Describe a film that you enjoyed watching
Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.
Practice it like the exam
Describe a film that you enjoyed watching.
You should say:
- what the film was
- who was in it and what it was about
- where and with whom you watched it
and explain why you enjoyed it.
Ready
1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.
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Band 8 sample answer
255 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.
A film I really enjoyed was Interstellar, directed by Christopher Nolan. I first watched it in the cinema about five years ago with my brother, and we've seen it together at least twice more since.
The film is set in the near future, when the Earth is running out of food and humanity has to find a new planet to live on. A former pilot, played by Matthew McConaughey, is chosen to lead a mission through a wormhole near Saturn, and the story follows his journey and the difficult choice he has to make between his mission and his young daughter. It's a science-fiction film, but at its heart it's about the relationship between a father and his child.
There were several things I loved about it. First, the visual effects were stunning. The scenes of the black hole and the planets were so beautifully done that I forgot I was watching something artificial, and the huge screen made it even more impressive. Second, the music, which featured a powerful organ, added to the emotional impact. I still listen to the soundtrack when I'm studying. Third, the storyline was both intelligent and touching. There's a scene in which the main character watches video messages from his family that were recorded over many years, and I noticed that half the audience around me was in tears. It made me think about time, sacrifice and love. It's one of those rare films that leave a lasting impression, and every time I watch it, I notice something new.
What to notice
- It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
- Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
- The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.
We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.
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Useful vocabulary
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a box-office hit | a very successful film financially |
| stunning special effects | extremely impressive visual effects |
| a touching storyline | a story that moves you emotionally |
| the lead role | the main part played by an actor |
| on the edge of my seat | extremely tense and excited |
| leave a lasting impression | be remembered for a long time |
Plan it in one minute
Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.
Who or what you could talk about
- An animated film you watched with family
- A thriller or science-fiction film
- A drama based on a true story
How to spend the two minutes
- 25 swhat the film was
- 25 swho was in it and what it was about
- 25 swhere and with whom you watched it
- 45 sand explain why you enjoyed it.
Part 3 questions
In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Cinema and entertainment. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.
- Why do people go to the cinema when they can watch films at home?
- Do you think films have a strong influence on young people?
- What kinds of films are popular in your country?
- Should the government support the national film industry?
- Will streaming services eventually replace cinemas?
Keep practicing
More cue cards: Books, films and media
- Describe a computer or video game that you enjoyed playing
- Describe a television programme or video series about science or technology that you found interesting
- Describe an audiobook, e-book or other form of digital reading that you have tried
- Describe a book that you would recommend to a friend
- Describe a podcast or radio programme that you enjoy listening to
- Describe an online course or series of video lessons that you have followed
Part 1 topics on the same subject
Frequently asked questions
How should I describe a book, film or programme in an IELTS cue card?
Do not retell the whole plot. Give the title and what it is about in two sentences, then spend your time on one part you remember and why it affected you. Your opinion is what fills the two minutes.
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