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

112 unique answers with expert feedback

What themes in the movie resonated with you the most?

I found the theme of familial bonds particularly resonant. The struggle between the child's attachment to his grandparents and the desire of his parents to build a relationship with him highlights the complexities of family dynamics. It made me reflect on my own relationships and the importance of understanding different perspectives.

How did the movie impact your understanding of relationships?

The movie deepened my understanding of how relationships can be influenced by cultural contexts. It illustrated how societal norms in India shape family dynamics and the emotional struggles involved in custody battles. This has made me more aware of the nuances in relationships and the importance of empathy.

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

Yes, I would definitely recommend it. The film not only tells a compelling story but also serves as an educational tool for understanding relationship dynamics. It encourages viewers to think critically about their own relationships and the societal factors that influence them, making it a valuable watch for anyone interested in psychology or family studies.

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. They resonate with audiences and can inspire change. Movies that tackle sensitive subjects, like vitiligo in 'Thalavara', can raise awareness and promote understanding, making them impactful.

How do you think films influence society's views on sensitive topics?

Films can shape perceptions by portraying sensitive topics in relatable ways. They can challenge stereotypes and foster empathy. 'Thalavara' addresses vitiligo, which can help viewers understand the struggles of those affected and encourage acceptance in society.

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 director's handling of a sensitive subject and the lead actor's performance were key qualities that made it memorable for me.

Band >7

00:00

I recently watched the movie Pride and Prejudice. I was accompanied by my sister while we watched it on the television. The movie is a rendition of the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen who is a very famous female writer of her era and beyond. I was deeply struck by the movie because it tackles the topics of female equality, gender equality and the position of women in society during the 1800s and I found it to be incredibly meaningful and curiosity-driven as it takes you through the different elements of Mr. Darcy and the female protagonist Miss Elizabeth who have such contrasting personalities yet they are so similar in certain aspects of their life. I was really touched by the ending because it reinstated the feeling and the feeling of love in me and made me believe that a lot more good is possible in this world if we strive to achieve it. I also particularly enjoyed the character of Elizabeth's father because he was a very supportive father which was rare in the 1800 era and watching that on the big television while the entire 1800 century was recreated on screen

Follow up questions

What themes do you think are most relevant in today's society?

I believe themes like gender equality and female empowerment are still very relevant today. The struggles faced by women in the 1800s resonate with ongoing issues in modern society, making it crucial to continue advocating for equality and understanding.

How do you think adaptations of classic literature impact modern audiences?

Adaptations like Pride and Prejudice can bridge the gap between historical contexts and modern values. They allow audiences to reflect on past societal norms while also recognizing progress. This can inspire discussions about how far we've come and what still needs to change.

What other movies or books do you think address similar themes?

Other works like 'The Handmaid's Tale' or 'Little Women' also explore themes of female empowerment and societal roles. They provide different perspectives on women's struggles and triumphs, making them equally impactful and thought-provoking for audiences today.

Practice other cue cards

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 portrayal of historical figures in the movie?

I found the portrayal of Shambhaji Maharaj to be quite inspiring. The filmmakers did a great job of highlighting his bravery and leadership qualities. It made me appreciate the historical context and the struggles faced during that era, which added depth to the story.

How does watching movies in 3D enhance your experience?

Watching movies in 3D adds a layer of immersion that makes the experience more engaging. For 'Shaba', the 3D effects brought the action scenes to life and made the historical battles feel more intense. It felt like I was part of the story, which heightened my excitement.

Do you think movies can influence people's understanding of history?

Absolutely! Movies like 'Shaba' can spark interest in historical events and figures. They can simplify complex narratives and make them accessible to a wider audience. However, it's important for viewers to seek out factual information to get a complete understanding of history.

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 did you like most about the movie Interstellar?

I really loved the visual effects and the stunning cinematography. The way they portrayed space travel and the different planets was breathtaking. The emotional depth of the characters also resonated with me, making the experience even more impactful.

How do you think movies like Interstellar influence our understanding of science?

Movies like Interstellar can spark interest in scientific concepts and inspire viewers to learn more about space and physics. They present complex ideas in an engaging way, making science more accessible and exciting for the general audience.

Do you prefer watching movies in theaters or at home, and why?

I prefer watching movies in theaters because of the immersive experience. The big screen and surround sound enhance the visuals and audio, making it more thrilling. Plus, sharing the experience with friends adds to the enjoyment.

Show all 112 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.

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.