing filmmakers to craft more nuanced and sophisticated narrative surprises.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of a twist often lies not just in its unexpectedness, but in how it reshapes the entire narrative and deepens the themes of the film. A truly great twist should feel both surprising and inevitable in hindsight, enriching the overall story rather than simply shocking the audience.
Ultimately, while the abundance of twist endings might make some viewers more skeptical or harder to surprise, I believe there’s still ample room for well-crafted twists to captivate and astonish audiences, perhaps even more so when they subvert the now-common expectation of a twist itself.”
describe a movie you watched recently that left a strong impression
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your responses:
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Mind-bending /maɪnd ˈbendɪŋ/ (adjective): Intellectually challenging or puzzling.
Example: “The movie’s mind-bending plot kept me guessing until the very end.” -
Intricate /ˈɪntrɪkət/ (adjective): Very complicated or detailed.
Example: “I was impressed by the intricate storyline that wove together multiple timelines.” -
To revolve around (phrasal verb): To be centered on or focused on.
Example: “The entire film revolves around the concept of time travel.” -
Astounded /əˈstaʊndɪd/ (adjective): Greatly surprised or impressed.
Example: “I was utterly astounded by the unexpected plot twist in the final scene.” -
Ambiguous /æmˈbɪɡjuəs/ (adjective): Open to more than one interpretation.
Example: “The ambiguous ending left room for multiple interpretations.” -
To elevate /ˈelɪveɪt/ (verb): To raise or lift up; to make something more impressive or important.
Example: “The director’s unique vision elevated the film from a simple thriller to a cinematic masterpiece.” -
Thought-provoking (adjective): Stimulating careful consideration or attention.
Example: “The movie’s themes were deeply thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to question their own perceptions of reality.”
what kinds of movies do you like best ielts
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing movies with twist endings:
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Practice narrating: Regularly practice describing movie plots, focusing on maintaining coherence and using a variety of transition words.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use film-specific terminology and sophisticated adjectives to describe your viewing experience.
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Develop critical thinking: Practice analyzing movies beyond their surface plot, considering themes, cinematography, and directorial choices.
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Work on fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular speaking practice can help improve this.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate natural English expressions to demonstrate language proficiency.
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Provide detailed examples: When explaining your thoughts or feelings about a movie, always support your points with specific examples from the film.
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Show enthusiasm: Genuine interest in the topic can positively impact your fluency and engagement with the examiner.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your responses.