Of course! Talking about your "favourite movie" is a very common and important topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1. It's a chance to show off your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to speak fluently and naturally.

Here’s a complete guide to help you rock this topic, including different strategies, vocabulary, and sample answers.

Part 1: The Basics

In Part 1, the examiner will ask simple, direct questions. Your answers should be direct, but also a little longer than a simple sentence. Aim for 2-3 sentences per answer.

Typical Questions:

1. What's your favourite movie?
2. How often do you watch movies?
3. Do you prefer watching movies at home or in a cinema?
4. What kind of movies do you like?
5. Did you watch many movies when you were a child?

Strategy: How to Choose a Movie

The best movie to talk about is one you genuinely love and know well. This will make it much easier to speak confidently and add details.

• Good choices: A movie with a clear plot, interesting characters, a strong theme, or a memorable story.
• Avoid: A movie that is too obscure, too long and complicated, or one you can't remember the details of.

Recommendations for different types of learners:

• For a simple, heartfelt story: Up (Pixar), The Pursuit of Happyness, Good Will Hunting
• For action/adventure: Inception, The Lord of the Rings, Mad Max: Fury Road
• For a comedy: The Grand Budapest Hotel, Crazy, Stupid, Love, Shaun of the Dead
• For a non-English film (to show diversity): Parasite (Korean), Spirited Away (Japanese), Amélie (French)

Part 2: The Cue Card

This is where you need to prepare a longer, more detailed answer. You'll have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1-2 minutes.

Cue Card Example:

Describe a movie you really like.

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You should say:

• What the movie is
• When you first saw it
• What it is about
• And explain why you like it so much.

Part 3: Follow-up Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to movies. This tests your ability to discuss opinions, speculate, and analyze trends.

Typical Part 3 Questions:

• Why do you think some movies become blockbusters while others don't?
• What are the differences between watching a movie at home and in a cinema?
• Do you think the film industry in your country is changing? How?
• Is it important for movies to be based on true stories? Why/why not?
• How do movies influence society and culture?

Essential Vocabulary & Phrases

Using good vocabulary will significantly boost your score. Here are some categorized words and phrases.

Types of Movies (Genres)

• Action (e.g., The Avengers)
• Comedy / Comedy-drama (e.g., The Grand Budapest Hotel)
• Drama (e.g., The Shawshank Redemption)
• Sci-fi (Science Fiction) (e.g., Interstellar)
• Fantasy (e.g., The Lord of the Rings)
• Thriller / Suspense (e.g., Gone Girl)
• Horror (e.g., Get Out)
• Romance (e.g., La La Land)
• Documentary (e.g., Planet Earth)
• Animation / Animated feature (e.g., Spirited Away)

Describing a Movie (Adjectives)

• Engaging / Gripping: It holds your attention from start to finish.
• Thought-provoking: It makes you think deeply about a topic.
• Heartfelt / Heartwarming: It makes you feel emotional in a positive way.
• Visually stunning / Breathtaking: The cinematography and special effects are beautiful.
• Brilliant / Masterful: The direction, acting, and writing are excellent.
• Groundbreaking / Innovative: It introduced new ideas or techniques.
• Compelling: It's so interesting that you can't look away.
• Unpredictable / Mind-bending: The plot is full of surprises and twists.
• Moving / Poignant: It makes you feel sadness or deep emotion.

Useful Phrases

• To get drawn into a story: "I was completely drawn into the story from the very first scene."
• To be captivated by something: "I was captivated by the stunning visuals and the incredible soundtrack."
• To have a powerful message: "What I love most is that the movie has a powerful message about hope and friendship."
• The plot revolves around...: "The plot revolves around a group of astronauts trying to find a new home for humanity."
• It's a real tearjerker: "It's a real tearjerker, so make sure you have some tissues ready!"
• It's a classic for a reason: "This film is a classic for a reason; its themes are still relevant today."
• The casting was spot-on: "The casting was spot-on; the actors really brought the characters to life."
• It stands the test of time: "Even though it was made decades ago, it still stands the test of time."

Sample Answers

Here are three sample answers, one for each part of the test, using the movie "Inception" as an example.

Part 1 Sample Answers

• Q: What's your favourite movie?

  A: That's a tough one because I love many films, but if I had to pick just one, it would probably be Inception. It's a sci-fi thriller directed by Christopher Nolan, and I find it absolutely mind-bending.

• Q: How often do you watch movies?

  A: I try to watch at least one movie a week, usually on a weekend night. It's a great way for me to unwind and de-stress after a busy week.

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

  A: I have to say I prefer the cinema experience. There's something special about the big screen and the surround sound that you just can't replicate at home, especially for an epic movie like Inception.

Part 2 Sample Answer (Using the Cue Card)

(You would have 1 minute to make notes on these points)

If I had to describe a movie I really like, I'd definitely talk about Inception.

I first saw it a few years after it was released, around 2012. I remember a friend of mine kept raving about it, saying it was a movie you had to watch more than once to fully understand, so I was really curious to see it for myself.

The movie is about a skilled thief, Dom Cobb, who is given a final chance at redemption. Instead of stealing an idea, he has to plant one—a process called "inception"—into the subconscious mind of a powerful competitor. To do this, he assembles a team and they dive deep into the layers of a dream within a dream, which is incredibly complex and dangerous.

The reason I like it so much is multifaceted. Firstly, the plot is just brilliant. It's incredibly clever, full of twists and turns, and it challenges you to pay attention. I was completely captivated from start to finish. Secondly, the visual effects are breathtaking. The way they portray different dream levels, with cities folding in on themselves, is just stunning. Finally, I love the emotional core of the story. Beneath all the sci-fi action, it's really about Cobb's struggle with his own past and his desire to get back to his children. That combination of a complex, intellectual plot and a heartfelt, emotional story is what makes it a masterpiece for me.

Part 3 Sample Answers

• Q: Why do you think some movies become blockbusters while others don't?

  A: I think it's a combination of factors. Obviously, a big budget for special effects and a star-studded cast can attract a lot of attention. But more importantly, I believe a film needs to have a relatable theme or a gripping story that connects with a wide audience. Sometimes, even a great movie can fail if it's too niche or if the marketing isn't effective. It's a tricky balance.

• Q: How do movies influence society and culture?

  A: Movies can have a profound influence. They can shape public opinion on important social issues, raise awareness about global problems, or even introduce us to different cultures. For example, a powerful documentary can inspire people to take action, or a popular film can make a certain fashion trend or a piece of music famous worldwide. They really are a powerful form of storytelling that can shape