ielts essay about films

• Practice Test
• Useful Tips – Tricks
• Full Writing Review
• General Writing Task
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Writing Exercises
• Writing Sample – Topics
• Writing Vocabulary
• Speaking Vocabulary
• Intro Question
• Speaking Part 1
• Speaking Part 2
• Speaking Part 2 – Audio
• Speaking Part 3
• IELTS Books
• Recent Exams
• IELTS Vocabulary
• Essay from Examiners
• IELTS Ideas

IELTS Writing Task 2: Foreign Films & Culture (Real Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay from the real exam on the topic of foreign films and their impact on local culture.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Foreign Films & Culture

Some believe that it is beneficial to show foreign films while others feel this can have a negative impact on local culture.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Sample Answer:

Some believe cinemas should show a  wide breadth  of films from around the world, while others worry about the  globalising effect  on  local culture . In my opinion, though  reliance  on  domestic film  can  contribute greatly  to the  cultural development  of a nation, it is too  severe  a  restriction .

Those  wary  of the  pernicious effects  of films from other countries  point to  the importance of  nationally produced films . When a country  imports  few films from  abroad , they are  forced into  making more and better movies to  attract audiences . For instance, in the 1980s  immediately after  the  cultural revolution in China , few foreign films were shows.  Studios  instead  funded ambitious  Chinese film-makers like Zhang Yimou, who would  later go on  to lead the early 1990s  ascent  of  Chinese new wave cinema . This  same pattern  has been  repeated  in South Korea, Japan, France, and  numerous  other countries at  different periods  in the  20th century . The  sum effect  on culture for each  respective nation  has been  massive  and,  in many cases ,  represents  their  most recent defining cultural achievements .

Nonetheless , watching foreign films allows individuals to enjoy the best entertainment  on offer . It would be  cruel  to  ban  foreign films and  enforce  a  sub-par viewing experience  in countries with  under-developed  film industries. Film is, after all, mainly an enjoyable  form  of relaxation. The most popular movies  tend to  come from Hollywood and include  blockbuster superhero franchises ,  Oscar-worthy dramas , and comedies. Many  local theatre chains  would  struggle  to  stay in business  without foreign films and the new online  streaming options  mean that  audiences  would likely just  subscribe  to Netflix or  download movies illegally . The  actual cultural benefits  of such  restrictions  might therefore be  questionable  while  theatre-goers  would surely be  deprived of quality recreation .

In conclusion, the examples of  isolated  national film industries do not  outweigh  the  diversionary value  of film. There are other methods of  preserving  and  encouraging  culture besides  censoring outside influences .

Foreign Films & Culture : Vocabulary

• wide breadth  lots of different
• globalising effect  making the whole world the same
• local culture  the country in question
• reliance  dependence
• domestic film  film made in their country
• contribute greatly  add a lot to
• cultural development  the progress of art/culture
• severe  extreme
• restriction  regulation
• wary  suspicious about
• pernicious effects  bad impacts
• point to  argue
• nationally produced films  movies made in that country
• imports  what is brought into the country
• abroad  foreign
• forced into  must
• attract audiences  bring people in
• immediately after  right after, following
• cultural revolution in China  a program of restriction in China in the 1960s and 70s
• studios  film companies
• funded ambitious  gave money to promising
• later go on  after this would
• ascent  rise
• Chinese new wave cinema  early 1990s movement of good Chinese films
• same pattern  identical trend
• repeated  happened again
• numerous  many
• different periods  various times
• 20th century  1900-2000
• sum effect  total impact
• respective nation  country in question
• massive  huge
• in many cases  most of the time
• represents  total
• most recent defining cultural achievements  most important art made recently
• nonetheless  regardless
• on offer  available
• cruel  mean
• ban  restrict
• enforce  make sure it is followed
• sub-par viewing experience  bad time at the movies
• under-developed  not mature, not advanced
• form  make up
• tend to  usually
• blockbuster superhero franchises  Marvel and DC movies
• Oscar-worthy dramas  high-brow films
• local theatre chains  cinemas in your country
• struggle  have a tough time
• stay in business  continue to operate
• streaming options  online services for watching videos
• audiences  the people who watch
• subscribe  sign up to
• download movies illegally  steal films
• actual cultural benefits  real advantages for the culture
• restrictions  limits
• questionable  doubtful
• theatre-goers  people who watch movies
• deprived of quality recreation  taken away the fun
• isolated  alone
• outweigh  more important than
• diversionary value  important distractions
• preserving  keeping intact
• encouraging  helping
• censoring outside influences  restricting foreign films

From : howtodoielts.com

• writing 2020
• writing task 2

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Latest posts, writing task 2: animal species become extinct, writing task 2: the government should spend money putting more works of art, writing task 2: benefit on a ban on all forms of advertising.

IELTS App - For Mobile

Ready for the IELTS exam with our IELTS app. Over 2 million downloads

Popular Last 24h

Describe a time when you had to change your plan / you changed your mind, writing task 2: children should begin their formal education at a very early age, listening full test 3 - section 2, talk about your daily routine (part 2/3), ielts speaking part 1: topic major, writing task 2: instead of preventing climate change, we need to find a way to live with it., [pdf] building vocabulary skills and strategies level 8.

