Describe a film you watched or Describe a film that impressed you a lot.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

When and where you watched it?
What was the movie about?
Why you chose to watch it?
How you felt about it? and explain why it made you think a lot?

11 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific scenes in 'The Substance' stood out to you the most?

The scenes that stood out to me were those that depicted the female lead's struggles with balancing her personal and professional life. The cinematography during these moments was captivating, and the emotional depth really resonated with me, making me reflect on my own life.

How do you think films like 'The Substance' impact viewers' perspectives on life?

Films like 'The Substance' can significantly impact viewers by providing relatable scenarios that encourage self-reflection. They often highlight important themes such as balance and respect, which can inspire viewers to evaluate their own lives and relationships in a more meaningful way.

Would you recommend 'The Substance' to others? Why or why not?

Yes, I would recommend 'The Substance' to others, especially those who enjoy thought-provoking sci-fi films. Its strong message about life balance and the impressive performances by the cast make it a worthwhile watch, despite its bold content that may not be suitable for everyone.

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently, I have watched a movie called Young Sheldon. In this movie, there is a child, a nine-year-old child who is very intelligent and skeptical mind. He has a very sceptical mind and he used to generate so many different ideas by his own and he has a family. He has a family. He has one brother and one younger sister and one elder brother and father and mother. So, they live together happily with their grandmother and the young Sheldon who is really intelligent and exceptional. He is the one who speaks really well and who is the youngest and smartest in their family. Because of that, he should be in third grade but he sits along with his elder brother on seventh class. It's like he is the future genius. Right now, he is a genius but he is the future scientist maybe and he is just planning about doing really good things in his future. He could get a book based upon him and I just really love a lot like his ideas, how he generates ideas and it blows my mind with that topic. So yeah, it made me think a lot too. I wish I could be like him like I can improve myself.

Follow up questions

What themes in 'Young Sheldon' resonate with you the most?

The themes of intelligence and family dynamics resonate with me the most. The film showcases the importance of support from family, especially when someone is different or exceptional. It also highlights the struggles of being a gifted child, which I find relatable.

How do you think films like 'Young Sheldon' impact viewers?

Films like 'Young Sheldon' can inspire viewers, especially young ones, to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams. They can also encourage discussions about intelligence and the challenges faced by gifted individuals, fostering understanding and empathy.

Would you recommend 'Young Sheldon' to others? Why?

Yes, I would definitely recommend 'Young Sheldon' to others. It's not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. It encourages viewers to think critically and creatively, and it can motivate them to embrace their potential and strive for greatness.

Band 6-7

00:00

I am going to talk about a film which I watched recently on December 5th, 2024 in Asian cinemas. The complete film was about a life of a smuggler and his family, like how a smuggler develop from a lower stage to a higher stage, how he go the extra miles in every step. Moreover, I watched this film because the actress, actor is my favorite hero. He is none other than Alva Arjun. He is very fascinating towards his work. I love the acting and the dance of Alva Arjun. I felt over the moon when I was watching the movie. I think a lot about this movie, how a smuggler can transport smuggling goods from state to state, then country to country, then out of country. The whole concept is exchanging unwanted, illegal goods from origin to manufacturing area. So, the whole movie has given me a lot of joy.

Follow up questions

What themes did you find most impactful in the film?

The themes of ambition and moral ambiguity were very impactful. The film explores how the smuggler's choices affect his family and his own moral compass, making viewers question the fine line between right and wrong.

How did the film's cinematography enhance your viewing experience?

The cinematography was stunning, with vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles that brought the action to life. The way the scenes were shot made me feel immersed in the smuggler's world, adding to the overall excitement of the film.

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

Absolutely! I would recommend it because it combines thrilling action with deep character development. Plus, Alva Arjun's performance is captivating, making it a must-watch for fans of drama and action films.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

Recently, I watched a very old and one famous movie that is Baby's Day Out and I have listened to from my friend that it is really a nice movie and I am expecting, so they insisted me to watch that film. So, I watched it over OTT and I really loved that movie. It is all about how one day a child just go out alone without his parents around him. So, it was very beautiful movie and talks about the gestures and emotions of the little child that they go through and all the environment when he get first time with the touch with the environment, is alone experience with it. So, it is very great movie and as I am expecting, so I really am connecting to a child. So, I really loved that movie. Moreover, these kinds of movies are relaxing, not so much creating a pressure on you and creating some kind of a negative emotions. So, it gives you a refreshing, joyful and a good three and a half hours that I have spent watching on it and I really watched it. It is full comedy. So, I would also prefer my friends to watch it.

Follow up questions

What other films do you enjoy watching?

