When did you last watch a really good film? Movies are one of the easiest topics to talk about in IELTS Speaking, because everyone has a favourite. They come up regularly in IELTS Speaking Part 2, and Part 1 often includes questions about films and cinema too.
The trick is not to retell the whole plot, but to describe the film briefly and spend most of your time on your opinion. Below you will find eight movie cue cards with band 7+ sample answers, useful film vocabulary, and typical Part 1 and Part 3 questions with answers.
You get a cue card and 1 minute to make notes. Then you speak for 1 to 2 minutes. Cover every point on the card, add a short example or story, and finish with the “explain” part.
Movie cue cards with sample answers
Describe a film you watched and enjoyed.
You should say:
- what the film was
- when and where you watched it
- what it was about
and explain why you enjoyed it.
Sample Answer:
A film I really enjoyed recently is “Forrest Gump”. I had heard about it for years, but I only watched it a few months ago at home, on a rainy Sunday afternoon with my younger brother.
The film tells the life story of Forrest, a kind and simple man from Alabama, played by Tom Hanks. Without really trying, he ends up taking part in many of the key events of American history, from the Vietnam War to the ping-pong matches with China, while always staying in love with his childhood friend Jenny.
I enjoyed it because it made me laugh and cry at the same time. Tom Hanks gives an outstanding performance, and the soundtrack is fantastic. Most of all, I liked its message: that kindness and honesty matter more than intelligence or success. It is one of those films that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Describe a film that you think everyone should watch.
You should say:
- what the film is
- what it is about
- what makes it special
and explain why you think everyone should watch it.
Sample Answer:
A film I think everyone should see is “The Pursuit of Happyness”, starring Will Smith. It is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman in San Francisco in the 1980s.
After losing his home, Chris has to take care of his young son while doing an unpaid internship at a stockbroking firm. At times they have nowhere to sleep, but he keeps going because he believes he can build a better life for his son.
What makes it special is that it is so honest about how hard life can be, but it is never hopeless. The scenes between Will Smith and his real-life son are very moving. I think everyone should watch it because it is a powerful reminder about perseverance, and it makes you appreciate what you have.
Describe your favourite movie.
You should say:
- what the movie is
- what type of movie it is
- how many times you have watched it
and explain why it is your favourite.
Sample Answer:
My all-time favourite movie is “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and if I had to choose one part, it would be the first one, “The Fellowship of the Ring”.
It is a fantasy adventure based on the novels by J. R. R. Tolkien. It follows a young hobbit called Frodo, who has to destroy a powerful ring before it falls into the hands of an evil lord. Along the way he is joined by a group of very different companions.
I must have seen it at least ten times, usually at Christmas. It is my favourite because it creates a whole world: the landscapes, filmed in New Zealand, are breathtaking, and the music is beautiful. But above all, I love the story about friendship and courage. Every time I watch it, I notice something new.
Describe a movie you would like to watch again.
You should say:
- what the movie is
- when you first watched it
- who you would watch it with
and explain why you would like to watch it again.
Sample Answer:
A film I would love to watch again is “Inception” by Christopher Nolan. I first saw it at the cinema when I was at university, and to be honest, I didn’t fully understand it.
It is a science fiction thriller about a team of thieves who enter people’s dreams to steal or plant ideas. The story takes place on several dream levels at the same time, so it is quite complex, and the ending leaves you with a big question.
I would like to watch it again with my friends, because we could pause it and discuss what is really happening. The first time I was so focused on the action and the special effects that I missed many of the details. I’m sure I would appreciate it much more on a second viewing.
Describe a character from a film that you like.
You should say:
- who the character is
- which film they are in
- what they are like
and explain why you like this character.
Sample Answer:
A film character I really like is Hermione Granger from the “Harry Potter” films, played by Emma Watson.
Hermione is one of Harry’s two best friends at Hogwarts, the school of magic. At the beginning of the series she comes across as a know-it-all, but over the films she becomes brave, loyal and caring, and again and again her knowledge saves her friends from danger.
I like her because she shows that being clever and hard-working is something to be proud of. She is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even when it makes her unpopular. I think she is a great role model, especially for young people who feel different from others.
Describe a TV programme you enjoy watching.
You should say:
- what the programme is
- when you watch it
- who you watch it with
and explain why you enjoy it.
Sample Answer:
A TV programme I really enjoy is a British baking competition called The Great British Bake Off. Each series has about twelve amateur bakers, and every week they complete three baking challenges in a big tent in the countryside.