• IELTS Test/Skills FAQs
• IELTS Scoring in Detail
• Forecast Speaking – 2023
• List IELTS Speaking Part 3
• List IELTS Speaking Part 1
• IELTS Writing 2023 – Actual Test

Our Telegram

Join our community for IELTS preparation and share and download materials.

The information on this site is for informational purposes only. IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, or IDP Education Australia.

Latest Articles

Describe an event | ielts speaking part 2, ielts speaking part 3: topic relax, describe a place | where you go to relax, ielts speaking part 1: advertisements (audio), describe a place where you like to go shopping  , most popular, describe a film that made you laugh, describe a person whom you met for the first time and made you happy, topic: experience is the best teacher, describe something difficult you would like to succeed in doing, in many countries，today there are many highly qualified graduates without employment..

ieltspracticeonline All Rights Reserved

IELTS Discussion Essay on Films With Sample Answer (Without Opinion and With Opinion)

In the IELTS exam, a discussion essay can come in two ways - without opinion and with opinion. Learn to write a band 9 essay with sample answer.

Share this article:

About the article

Understand how to write discussion essay in two ways .

In the IELTS exam, a discussion essay can come in two ways - without opinion and with opinion. When it comes with an opinion, you can have a one sided opinion or a balanced opinion.

Without opinion

There are varying opinions regarding the enjoyment movies bring when viewed in different modes. Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets and there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema.

Discuss both these views. 

Write at least 250 words.

Some believe that cinemas are redundant now as we have smartphones and tablets to watch movies, while others are of the opinion that for full enjoyment we need to see the movies in the theatres. 

On the one hand, some opine that laptops, tablets and mobiles are extremely easy to carry, and these devices have easy access to different entertainment formats, which are offered at a very affordable price. Various service providers bring the latest movies to our homes. These days Netflix has become common in every household. Even different movie channels on television offer a plethora of movies of varied genres. One can choose to watch any movie without any extra cost. Furthermore, people can watch the movies of their favourite stars without the trouble of going to a cinema. 

On the other hand, it is believed that a theatre can bring one the large screen effect along with that state of the art sound.Nothing can provide us the visual and audio experience that we can get when we see a movie in a theatre. One cannot imagine watching the latest action movie ‘The Avengers’ on a mobile or a tablet screen.Also, the fun of watching a movie with one’s family and friends on a Sunday afternoon with such effects is not possible elsewhere.

To conclude, although some opine that mobiles do give us easy access to movies and series at an affordable cost, others believe that the  experience of watching a movie on a full size screen in a theatre is far better.

With Opinion

Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets and there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema.

Discuss both these views and give your opinion.

One sided opinion

Some believe that cinemas are redundant now as we have smartphones and tablets to watch movies, while others are of the opinion that for full enjoyment we need to see the movies in the theatres.In my viewpoint, no device can match the entertainment that we get when we see movies on a cinema screen. 

On the other hand, it is believed that a theatre can bring one the large screen effect along with that state of the art sound and I agree.Nothing can provide us the visual and audio experience that we can get when we see a movie in a theatre. One cannot imagine watching the latest action movie ‘The Avengers’ on a mobile or a tablet screen.Also, the fun of watching a movie with one’s family and friends on a Sunday afternoon with such effects is not possible elsewhere.

Balanced Opinion

On the other hand, it is believed that a theatre can bring one the large screen effect along with that state of the art sound. Nothing can provide us with the visual and audio experience that we can get when we see a movie in a theatre.Also, the fun of watching a movie with one’s family and friends on a Sunday afternoon with such effects is not possible elsewhere.

Finally, I believe that the experience varies according to the type of film one has to see. If it is a serious family drama, it can be viewed on a tablet anywhere, but one cannot imagine watching the latest action movie ‘The Avengers’ on a mobile or tablet screen.

IELTS Charlie

Your Guide to IELTS Band 7

IELTS Essay (Movies): Fill In The Blanks

Here is a fill in the blanks activity based on one of my IELTS Model Essays, which responds to this task:

Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

(Cambridge IELTS Book 13 General Training Test 3)

Don’t read my model essay yet! (However, if you find this activity too difficult, read through the essay , then try the activity again.)

This task will encourage you to think about the correct use of collocations and articles, as well as other vocabulary.

Introduction

Body paragraph 1, body paragraph 2, share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)

Related Posts

About the author

Charlie is a former IELTS Examiner with 25 years' teaching experience all over the world. His courses, for both English language learners and teachers, have been taken by over 100,000 students in over 160 countries around the world.

IELTS® is a registered trademark of Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. By using this website, you agree that you fully understand that ieltscharlie.com is not affiliated, approved or endorsed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council, or IDP Education Australia.

