As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students puzzled by seemingly simple questions in the IELTS Speaking test. One such question that creates confusion is, “What is a move (or film) that you like?”. While it appears straightforward, many struggle to formulate a compelling response. This article delves into why this question is asked, how to answer it effectively, and provides useful tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking test.
Why is “What is the move that you like?” asked in IELTS?
The examiner isn’t actually interested in your taste in movies. This question, like many others in the IELTS Speaking test, assesses your ability to:
- Use a range of vocabulary: Can you go beyond simple words like “good” or “interesting” to describe the movie?
- Provide detailed explanations: Can you elaborate on why you like the movie, offering specific examples and reasons?
- Speak fluently and coherently: Can you express your ideas smoothly and logically?
How to Effectively Answer “What is the move that you like?”
Here’s a breakdown of how to structure your answer:
1. Briefly introduce the movie:
- State the title and genre.
- Mention when and where you watched it (if relevant to your explanation).
Example:
“One movie I particularly enjoyed is ‘Parasite,’ a South Korean thriller I watched at the cinema last year.”
Parasite movie poster
2. Explain why you like the movie:
- Focus on 2-3 specific aspects. This could be the plot, characters, acting, cinematography, music, or the themes explored.
- Provide examples to support your points. For instance, if you enjoyed the plot, briefly describe a specific scene or twist that you found engaging.
Example:
“What captivated me about ‘Parasite’ was its masterful blend of suspense, social commentary, and unexpected humor. The way the director built tension through the stark contrast between the wealthy Park family and the impoverished Kims was brilliant. Additionally, the film’s ending left me pondering its deeper meaning about class inequality.”
3. Conclude your answer:
- Briefly summarize your overall opinion of the movie.
- You can mention if you would recommend it to others.
Example:
“Overall, ‘Parasite’ was a thought-provoking and gripping film that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something unique and engaging.”
Tips to Ace Your Response:
- Choose a movie you can easily talk about. It doesn’t have to be a critically acclaimed masterpiece, just one you genuinely enjoyed and remember details about.
- Use a variety of vocabulary to describe the movie. Utilize synonyms for common words like “good” (e.g., captivating, enthralling, compelling) and “interesting” (e.g., thought-provoking, insightful, unique).
- Practice speaking about a movie beforehand. This will help you organize your thoughts and improve fluency. You can practice with a friend, family member, or even record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Remember, the “What is the move that you like?” question in the IELTS Speaking test is not about testing your cinematic knowledge, but rather your ability to communicate effectively in English. By following the structure and tips outlined above, you can confidently deliver an impressive answer that showcases your language skills and earns you a high score. Good luck!