Describe a movie you watched recently: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When and where you watched it
Who you watched it with
What it was about
And explain why you watched this movie

100 unique answers with expert feedback

What themes in the movie resonated with you the most?

I found the themes of familial bonds and the struggle between parental and grandparental love particularly resonant. The movie highlights how relationships can be complex, especially in the context of cultural expectations and emotional attachments, which made me reflect on my own family dynamics.

How did the movie impact your understanding of relationships?

The movie deepened my understanding of the nuances in relationships, especially in the Indian context. It illustrated how different relationships can shape a child's upbringing and the emotional turmoil that can arise when family dynamics change, prompting me to think critically about my own relationships.

Would you recommend this movie to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend 'Shastri, Virudh Shastri' because it offers valuable insights into relationship science and the emotional complexities involved. It's not just entertaining but also educational, making it a great watch for anyone interested in understanding familial relationships better.

Band >7

00:00

Last week I was able to watch one of the interesting movie named Thalavara, which means destiny, which is a Malayalam movie recently released in the Amazon OTT. So I wanted to watch an interesting and a heart soothing movie. So I decided to watch this movie along with my family on a weekend. The movie was about a young youth from Kerala in a small town who has a great passion for acting and he wanted to achieve big in the cinema industry. But the only challenge he has is that he's been suffering from a skin condition named vitiligo, which has a lost pigmentation patches on his skin. The story revolves around how the person who is the protagonist in the story fights against this deeply ingrained insecurities and social hurdles and achieves big in the Indian cinema. So what made this movie so interesting and why I chose this movie is because vitiligo being a very sensitive subject and I want to know how this has been handled by the director in this movie. To be frank, the director has incredibly handled this sensitive subject, which I found no one in the past has handled so sensitively and the story navigated in a perfect direction and ending up in a heartwarming way. And also being a fan of Arjun, who is the lead actor in the movie, his acting was outstanding.

Follow up questions

What themes do you think are important in movies?

I believe themes like resilience, love, and self-acceptance are crucial in movies. They resonate with audiences and can inspire change. In 'Thalavara', the theme of overcoming insecurities due to vitiligo is particularly powerful, as it encourages viewers to embrace their uniqueness.

How do you think movies can impact society?

Movies have a significant impact on society by shaping perceptions and raising awareness about social issues. 'Thalavara' addresses vitiligo, which can help reduce stigma and promote understanding. Such films can foster empathy and encourage conversations about sensitive topics.

What qualities do you look for in a good movie?

I look for strong storytelling, character development, and emotional depth. A good movie should engage the audience and evoke feelings. In 'Thalavara', the protagonist's journey and the way the director handled sensitive themes made it a memorable experience for me.

Band >7

00:00

Recently I watched a movie called Shaba. The movie is based on a historical leader. He was also known as Shambhaji Maharaj, son of Shivaji Maharaj. I watched that movie in the theatre. It was an evening show around 7-7.30 and the reason why I watched it in the theatre and I actually watched the movie was first, the amount of thrill that people speak about the movie. Second would be, plus it connects me to the history of Shri Shambhaji Maharaj. And third, lastly but not the least, the kind of motivation you get while seeing the movie of getting more Swadeshi is the idea which I like the most. And the kind of movie it was, I watched it in 3D to get real experience and enjoy the thrill. I was very excited while watching the movie. All those twists and turns were really good plus connecting it to the roots of the Maharashtra. And we reached the theatre by car.

Follow up questions

What did you think about the historical accuracy of the movie?

I found the historical accuracy to be quite impressive. The filmmakers did a great job of portraying the life and struggles of Shambhaji Maharaj. They included many significant events and details that resonated with the actual history, which made the movie more engaging for me.

How did the movie impact your view on Indian history?

The movie deepened my appreciation for Indian history, especially the valor of leaders like Shambhaji Maharaj. It inspired me to learn more about the Maratha Empire and its contributions to India's freedom struggle, which I hadn't explored much before.

Would you recommend this movie to others? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I would recommend it to anyone interested in history or action-packed films. The storytelling is captivating, and it offers a blend of entertainment and education. Plus, the 3D experience enhances the thrill, making it a must-watch in theatres.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

Well, in fact, thank you for giving me this interesting cue card because it has paved a way to share my experience on a recent movie which I watched with my friend. In fact, the movie name is called Interstellar as the name has it is about the expedition to the various planets and other celestial bodies in our universe. I would say it was completely marvelous and fantabulous. I just marveled at the pictures, the sceneries and how, I'm talking about the view if you see, it's completely panoramic and picturesque. And on top of that, the characters who were involved in the movie were top notch. They would have done a great job in fact. There will be so much they had on their plate. But despite that, they plan to visit three planets in accordance with the equations and the research that they have had on Earth. It was in fact suggested by my friend and indeed he was the person who stood interest in me. Not only that, but also he took me to movie theater, which I completely enjoyed. And in addition, to talk about my friend, he's very passionate in watching movies as well, especially the ones which can give so much of insights and where we can develop our knowledge. For example, he watches so much of documentaries and crime thriller, so that he'll gain some motivation in learning forensic as well. In addition to it, I come...