Unit 22489, PO Box 6945, London, W1A 6US, United Kingdom

© IELTSCharlie

Privacy Overview

Discover the 7 STEPS to BAND 7 in IELTS Writing Task 2

50 Latest film IELTS Topics

• Unlimited Essay Checks: Practice and perfect your skills.
• Detailed Error Analysis: Spot every mistake.
• In-Built Grammar Checker: Say no to grammatical errors.
• Personalized Suggestions: Know how to boost your score.
• Progress Tracking: View your checked essay history.
• Still thinking? We have a 14-day money-back guarantee. Take a leap of faith!

IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

• Test Information FAQ
• Band Scores
• IELTS Candidate Success Tips
• Computer IELTS: Pros & Cons
• How to Prepare
• Useful Links & Resources
• Recommended Books
• Writing Task 1
• Writing Task 2
• Speaking Part 1 Topics
• Speaking Part 2 Topics
• Speaking Part 3 Topics
• 100 Essay Questions
• On The Day Tips
• Top Results
• Advanced IELTS

IELTS Speaking Topic: Films

The topic of films is common for IELTS speaking part 1, part 2 and part 3.

IELTS Questions for Films

• Do you often watch films?
• What kind of films do you like?
• Are foreign films popular in your country?
• Do men and women usually like the same kinds of films?

Talk about a film you enjoy

• what type of film it is
• when you first saw it
• what it is about
• why you like it
• Do you think subtitles are better than dubbing for foreign films?
• Why do some people prefer watching a film in the cinema rather than at home?
• What makes a film successful?
• Do you think film stars are more important than special effects?
• What kinds of films are not suitable for children?

Film Vocabulary

It is important that you learn different genre of film.

How many genre do you know?

Click here: FILM TYPES   to get a listening practice lesson and learn the different film types.

All the best

I would like to ask you one question. For example, if I have to talk about a film I enjoyed recently, in speaking part 2.

Can I talk about 2 or 3 films I have enjoyed? Like I enjoyed ‘film1’ 3 years ago.. It was a comedy film… bla bla bla and then I talk about another ‘film2’.

Is it fine to answer the question like this Or will it have negative impact on my score? Or Will examiner stop me as I will be talking about 2-3 films instead of 1 film as asked in the question.

Look forward to your reply. Thanks.

It is 100% fine. It is in fact a great strategy. The cue card: A recent film, basically requires you to talk about a film or films (plural) – you could even talk about a book that was turned into a film etc. For this topic, the examiner is looking for vocab about scenes, sets, actors, characters, special affects, animation, sound track, script etc.

Thanks Liz for your reply. If it is 100% fine then we can use this strategy to talk about difficult topics in part 2, where 2 minutes to speak becomes hard. If we are not getting much idea about something/somebody(asked in the cue card), we can cover 2 minutes talking about plurals, as IELTS speaking score is all about vocabulary, grammar, fluency/coherence and pronunciation of the english language. Hope examiner will not have any issue about that!!

It’s a good strategy to expand your talk. However, be careful that you don’t end up repeating vocabulary. It’s usually better to expand your talk by branching into a new aspect of the topic: films for young people, films for old people, how films are changing, educational films etc – that provides different language and a bigger range. So, don’t decide on one strategy only. Keep in mind all your options and make good decisions on your test day.

Thank u liz for all your classes. My score is listening 9,reading 6.5,writing 7,speaking 7. Overall 7.5 You are the best teacher

Great score – well done 🙂

Thank you liz for your reply😊

Thank you I learned a lot about the different genre of films

Thanks you home number of tips

Thank you so much ma, for all these you have rendering to us. May God water your soul.

Thank you Liz. You have been helpful. I have my ielts in less than a month. Aiming a band 8.5 but right now practice on my reading is still a challenge. I ve not been able to get above 6.5.

Check my tips and lessons on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-reading-lessons-information-and-tips/

I would like to ask you if it is possible to speak about film series, such as The Walking Dead or Grey Anatomy or Longmire or others.

It’s fine to do that for speaking part 2. In part 2 you can adapt the topic (not change it, but adapt it). You could say “I don’t really watch films, so I’m going to talk about a TV series that I love…”. You will follow the same prompts on the cue card.

I had my Speaking test on June 2nd in Bangaluru, India

I was asked 1. Where do you stay in this city 2. How far is this place from your place

3. Do you like music 4. How do you feel when you study or do work while listening to music

5.Which was your recent most memorable day Why was it memorable Who made it memorable How you felt about that day

IN my general training writing

1. Write a letter to the person thanking him for returning your driving license Ask him how he got that license How important was that license to you Way you want to thank that person for sending that

2. How does parents moving to abroad affect children.

One surprise thing I encountered was that I got the same reading paper which I had got last time

LiZ I prepared seeing your blog and it helped me a lot. Thanks a lot

Thanks for sharing 🙂 That was really lucky to get the same reading test!!! I hope you get good results 🙂

Tnx Liz for your constand ndudeful updates

Thank you Liz for this topic and questions about films.

I know following Genre. Comedy Action Thriller Romantic.

I am very weak in my speaking part and listening. Need to improve 1 band in both module. you thoughts on this?