It is on once a week in autumn, and I usually watch it on Sunday evenings with my flatmate. We have a little tradition of baking something simple ourselves while we watch, although our cakes never look as good as the ones on the screen.
I enjoy it mainly because it is so kind. Unlike many competitions on television, the contestants help each other, nobody is rude, and when someone leaves, everyone hugs them. After a stressful week, it is the perfect relaxing programme, and I have actually learned quite a lot about baking from it.
Describe a documentary you watched that taught you something.
You should say:
- what it was about
- where you watched it
- what you learned
and explain how it changed your views.
Sample Answer:
A documentary that really taught me something was about the problem of plastic in the oceans. I watched it at home a few years ago, after a friend kept recommending it to me.
It followed a team of scientists and divers as they travelled to different parts of the world, from remote islands to the Arctic, measuring how much plastic ended up in the sea. Some of the scenes were quite shocking, especially the seabirds that had eaten small pieces of plastic, thinking they were food.
What I learned was that most of the plastic in the sea comes from everyday things, like bottles, bags and packaging, not just from ships. It changed my views because before that, I thought the problem was far away and had nothing to do with me. Since watching it, I carry a reusable bottle and bag everywhere, and I try to buy food with less packaging.
Describe a time you went to the cinema with friends.
You should say:
- what film you saw
- who you went with
- what happened
and explain why you remember this occasion.
Sample Answer:
One cinema trip I remember very clearly was when I went to see a big superhero film with four friends from school, on the night it was released, about five years ago.
We had bought the tickets weeks in advance for a late-night showing, and the cinema was completely full, with lots of people dressed as characters from the film. We arrived early, bought far too much popcorn and sat in the middle of the front row, which turned out to be a mistake, because we had to look up at the screen for three hours.
I remember it mainly because of the atmosphere. Everybody clapped and cheered at the important moments, and some people even cried at the end, which I had never seen in a cinema before. Afterwards we stood outside discussing the film until two in the morning. It made me realise that watching a film with a big crowd is a completely different experience from watching it at home.
Useful film vocabulary for IELTS
Use these words to describe films more precisely:
| Topic | Words and phrases |
|---|---|
| Types of films | a blockbuster, a thriller, a romantic comedy, a documentary, a sci-fi film, an animated film, a biopic |
| People | the director, the cast, the lead actor, a supporting role, the main character, a critic |
| The story | the plot, it is set in, it is based on a true story, a plot twist, an unexpected ending, a sequel |
| Opinion | gripping, thought-provoking, moving, hilarious, overrated, predictable, a must-see |
| Useful phrases | to stay with you, to be on the edge of your seat, to binge-watch, the special effects are stunning |
IELTS Speaking Part 1: film questions
Part 1 questions are short and personal. Give a direct answer and add a reason or an example.
1Do you like watching films?
Yes, I love it. I usually watch a film at least once a week, mostly at home, but I try to go to the cinema when a big film comes out.
2What kind of films do you like?
I’m a big fan of thrillers and science fiction, because I like stories that keep me guessing. But I also enjoy a good comedy when I just want to relax.
3Do you prefer watching films at home or at the cinema?
It depends on the film. For action films with lots of special effects, the cinema is much better. But for most films I prefer home, because it is cheaper and I can pause whenever I want.
4Did you watch many films as a child?
Yes, mostly animated films. I watched “The Lion King” so many times that I knew all the songs by heart.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: film and cinema questions
New to Part 3? See how to give band 7+ answers in Speaking Part 3, with simple and stronger answers compared.
In Part 3 you discuss films and the film industry in general. Give longer answers with reasons and examples.
1Why do people like watching films?
Mainly for entertainment and escape. A good film lets you forget your problems for two hours. Films can also make us think about important issues, and watching a film together is a popular social activity.
2Will cinemas disappear in the future?
I don’t think they will disappear, but they will probably become more of a special experience. Streaming services are so convenient that people watch most films at home, but nothing can replace the big screen and the sound of a cinema for a blockbuster.
3Do films have a positive or negative influence on young people?
Both. Films can inspire young people and teach them about history and other cultures. On the other hand, some films show violence or unrealistic lifestyles, which may influence children who are too young to understand. That is why age ratings are important.
Practise on your own
Choose one of the cue cards above, set a timer for 1 minute to make notes, and then record yourself speaking for 2 minutes. Listen back and check whether you covered every point and used some of the vocabulary from this page. For more topics, see IELTS Speaking Part 2 topics and cue cards with answers.