Films are another popular topic in the IELTS Speaking test. Examiners may ask you about your favorite types of films, how often you watch movies, or the influence of cinema on society. In this guide, you’ll find useful IELTS vocabulary for films with clear definitions, followed by IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 questions with sample answers.
IELTS Vocabulary for Films
Here is some useful IELTS vocabulary for talking about films with clear definitions. These words and phrases will help you give better answers in the IELTS Speaking test.
- Blockbuster – a very popular, big-budget film.
- Box office hit – a movie that earns a lot of money.
- Box office flop – a film that fails to make money.
- Genre – the category or type of film, like comedy or thriller.
- Sequel – a movie that continues a previous story.
- Prequel – a film showing events that happened before the original.
- Remake – a new version of an older film.
- Adaptation – a film based on a book or true story.
- Indie film – a movie made independently, often low-budget and artistic.
- Cast – all the actors in a film.
- Lead role – the main character in a movie.
- Supporting role – a smaller but important acting part.
- Cameo appearance – a short appearance by a famous person.
- Director – the person responsible for a film’s creative vision.
- Screenplay – the written script of a film.
- Cinematography – the art of camera work and visual composition.
- Soundtrack – the background music used in a movie.
- Special effects (SFX) – visuals created with technology or stunts.
- Visual effects (VFX) – computer-generated or digital effects.
- Plot – the main story of the film.
- Subplot – a smaller, secondary storyline.
- Plot twist – a surprising change in the story.
- Twist ending – an unexpected or surprising conclusion.
- Cliffhanger – an unresolved, suspenseful ending.
- Opening scene – the first scene that sets the tone of the movie.
- Climactic scene – the most intense or dramatic moment.
- Character development – how a character changes throughout the story.
- Dialogue – the spoken words between characters.
- Narration – storytelling through a voice-over.
- Thought-provoking – making you think deeply about an issue.
- Heart-wrenching – extremely sad or emotional.
- Action-packed – full of exciting scenes and stunts.
- Fast-paced – full of quick action and energy.
- Slow-paced – developing gradually, with focus on detail or emotion.
- Crowd-pleaser – a film that everyone enjoys watching.
- Second-rate – not very good; of low quality.
- Tear-jerking – very emotional; makes you cry.
- Nail-biting – very exciting or full of suspense.
- Family-friendly movie – suitable for all ages to watch.
- Visually stunning – incredibly beautiful or impressive to look at.
- Gripping – so exciting it holds your full attention.
- Predictable – easy to guess what will happen next.
- Riveting – extremely interesting or gripping.
- Intriguing – mysterious and very interesting.
- Creepy – strange or scary in an unsettling way.
- Dreary – dull and depressing.
- Overhyped – talked about too much but not as good as expected.
- Futuristic – showing ideas or technology from the future.
- Critically acclaimed – praised highly by film critics.
- Oscar-winning – a film that has received an Academy Award.
- Cult classic – a film with a small but passionate fan base.
- Cinematic masterpiece – a film considered exceptional in quality.
- Emotional rollercoaster – a movie with many emotional highs and lows.
- Feel-good movie – a film that leaves you happy and positive.
- Dialogue-driven film – one that focuses more on conversations than action.
- Character-driven film – one that focuses on personal growth and emotions.
- Subtitles – written translations of dialogue on screen.
- Dubbed film – dialogue replaced by another language’s voice track.
- Behind the scenes – what happens during the making of a film.
- To binge-watch – to watch many episodes or films in a row.
- To stream a film – to watch online instead of at the cinema.
- To be glued to the screen – to watch something with complete focus.
- To live up to the hype – to meet expectations after lots of publicity.
- To hit the big screen – to be released in cinemas.
- To be set (in) – to take place in a particular time or location.
- To come out – to be released or shown for the first time.
- To spark one’s imagination – to make someone think creatively.
- Critic’s pick – a film recommended by reviewers.
- Spoiler alert – a warning before revealing key story details.
- Opening night – the first public showing of a movie.
- Box office success – a film that performs very well financially.
- Film buff / movie buff – a person deeply passionate about films.
- Filmgoer / moviegoer – someone who regularly watches films.
- Cinephile – a person who loves and knows a lot about films.
IELTS Speaking: Films Questions & Answers
In this section, you’ll find IELTS Speaking Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 questions on films with sample answers. These examples show how the film-related vocabulary can be used in your responses during the test.
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Films
Do you like watching films?
Yes, definitely. I’m a real film buff, and watching movies is one of my favourite ways to relax. I enjoy all kinds of films, from big blockbusters to indie films, depending on my mood. Sometimes I even binge-watch a whole series on weekends.
What kind of films do you usually like?
I usually go for character-driven films or thrillers because I love stories with strong character development and unexpected plot twists. But when I’m in the mood for something lighter, I prefer feel-good movies or family-friendly films.
Do you prefer watching films at home or at the cinema?
I prefer the cinema for action-packed or visually stunning movies because the soundtrack and cinematography feel so much more powerful on the big screen. But if I just want to relax, I like streaming a film at home.
What kind of films do you avoid watching?
I tend to stay away from dreary or second-rate movies that feel predictable or overhyped. I prefer something thought-provoking or intriguing that really sparks my imagination, rather than a film that just repeats the same old storyline.
Have you seen any good films recently?
Yes, I recently watched a critically acclaimed sci-fi film that was absolutely gripping. The special effects were amazing, and the story was so intense it kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. It definitely deserves all the praise it’s getting.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Films Cue Card
Describe a film you have recently watched and really enjoyed.
You should say:
- what kind of film it was
- what it was about
- where and when you watched it
- and explain why you enjoyed it.
Sample Answer:
A film I watched recently and really enjoyed was Inside Out 2. It’s a family-friendly movie, but honestly, it appeals to adults just as much as children because of its deep and thought-provoking message. I’m quite a film buff, and I’d been waiting for it ever since the first one came out, so I went to see it on the big screen as soon as it was released.
The film is set inside the mind of a teenage girl and explores how new emotions appear as she grows up. I’d say it’s both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. The animation, soundtrack, and voice acting were top-notch, and the cinematography really brought the world of emotions to life. Some parts were funny and uplifting, but others were really tear-jerking, especially when it touched on topics like growing up and self-acceptance.
What I loved most was how the story manages to spark your imagination while also giving you food for thought. It’s not your typical feel-good movie; it’s quite thought-provoking in the way it shows how people handle change and anxiety. The film was a true crowd-pleaser, and you could feel how much everyone in the cinema was emotionally invested.
Overall, I’d describe Inside Out 2 as both captivating and riveting. It’s one of those rare films that stays with you long after the credits roll. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys critically acclaimed animated films that are meaningful as well as entertaining.