Here’s a link to learn more genre: https://ieltsliz.com/types-of-films-vocabulary/ . Learn listening here: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-listening/ and speaking here: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/

Thank you once again.

Speak Your Mind Cancel reply

Notify me of new posts by email.

Advanced IELTS Lessons & E-books

Recent Lessons

Ielts liz personal update 2024, ielts model essay -two questions essay type, ielts bar chart of age groups 2024, ielts topic: urban planning, ielts listening transcripts: when and how to use them, 2024 ielts speaking part 1 topics.

Click Below to Learn:

• IELTS Test Information

Copyright Notice

Copyright © Elizabeth Ferguson, 2014 – 2024

All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy & Disclaimer

• Click here:  Privacy Policy 
• Click here: Disclaimer

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2024 · Prose on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

People are Spending More Time Watching Movies - IELTS Task 2 Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Nowadays people are spending more time watching movies.

Why is this happening?

Is it a positive or a negative development?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.

You should write at least 250 words.

Get your personalised   IELTS Essay Feedback   from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks ,   get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Model Essay 1

In recent times, the inclination towards watching movies has seen a notable surge, primarily attributed to advancements in digital technology and a collective yearning for escapism. This essay posits that while this trend enriches our cultural tapestry and enhances global connectivity, it also harbors potential for negative impacts, particularly in fostering unrealistic expectations and diminishing physical social interactions.

At the heart of this discussion lies the undeniable enrichment of cultural understanding and global connectivity afforded by cinema. Movies serve as windows to diverse cultures, offering viewers a glimpse into lives vastly different from their own, thereby fostering empathy and cross-cultural understanding. For instance, a film set in a remote part of the world can introduce audiences to customs, traditions, and challenges they were previously unaware of, bridging gaps in knowledge and nurturing global solidarity. Additionally, the film industry's relentless innovation has democratized access to cinema, making it a universal source of entertainment and learning.

Conversely, the convenience and allure of movies can engender a form of escapism that detracts from real-life experiences and interactions. The immersive worlds offered by films can sometimes set unrealistic expectations for life, relationships, and success, leading to dissatisfaction with the mundane realities of everyday existence. Moreover, the social aspect of movie-watching has transformed; where once it was a communal experience, it has increasingly become a solitary activity, thanks to individual streaming on personal devices. This shift can exacerbate feelings of loneliness and disconnection from the community, underscoring the necessity of moderation in our consumption of digital content.

The rising popularity of movies offers both benefits and drawbacks. It broadens cultural understanding and empathy but also risks isolating viewers from real-world interactions. To maintain the enriching aspects of cinema while avoiding its potential for isolation, a balanced approach to digital consumption is essential, ensuring movies enhance rather than detract from the depth of real-life experiences.

Model Essay 2

In an era increasingly dominated by digital entertainment, the allure of cinema has significantly magnified, prompting individuals to dedicate more time to movie watching. This phenomenon, driven by the quest for escapism and the unparalleled quality of modern filmmaking, represents a multifaceted development with both positive and negative connotations.

The surge in movie consumption primarily stems from the desire to escape the mundanity of daily life. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and digital fatigue are rampant, movies offer a sanctuary. They not only provide a respite from reality but also foster empathy and understanding by plunging viewers into diverse worlds and experiences. Moreover, the advent of technology has elevated the cinematic experience, making films more accessible and visually stunning than ever before. High-definition visuals and immersive sound technologies have transformed viewing into a highly engaging activity, further fueling the public's interest.

However, this trend is not devoid of drawbacks. Excessive movie watching can lead to social isolation, as individuals may prefer the company of fictional characters over real human interactions. Moreover, while movies can inspire and educate, offering insights into different cultures and life philosophies, an overindulgence might result in a disconnection from reality. This disconnection manifests as individuals struggle to differentiate between the cinematic world and their daily lives, potentially leading to challenges in personal relationships and real-world problem-solving. Additionally, the constant consumption of films could overshadow traditional cultural and intellectual pursuits, such as reading and community involvement, leading to a homogenization of cultural experiences and a decrease in cultural diversity and personal creativity.

In conclusion, the surge in movie watching represents a nuanced phenomenon. As a source of entertainment and empathy, it brings undeniable benefits. However, its potential to induce social isolation and cultural dilution requires a mindful approach to consumption, emphasizing the importance of balancing screen time with real-world interactions and diverse cultural engagements.

Model Essay 3

It is a trend that people take more time on watching movies in the modern society. The alternation is due to the surge of online streaming services. However, this essay views it as a negative change because the increased amount of screen time leads to not only lack of social interactions but also gaining weights.

With the advent of subscription-based online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and other apps, people are getting heavily interested on watching movies. In the past, the only way for latest blockbusters was to go to a nearby cinema and queue in front of the counter to purchase the hefty ticket prices. On the other hand, nowadays a library of films from online streaming services can be accessible at subscribers’ fingertips and with affordable monthly fees. My parents, for instance, used to watch TV series from digital channels at home to save money. Recently, they have started to watch streaming movies twice a week.

