How to Describe a Time When You Were Inspired by a Book or Movie in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test is designed to evaluate your spoken English skills through a structured conversation with an examiner. This assessment is broken down into three parts: Part 1: Introduction and Interview, Part 2: Long Turn, and Part 3: Two-way Discussion. Each part gauges specific capabilities including coherence, fluency, grammar, and vocabulary.

Questions like “Describe a time when you were inspired by a book or movie” are common and test your ability to narrate personal experiences while maintaining structure and coherence. This guide will provide you with a detailed breakdown on how to answer these questions effectively, complete with sample answers and useful vocabulary.

II. Main Content

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions

Examiners often start with simple, personal questions such as:

• Do you like reading books?
• What kind of movies do you enjoy watching?
• Have you recently watched any movie or read a book that left a lasting impression on you?

Sample Answer

Question: Do you like reading books?
Answer: Yes, I absolutely love reading books. They provide a wonderful escape and allow me to experience different perspectives. For instance, I recently read “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, and it had a profound impact on me, particularly in terms of understanding social justice.

2. Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you were inspired by a book or movie. You should say:

• What the book or movie was
• When you read or watched it
• What the story was about
• And explain how it inspired you

Sample Answer

Card Prompt Answer:

One time I was profoundly inspired by a book was when I read “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah. I read it about two years ago after a friend recommended it to me. The story is an autobiography that chronicles Trevor Noah’s life growing up in post-apartheid South Africa.

The book details various episodes of Noah’s life, emphasizing the struggles he faced due to his mixed-race heritage in a racially segregated society. Despite the adversities, Noah’s resilience and sense of humor shone through, painting a vivid picture of persistence and determination.

What truly inspired me was Noah’s ability to find humor in the most challenging situations and his unwavering drive to build a better life. This perspective has since influenced the way I handle my own challenges, reminding me to stay optimistic and persistent.

book cover

Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points)

1. What is the biggest lesson you learned from that book/movie?

   • The biggest lesson I learned is the importance of resilience and optimism. Despite facing numerous hardships, Trevor Noah maintained a positive outlook, which ultimately helped him overcome obstacles.

2. Do you think books and movies can change the way people think?

   • Absolutely. Books and movies have a powerful way of conveying messages and shaping perceptions. They can introduce new ideas, challenge existing beliefs, and inspire people to take action.

3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner Questions and Sample Answers

Question: How do you think the role of books and movies in society has changed over the years?
Answer: Over the years, the role of books and movies has evolved significantly. Initially, they were a primary source of entertainment and escapism. However, they have taken on more educational and activist roles. Nowadays, books and movies often address social issues, encouraging people to think critically and engage in meaningful conversations.

Question: Can you give an example of a book or movie that led to real-world changes?
Answer: A great example is the movie “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore. This documentary brought global awareness to climate change and motivated a surge in environmental activism. It inspired policy changes and a greater emphasis on sustainability worldwide.

4. Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

To elevate your score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary and structures into your responses:

• Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪlɪəns/: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
  Example: Trevor Noah’s resilience in his autobiography inspired me to face my own challenges head-on.

• Optimistic (adjective) /ˌɒptɪˈmɪstɪk/: Hopeful and confident about the future.
  Example: Despite the adversities, his optimistic nature was truly inspiring.

• Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/: Very great or intense.
  Example: The book had a profound impact on my outlook towards social issues.

• Adversity (noun) /ədˈvɜːrsɪti/: Difficulties; misfortune.
  Example: He faced many adversities growing up, yet he remained positive.

• Empathy (noun) /ˈempəθi/: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
  Example: The movie evoked a deep sense of empathy towards the characters.

III. Tips for Achieving High Scores in IELTS Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice can significantly improve your fluency and confidence.
2. Expand Your Vocabulary: Use a variety of words and phrases to express your ideas more precisely.
3. Stay Coherent: Organize your thoughts logically and make clear points.
4. Be Natural: Speak naturally as if you were having a conversation, but remain aware of your grammar and pronunciation.
5. Seek Feedback: Practice with others and seek constructive feedback to identify areas for improvement.

With the right strategies and consistent practice, you will be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS Speaking test effectively. Good luck!