Follow up questions

What themes did you find most interesting in Interstellar?

I found the themes of love, sacrifice, and the survival of humanity particularly interesting. The movie explores how these themes intertwine with the scientific aspects of space travel and the emotional connections between characters, making it a thought-provoking experience.

How does watching movies with friends enhance the experience?

Watching movies with friends enhances the experience by allowing for shared reactions and discussions afterward. It creates a social atmosphere where we can express our thoughts, analyze the film together, and enjoy each other's company, making the experience more memorable.

Do you prefer watching movies in theaters or at home? Why?

I prefer watching movies in theaters because of the immersive experience. The large screen, surround sound, and the overall ambiance create a unique atmosphere that enhances the film's impact. However, watching at home is convenient for rewatching and enjoying comfort.

Band 7

00:00

I watched this movie Interstellar just a couple of weeks back and I watched it in Jaipur when I was on a trip. We went to the Jaipur Nexus Mall and I watched it with a couple of friends. The movie talks about you know space and time dilation and man how beautifully it was put into perspective for a general audience to understand the idea of time dilation, wormholes and black holes. The physics involved in explaining the concept was so precise that even a kid who is keen on learning about space would understand the concept. At the same time a research professor would agree that it works exactly the same way. It's more of a re-watch movie for me because I have watched Interstellar more than 10 times over the span of 10 years in various different places but for me the main reason to be watching it again is because it was on an IMAX screen and Interstellar was shot on IMAX camera and the experience that you get on IMAX screen without the anamorphic bars lets you get into the world of Interstellar and once the main character falls into the Tesseract, the unknown dimension, it is one of the most beautiful experiences to see how or what a fourth dimension or a fifth dimension would look like.

Follow up questions

What did you think about the film's portrayal of scientific concepts?

I found the portrayal of scientific concepts like time dilation and black holes to be incredibly engaging. The filmmakers did a fantastic job of making complex ideas accessible to everyone, which I think is crucial for a movie that deals with such intricate topics.

How does watching a movie in IMAX differ from regular screenings?

Watching a movie in IMAX is a completely immersive experience. The larger screen and enhanced sound make you feel like you're part of the film. In Interstellar, the visuals and sound design were so powerful that they heightened the emotional impact of the story.

Why do you think Interstellar is a re-watchable movie for you?

Interstellar is re-watchable for me because each viewing reveals new details and layers to the story. The themes of love, sacrifice, and the vastness of space resonate deeply, and I appreciate the film's artistry more with each watch, especially on a big screen.

Show all 100 answers

Cue 1:When and where you watched it

Start by mentioning the date and location where you watched the movie.
Include any relevant details about the environment, such as whether it was in a theater or at home.

Example

I watched the movie 'Chhichhore' last Saturday at a local cinema in my neighborhood. It was a cozy afternoon, and the theater was almost full, which added to the excitement of the experience.

Cue 2:Who you watched it with

Mention the people you were with and your relationship to them.
Share any interesting anecdotes about your time together during the movie.

Example

I went to see the movie with my college friends, Riya and Aman. We hadn’t met in a while, so it was a great opportunity to catch up and reminisce about our college days while enjoying the film.

Cue 3:What it was about

Give a brief summary of the movie's plot without revealing any spoilers.
Highlight the main themes or messages that resonated with you.

Example

The movie revolves around the lives of a group of friends who navigate the ups and downs of college life. It beautifully portrays themes of friendship, resilience, and the importance of not giving up, which really struck a chord with me.

Cue 4:And explain why you watched this movie

Share your motivation for choosing this particular movie.
Mention any recommendations or reviews that influenced your decision.

Example

I chose to watch 'Chhichhore' because I had heard great reviews from my friends and read about its inspiring storyline. I was also in the mood for a light-hearted yet meaningful film, and this one seemed perfect.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall impression of the movie.
Mention whether you would recommend it to others and why.

Example

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed 'Chhichhore' and found it to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good movie that also delivers a powerful message about life and friendship.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the movie to engage the listener and demonstrate your language skills.

Tip

Include specific scenes, character names, or memorable quotes to make your description vivid and interesting.

2: Don't Rush Your Response

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear pronunciation and missed details. It may also make it difficult for the examiner to follow your thoughts.

Tip

Take your time to think about your answer and speak at a moderate pace, pausing briefly between points to enhance clarity.

Neglecting Personal Connection

Failing to explain why you watched the movie can make your response feel incomplete. Personal connections add depth and interest to your answer.

Tip

Share your reasons for choosing the movie, such as recommendations, reviews, or personal interests, to create a more engaging narrative.

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Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.