However, the excessive screen time has some drawbacks. To be specific, movie watching usually lacks close interaction among participants. Children, for example, are likely to watch films at pastime instead of playing physical sports or group boardgames with their friends, which is detrimental for their social skills in the long run. In addition, people tend to go with unnecessary junk food intake and reduce exercise with the longer screen time, which might cause overweight in the end. According to studies, the rate of obesity of the adults is twice higher compared to that of the same age of adults in twenty years ago.

In conclusion, online streaming platforms are the root causes for increased films time. However, this development has negative impacts on social connection and obesity.

• Task 2 Essays

Related Posts

Different Generations Within The Family Spend Less Time Doing Activities Together - IELTS Essay

Poor Infrastructure Hinders Under-Developed Countries from Progressing and Modernising - IELTS Essay

It Is Becoming Very Common These Days for Students to Take Online Courses over the Internet - IELTS Essay

IELTS Practice.Org

IELTS Practice Tests and Preparation Tips

• Sample Essays

IELTS essay sample | People prefer to watch foreign films rather than local films

by Manjusha Nambiar · May 20, 2016

Many people prefer to watch foreign films rather than locally produced films. Why could this be? Should governments give more financial support to local films?

Sample response

Generally speaking, people are more interested in watching global movies than domestic movies. There are several reasons for this.

First, foreign films, especially those produced in the West, are gigantic and expensive. They use the best scripts and the latest technologies such as animation and sound effects. Many of these films also support social causes and create awareness in the society. For example, Iranian movies are well known for their social messages and Hollywood films are famous for their use of latest technologies. Second, reputed actors and actresses work in these films with accomplished directors and musicians famous all over the world. Their popularity encourages more people to watch these films. Third, foreign films have more genres. They deal with science fiction, supernatural, history and the like. As they cater to a variety of audience, they enjoy tremendous popularity.  Finally, by watching foreign movies people can learn foreign languages and improve their communication skills.

Films are a reflection of life in a society. In my opinion, the local governments should help improve the standard of domestic films by providing subsidies and other forms of financial assistance. For example, governments should give tax exemption to high budget local movies. This will enable local producers to sign international actors for their films and make news overseas.

The government has a responsibility to promote movies dealing with social causes. Local films help the local economy in many ways. For instance, historical movies may help a country’s economy by way of tourism. A good example is the Hollywood movie ‘Apocalypto’. It still attracts lots of foreign tourists interested in learning about the Mayan civilisation to Mexico where it was shot.

To conclude, people watch foreign movies for their technical brilliance, screenplay and cinematography. Local movies will enjoy similar popularity if they can improve their quality. In my opinion, governments should help the local film industry by offering them financial assistance.

Tags: ielts essay sample

Manjusha Nambiar

Hi, I'm Manjusha. This is my blog where I give IELTS preparation tips.

• Next story  Using since and for
• Previous story  Common mistakes with verbs

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

• Academic Writing Task 1
• Agree Or Disagree
• Band 7 essay samples
• Band 8 Essay Samples
• Band 8 letter samples
• Band 9 IELTS Essays
• Discuss Both Views
• Grammar exercises
• IELTS Writing
• Learn English
• OET Letters
• Sample Letters
• Writing Tips

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

IELTS Practice

• A Beginner’s Guide to IELTS
• Common Grammar Mistakes [for IELTS Writing Candidates]

Writing Correction Service

• Free IELTS Resources
• Practice Speaking Test

Select Page

Talking About Movies for IELTS

Posted by David S. Wills | Nov 28, 2017 | IELTS Tips , Speaking | 0

Because movies are a common part of life for most people, it is quite common for them to appear in the IELTS exam. It is very possible that you could be asked to talk about them in the speaking test, for example.

As such, in this lesson I am going to show you how to talk about movies by giving you some useful language for describing them. We’ll also look at sample questions from the IELTS exam.

You can learn about other common IELTS topics here .

Vocabulary about Movies

First of all, let’s look at some useful movie-related vocabulary. We will group it in different sets so that it is easier to learn.

Types of Movies

Let’s look at the different types of movies. These are called “genres.” (This is a French word, but it is commonly used by native speakers of English.)

• Documentary
• Romantic comedy (or “rom-com”)
• Science fiction

Note that there are other types of movies and of course some movies fall into more than one category. There are also various subgenres (meaning a specific type of film within a wider genre). The slasher and zombie genres above, for example, are part of the wider horror genre. In terms of comedies, we also have “dark comedy” and so on.

There’s a list of movie genres (and subgenres) on Wikipedia .

Describing Movies

It is not enough to just know the names of movie types. You should also be able to describe movies. That means you should be able to talk about them a little bit.

Here are some useful adjectives:

• Bone-chilling
• Captivating
• Challenging
• Educational
• Exhilarating
• Fascinating
• Frightening
• Informative
• Spine-tingling

You should choose a term that is appropriate and then use it to describe a type of movie that you want to discuss. For example:

• I like action films because they are exhilarating .

This could easily be used in the IELTS speaking test, combining a genre word with an example and an adjective to explain. Here’s a common part one question:

• A: What kind of movies do you like watching?
• B: I really like watching action movies like the Avengers because they are exhilarating .

