As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I often get asked by students, “Which films can help me improve my IELTS score?”. It’s a great question! While studying textbooks and practicing mock tests is essential, integrating English language films into your learning can significantly boost your skills across all sections of the IELTS exam.
How Watching Films Can Improve Your IELTS Score
Films offer a fun and engaging way to immerse yourself in the English language. Here’s how they benefit your IELTS preparation:
1. Enhancing Listening Comprehension
Listening to various accents, speeds, and colloquialisms in films can drastically improve your ability to understand spoken English. This is particularly helpful for the IELTS Listening test, where you need to grasp information from different audio recordings.
2. Expanding Vocabulary and Grammar
Films expose you to a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures used in everyday conversations and formal settings. Paying attention to the language used can broaden your lexical resource and improve your accuracy in writing and speaking.
3. Mastering Pronunciation and Intonation
Hearing actors deliver dialogues helps you understand correct pronunciation, intonation, and rhythm in English. Mimicking these aspects can refine your speaking skills and contribute to a better score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Choosing the Right Films for IELTS Preparation
Not all films are created equal when it comes to learning English. Here are some factors to consider when selecting films:
1. Genre and Pace
Start with genres you enjoy, as this will keep you engaged. However, it’s beneficial to diversify your choices. For instance, documentaries can enhance your vocabulary on specific topics, while dramas can expose you to more emotional language.
2. English Accent and Dialects
Focus on films with clear, standard English accents, especially those used in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, or Australia. As you progress, challenge yourself with films featuring different dialects to expand your listening comprehension.
3. Availability of Subtitles
Begin with English subtitles to help you connect written and spoken words. Gradually wean yourself off subtitles as your listening skills improve.
The King's Speech Movie Poster
Film Recommendations and Learning Strategies
Here are some film genres and specific recommendations, along with strategies to maximize their impact on your IELTS preparation:
1. Dramas
- The King’s Speech: This film helps with pronunciation and overcoming language barriers.
- Pride and Prejudice: This classic offers exposure to formal English and a wide range of vocabulary.
Learning Strategy: Analyze character dialogues, paying attention to vocabulary, grammar, and expressions.
2. Documentaries
- Planet Earth: Improves vocabulary related to nature, environment, and scientific concepts.
- Making a Murderer: Enhances legal and criminal justice vocabulary, useful for listening and writing tasks.
Learning Strategy: Take notes on key information and summarize sections of the documentary in your own words.
3. Animated Films
- Toy Story: Simple yet engaging language, good for beginners.
- Inside Out: Explores complex emotions and vocabulary, useful for describing feelings in the speaking test.
Learning Strategy: Focus on the clarity of dialogue and practice retelling the story or describing characters.
Tips for Maximizing Learning
- Active Viewing: Don’t just passively watch; take notes, pause, and repeat phrases.
- Use a Dictionary: Keep a dictionary handy to look up unfamiliar words and phrases.
- Focus on Specific Skills: If you struggle with listening, pay extra attention to dialogues. For vocabulary, note down new words and use them in sentences.
Conclusion
Incorporating English language films into your IELTS preparation can make learning enjoyable and effective. By choosing the right films and adopting active learning strategies, you can significantly improve your listening, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation skills, ultimately boosting your IELTS score. Remember, consistency is key, so make film watching a regular part of your study routine.