I enjoy watching a variety of films, especially comedies and animated movies. Films like 'Toy Story' and 'The Pursuit of Happyness' are among my favorites. They not only entertain but also convey meaningful messages that resonate with me.

How do you think films impact our emotions?

Films have a profound impact on our emotions as they can evoke laughter, sadness, or nostalgia. They allow us to connect with characters and stories, making us reflect on our own lives and experiences. A good film can uplift our spirits or make us think deeply about certain issues.

Do you prefer watching movies at home or in a cinema?

I prefer watching movies at home because it's more comfortable and I can pause whenever I want. However, the cinema experience is special for blockbuster films with great visuals and sound. Both have their own charm, but home viewing is more relaxing for me.

Band 6-7

00:00

A few days back I watched a movie called Kerala Story. It was about the conversions that have been happening in Kerala. All the Hindu girls that have been trapped and getting converted into Islam under the pretense of love marriage and pregnancy. I watched the film at my home. I randomly stumbled upon it and I reluctantly started the movie at first but it quickly got my attention as it was very close to what was happening actually in our country. They very bravely executed the movie without the fear of the controversy that has been surrounded with the film. I would say it is an extraordinary film because it very beautifully captured and represented the vulnerability that the young girls are at present in Kerala. Not only in Kerala, certainly generally young girls tend to have this vulnerable mentality when it comes to attraction and this misuse of somebody's love and taking them for granted and using their love to convert them into some religion is a very horrible thing to do and they have beautifully tried to do it.

Follow up questions

What themes do you think are important in films like Kerala Story?

I believe themes such as vulnerability, manipulation, and the impact of societal pressures are crucial. Films like Kerala Story highlight how young individuals can be easily influenced by love and societal expectations, making it important to address these issues in storytelling.

How do you think films can influence public opinion on social issues?

Films have a powerful way of shaping public perception. They can raise awareness about social issues, provoke thought, and inspire change. By portraying real-life situations, like those in Kerala Story, they can encourage discussions and motivate viewers to reflect on their beliefs and actions.

Have you seen any other films that tackle similar social issues?

Yes, I've seen films like 'The Kite Runner' and 'Atonement' that explore themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of societal norms. Each film offers a unique perspective on how personal choices can be influenced by larger social contexts, making them impactful and thought-provoking.

Show all 11 answers

Cue 1:When and where you watched it?

Begin by mentioning the specific time and location where you watched the film.
Include any relevant details about the atmosphere or company you had while watching.

Example

I watched the film '3 Idiots' last year during the Diwali holidays at home with my family. It was a cozy evening, and we decided to have a movie night together, which made the experience even more enjoyable.

Cue 2:What was the movie about?

Summarize the main plot of the film in a few sentences.
Highlight the key themes or messages that the film conveys.

Example

'3 Idiots' is a comedy-drama that revolves around the lives of three engineering students in India. It explores themes of friendship, the pressure of academic success, and the importance of pursuing one's passion rather than conforming to societal expectations.

Cue 3:Why you chose to watch it?

Explain your motivation for selecting this particular film.
Mention any recommendations or reviews that influenced your decision.

Example

I chose to watch '3 Idiots' because I had heard so many positive reviews from friends and family. They praised its humor and the valuable life lessons it imparts, which made me curious to see it for myself.

Cue 4:How you felt about it? and explain why it made you think a lot?

Describe your emotional response to the film and any thoughts it provoked.
Discuss specific scenes or quotes that resonated with you and why they were impactful.

Example

I felt inspired and reflective after watching '3 Idiots'. The message about following your dreams really struck a chord with me, especially the scene where the character Rancho encourages his friends to think differently about their futures. It made me reconsider my own career choices and the importance of passion in life.

Conclusion

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

Example

In conclusion, '3 Idiots' is not just a film; it's a thought-provoking journey that challenges societal norms. I would highly recommend it to anyone, as it offers both entertainment and valuable life lessons that can inspire viewers to pursue their true passions.

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 and unengaging. Specific details help the examiner understand your experience better and make your response more memorable.

Tip

Include specific scenes, characters, or emotions from the film to provide a clearer picture of your experience.

2: Don't Rush Your Response

Speaking too quickly can lead to mistakes and make it hard for the examiner to follow your thoughts. It's important to take your time to articulate your ideas clearly.

Tip

Pause briefly between points to gather your thoughts and ensure clarity in your speech.

Avoid Overly Simple Language

Using overly simple or repetitive language can make your response sound less impressive. Variety in vocabulary and sentence structure can enhance your answer.

Tip

Try to use a range of vocabulary and complex sentences to express your thoughts more effectively.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

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.