You can avoid very common words like “funny” and “interesting” by upgrading them to more accurate synonyms:

• I recently saw a hilarious film!
• I watched a movie last weekend that was captivating .

Other Vocabulary

Try to avoid being formulaic with your language. Instead of just inserting lots of those adjectives, we can express ourselves in other ways. Instead of saying “funny” or “hilarious,” we could say:

• That movie made me laugh out loud!
• I just couldn’t stop laughing.
• It was really silly but I liked it a lot.
• Sometimes you just need a good laugh.

Likewise, when talking about documentaries, it is tempting to say they are “interesting” or “educational,” but we can say more:

• They teach us about our world.
• Documentaries open our eyes to important issues.
• I saw a documentary that really inspired me.

We can also go beyond just our personal feelings and describe the movies in slightly more objective ways. For example:

• Fantasy movies involve magic, supernatural events, and exotic worlds.

Here, I have explained what the movie contains. The word “involve” is very useful! Let’s see some other ways that we can include it:

• Comedies involve ridiculous situations and hilarious characters.
• Disaster movies involve lots of dramatic action and terrifying scenarios.
• Action movies involve incredible stunts and fast-paced action.

Film vs Movie

So far, I have talked about “movies” because this word is now more common, but in my country (the United Kingdom), we also say “film.” You can use either of these words in IELTS because they are both correct. However, be aware that if you travel to America you will more likely hear “movie” and in the UK you’ll more likely hear “film.”

Bonus: People in the UK talk about “going to the cinema” whilst in America people might say “going to the movie theatre.”

IELTS Speaking Questions about Movies

Here are some questions about movies that you may encounter in the IELTS speaking test.

• Do you like to watch films?
• How often do you go to a cinema or watch a movie?
• What was the first film that you watched?
• Do you prefer foreign films or local films?
• What genre of movies do you enjoy most?
• Which was the first movie that you watched?
• Which genre of movies do you try to avoid?
• What kind of movies did you like to watch when you were a child?
• Has your taste in films changed as you’ve got older?

Describe a film that you have recently seen. You should say: what the film was when and where you saw it what the film was about and explain how you felt about this film.

Describe your favourite movie. You should say: what the film is about who the characters are what message the movie gives and explain why you like it so much.

Describe a book or a film that had a strong impact on you. You should say: what was it when you read or saw it how it influenced you and say if you liked it and why.

• Do old people and young people like watching the same kinds of films?
• To what extent do you think films reflect real life?
• Do you think people will continue to go to the cinema in the future?
• Statistics show that visits to the cinema are up despite the availability of DVDs and online downloads. Why do you think this might be?
• What kinds of films are popular in your country?
• Why do you think some people prefer going to the cinema to watching films at home?
• What’s the difference between the movies or your country and Hollywood movies?
• What do you think of violent films?
• Why do you think people like watching films?
• Is cinema a popular form of entertainment in your country?
• Do you think films have changed since you were a child? How?
• As the technology for home viewing improves, do you think people will stop going to the cinema in future?

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

Related Posts

Describe a Mistake You Have Made [IELTS Speaking]

April 19, 2021

How to Write Informal Letters for IELTS

January 4, 2021

How to Write a Letter of Complaint [IELTS General Writing]

June 29, 2020

5 Tricks to Boost Your IELTS Reading Speed

May 3, 2017

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Download my IELTS Books

Recent Posts

• How to Improve your IELTS Writing Score
• Past Simple vs Past Perfect
• Complex Sentences
• How to Score Band 9 [Video Lesson]
• Taxing Fast Food: Model IELTS Essay

Recent Comments

• David S. Wills on Writing Correction Service
• James Oluwasegun on Writing Correction Service
• Daisey Lachut on IELTS Discussion Essays [Discuss Both Views/Sides]
• David S. Wills on Describe a Historical Period
• Siavash on Describe a Historical Period
• Lesson Plans
• Model Essays
• TED Video Lessons
• Weekly Roundup

IELTS Mentor "IELTS Preparation & Sample Answer"

• Skip to content
• Jump to main navigation and login

Nav view search

• IELTS Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts essay # 1504 - violence in films and tv is causing serious social problems, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, many people believe that the high level of violence in films and tv programmes today is causing serious social problems., what are the problems caused by excessive violence in films and tv how could these problems be reduced.

IELTS Materials

• IELTS Bar Graph
• IELTS Line Graph
• IELTS Table Chart
• IELTS Flow Chart
• IELTS Pie Chart
• IELTS Letter Writing
• IELTS Essay
• Academic Reading

Useful Links

• IELTS Secrets
• Band Score Calculator
• Exam Specific Tips
• Useful Websites
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• Academic Reading Tips
• Academic Writing Tips
• GT Writing Tips
• Listening Tips
• Speaking Tips
• IELTS Grammar Review
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Cue Cards
• IELTS Life Skills
• Letter Types

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• HTML Sitemap

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• Study Abroad Test Prep /

IELTS Essay Topic: Schools should use films, computers, and games instead of books.

• Updated on  
• Nov 20, 2023

Q- Schools should use films, computers, and games instead of books. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Ans. The ongoing debate surrounding the proposal to replace books with films, computers, and games, in schools has sparked discussions. While I recognize the benefits of books, I believe that these modern tools offer advantages and should receive more emphasis in education.

The progress and exploration of technologies have undeniably transformed the ways we learn. Films, computers, and games have made learning interactive and captivating. They effectively cater to types of learners who thrive through visual and Kinesthetic experiences. For example, a documentary can provide a better understanding of an event compared to a textbook. Similarly, educational games can stimulate students’ minds and help them enjoyably develop thinking and problem-solving skills.

Moreover, these digital resources come with advantages that are often lacking in books.  For instance, an online encyclopedia can offer a wealth of information that is constantly updated, which is something a traditional book cannot provide.  They provide access to various forms of information and facilitate interactive learning experiences and can be easily updated to incorporate the latest knowledge. Furthermore, they are accessible to all students regardless of their resources ensuring educational opportunities for everyone. 

In conclusion, while traditional books certainly hold their merits, films, computers, and games have the potential to complement or even surpass those merits in aspects. A balanced approach that harnesses the strengths of both approaches would be highly beneficial, for students. However, it is crucial to recognise the growing importance of resources, in a student’s path. This viewpoint does not intend to devalue the role of books, in education. Instead it, emphasises the increasing worth of digital sources.

Paraphrased Statement: The ongoing debate surrounding the proposal to replace books with films, computers, and games, in schools has sparked discussions. 

Thesis Statement:  While I recognize the benefits of books, I believe that these modern tools offer advantages and should receive more emphasis in education.

Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: The progress and exploration of technologies have undeniably transformed the ways we learn. Films, computers, and games have made learning interactive and captivating. They effectively cater to types of learners who thrive through visual and Kinesthetic experiences. 

Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: For example, a documentary can provide a better understanding of an event compared to a textbook. Similarly, educational games can stimulate student’s minds and help them enjoyably develop thinking and problem-solving skills.

Body Paragraph 2- Topic sentences: Moreover, these digital resources come with advantages that are often lacking in books. For instance, an online encyclopedia can offer a wealth of information that is constantly updated, which is something a traditional book cannot provide. 

Body Paragraph 2- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: They provide access to various forms of information and facilitate interactive learning experiences and can be easily updated to incorporate the latest knowledge. Furthermore, they are accessible to all students regardless of their resources ensuring educational opportunities for everyone.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while traditional books certainly hold their merits, films, computers, and games have the potential to complement or even surpass those merits in aspects. A balanced approach that harnesses the strengths of both approaches would be highly beneficial, for students. However, it is crucial to recognise the growing importance of resources, in a student’s path. This viewpoint does not intend to devalue the role of books, in education. Instead it, emphasises the increasing worth of digital sources.

Vocabulary in Use

The ongoing debate surrounding the proposal to replace books with films, computers, and games, in schools has sparked discussions. While I recognize the benefits of books, I believe that these modern tools offer advantages and should receive more emphasis in education.

The progress and exploration of technologies have undeniably transformed the ways we learn. Films, computers, and games have made learning interactive and captivating. They effectively cater to types of learners who thrive through visual and Kinesthetic experiences . For example, a documentary can provide a better understanding of an event compared to a textbook. Similarly, educational games can stimulate student’s minds and help them enjoyably develop thinking and problem-solving skills.

Moreover, these digital resources come with advantages that are often lacking in books. For instance, an online encyclopedia can offer a wealth of information that is constantly updated, which is something a traditional book cannot provide. They provide access to various forms of information and facilitate interactive learning experiences and can be easily updated to incorporate the latest knowledge. Furthermore, they are accessible to all students regardless of their resources ensuring educational opportunities for everyone.

In conclusion, while traditional books certainly hold their merits, films, computers, and games have the potential to complement or even surpass those merits in aspects. A balanced approach that harnesses the strengths of both approaches would be highly beneficial, for students. However, it is crucial to recognise the growing importance of resources, in a student’s path. This viewpoint does not intend to devalue the role of books, in education. Instead it emphasises the increasing worth of digital sources.

Linkers and Connectors Used

Below are the Linkers and Connectors used in the essay:

• The ongoing debate surrounding  
• The progress and exploration of
• For example
• Similarly  
• Furthermore  
• In conclusion  
• This viewpoint doesn’t intend to  

Are you preparing for IELTS? Check out this video to improve your writing skills for the IELTS exam given below👇.

Related Articles

• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Essay Topics

Download the Leverage IELTS App today.

Need help preparing for IELTS? Check out the best  IELTS preparation courses  in the market offered in a live training environment by trusted educators in a live training environment. If you want to help  studying abroad , call 1800-572-000.

Purti Chawla

Purti is a CELTA, British Council, and IDP-certified language trainer. Having worked as a Study Abroad Test Prep Expert for the past 7 years, she has guided thousands of students towards their desirable scores in IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT and other language proficiency tests to study abroad. She is adept in molding learning strategies according to the needs of the learners and has built multiple courses at Leverage IELTS with result-oriented strategies. Proficient in test prep courses such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo, she loves to explore different classroom teaching methods, keeps continuously improving her own skills, and stays abreast with the latest teaching methodologies. She is a master trainer at Leverage Edu and aims to help thousands more through her expertise.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

25,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2024

September 2024

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

The New Movie ‘Civil War’ Matters for Reasons Different Than You Think

By Stephen Marche

Mr. Marche is the author of “The Next Civil War.”

“Not one man in America wanted the Civil War, or expected or intended it,” Henry Adams, grandson of John Quincy Adams, declared at the beginning of the 20th century. What may seem inevitable to us in hindsight — the horrifying consequences of a country in political turmoil, given to violence and rived by slavery — came as a shock to many of the people living through it. Even those who anticipated it hardly seemed prepared for its violent magnitude. In this respect at least, the current division that afflicts the United States seems different from the Civil War. If there ever is a second civil war, it won’t be for lack of imagining it.

The most prominent example arrives this week in the form of an action blockbuster titled “Civil War.” The film, written and directed by Alex Garland, presents a scenario in which the government is at war with breakaway states and the president has been, in the eyes of part of the country, delegitimized. Some critics have denounced the project, arguing that releasing the film in this particular election year is downright dangerous. They assume that even just talking about a future national conflict could make it a reality, and that the film risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. This is wrong.

Not only does this criticism vastly overrate the power of the written word or the moving image, but it looks past the real forces sending the United States toward ever-deeper division: inequality; a hyperpartisan duopoly; and an antiquated and increasingly dysfunctional Constitution. Mere stories are not powerful enough to change those realities. But these stories can wake us up to the threats we are facing. The greatest political danger in America isn’t fascism, and it isn’t wokeness. It’s inertia. America needs a warning.

The reason for a surge in anxiety over a civil war is obvious. The Republican National Committee, now under the control of the presumptive nominee, has asked job candidates if they believe the 2020 election was stolen — an obvious litmus test. Extremism has migrated into mainstream politics, and certain fanciful fictions have migrated with it. In 1997, a group of Texas separatists were largely considered terrorist thugs and their movement, if it deserved that title, fizzled out after a weeklong standoff with the police. Just a few months ago, Texas took the federal government to court over control of the border. Armed militias have camped out along the border. That’s not a movie trailer. That’s happening.

But politicians, pundits and many voters seem not to be taking the risk of violence seriously enough. There is an ingrained assumption, resulting from the country’s recent history of global dominance coupled with a kind of organic national optimism, that in the United States everything ultimately works out. While right-wing journalists and fiction writers have been predicting a violent end to the Republic for generations — one of the foundational documents of neo-Nazism and white supremacy is “The Turner Diaries” from 1978, a novel that imagines an American revolution that leads to a race war — their writings seem more like wish fulfillment than like warnings.

When I attended prepper conventions as research for my book, I found their visions of a collapsed American Republic suspiciously attractive: It’s a world where everybody grows his own food, gathers with family by candlelight, defends his property against various unpredictable threats and relies on his wits. Their preferred scenario resembled, more than anything, a sort of postapocalyptic “Little House on the Prairie.”

We’ve seen more recent attempts to grapple with the possibility of domestic conflict in the form of sober-minded political analysis. Now the vision of a civil war has come to movie screens. We’re no longer just contemplating a political collapse, we’re seeing its consequences unfold in IMAX.

“Civil War” doesn’t dwell on the causes of the schism. Its central characters are journalists and the plot dramatizes the reality of the conflict they’re covering: the fear, violence and instability that a civil war would inflict on the lives of everyday Americans.

That’s a good thing. Early on when I was promoting my book, I remember an interviewer asking me whether a civil war wouldn’t be that terrible an option; whether it would help clear the air. The naïveté was shocking and, to me, sickening. America lost roughly 2 percent of its population in the Civil War. Contemplating the horrors of a civil war — whether as a thought experiment or in a theatrical blockbuster — helps counteract a reflexive sense of American exceptionalism. It can happen here. In fact, it already has.

One of the first people to predict the collapse of the Republic was none other than George Washington. “I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the state, with particular reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations,” he warned in his Farewell Address. “This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature.” This founder of the country devoted much of one of his most important addresses, at the apex of his popularity, to warning about the exact situation the United States today finds itself in: a hyper-partisanship that puts party over country and risks political collapse. Washington knew what civil war looked like.

For those Americans of the 1850s who couldn’t imagine a protracted, bloody civil war, the reason is simple enough: They couldn’t bear to. They refused to see the future they were part of building. The future came anyway.

The Americans of 2024 can easily imagine a civil war. The populace faces a different question and a different crisis: Can we forestall the future we have foreseen? No matter the likelihood of that future, the first step in its prevention is imagining how it might come to pass, and agreeing that it would be a catastrophe.

Stephen Marche is the author of “The Next Civil War.”

Source photographs by Yasuhide Fumoto, Richard Nowitz and stilllifephotographer, via Getty Images.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .