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1. The Truman Show
If you're studying English, The Truman Show is a must-watch film. Using this movie to practice listening will greatly support your goal of reaching IELTS 7.0. The film follows Truman, played by Jim Carrey, who discovers that his entire life has been a reality TV show. Everyone around him is acting, and nothing is real. This movie also challenges your thinking as it explores the ethical implications of manipulating someone's life purely for entertainment.
Although The Truman Show was released in 1998, its themes are still relevant today, which is likely why Popular Mechanics ranked it as one of the top 10 most prophetic sci-fi films. There are many thought-provoking messages in this film. Since Truman’s life is broadcasted on TV, you’ll be exposed to a wide range of everyday English expressions and hear conversations as they naturally occur. This is incredibly useful for expanding your spoken English skills.
2. The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech is a historical drama set in the 1930s, telling the inspiring true story of Prince Albert. As the title suggests, the film follows the journey of Prince Albert, who faces a significant speech impediment just as he is about to ascend the throne. With the help of speech therapist Lionel Logue, Prince Albert overcomes his language barriers and delivers a speech with poise and confidence. This movie is ideal for language learners, as the protagonist speaks at a moderate pace, making it easier to pick up vocabulary.
The King’s Speech is frequently listed among the top films for achieving IELTS 7.0 as it demonstrates the perseverance of an individual mastering a language. Not only is the language simple to follow, but it also helps learners practice pronunciation and sentence structure. This makes the film a useful tool not only for improving IELTS listening skills but also for mastering English in competitive exams.
Additionally, The King’s Speech provides a glimpse into 20th-century British history and culture, while also exposing you to formal royal language. This film is not just a language-learning tool; it is a profound story of determination and courage. Its blend of language education and captivating storytelling makes it a valuable addition to anyone’s English-learning journey.
3. The Lion King
The Lion King is one of the most famous animated films from Walt Disney. The movie was nominated for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song at the 77th Golden Globe Awards and the 25th Critics' Choice Awards. The story follows Simba, a young lion cub, who embarks on an adventurous journey to become the King of the Lions. Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to various animals from Africa, including lions, zebras, hyenas, monkeys, toucans, warthogs, meerkats, and more.
The Lion King is incredibly helpful for those preparing for the listening section of the IELTS 7.0 test. As an animated film, you can connect characters and actions with their dialogue, which aids in comprehension. Even if you encounter some unfamiliar words, the context of the animation can help you understand the story. The best way to practice is to turn off subtitles, listen carefully, and then turn them back on to check your understanding. This approach will enhance listening skills and familiarize learners with a wide range of vocabulary, all presented in simple, clear sentences aimed at a younger audience.
4. Toy Story
Toy Story is a must-watch for anyone aiming to improve their English skills and achieve IELTS 7.0 while enjoying an entertaining and heartwarming movie. This classic animated film has captivated audiences of all ages for years, making it a favorite among both children and adults. The story follows a boy named Andy, who enjoys playing with his toys, particularly his cowboy doll named Woody. When Andy leaves, the toys come to life and Woody assumes the role of leader, protecting all the toys.
For Andy’s birthday, his mother gifts him a new toy, Buzz Lightyear, a space hero action figure. Buzz quickly becomes Andy’s new favorite toy, causing Woody to feel jealous. Woody attempts to remove Buzz, but as they start fighting, they both end up lost. Toy Story chronicles their adventurous journey as they try to return to Andy.
Written for a younger audience, Toy Story features simple language and vocabulary, making it perfect for English learners. Listening to the different animated characters helps improve one’s understanding of the various tones and rhythms found in English when people converse in the language. This movie not only enhances listening skills but also helps the audience become accustomed to continuous English conversations.
5. Cast Away
Cast Away tells the story of Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a FedEx troubleshooter who travels the world to resolve company issues. When he is sent on a business trip to Malaysia, he must part ways with his girlfriend Kelly during Christmas. Chuck’s life takes a dramatic turn when his plane is caught in a terrible storm and crashes into the Pacific Ocean. He wakes up on a deserted island with nothing but a volleyball, which he names Wilson. Chuck talks to Wilson every day to combat the overwhelming loneliness. The film follows Chuck and Wilson as he struggles to survive on the island.
Throughout most of Cast Away, you will only hear Chuck talking to himself. There are no fast-paced dialogues between multiple characters. The film is almost like a monologue, making it easy to follow. This gives you an opportunity to adjust to the pace of the main character’s speech, making it easier to understand the story. Tom Hanks, known for his clear and slow speech, makes it even easier for English learners to follow along with his words.
6. Forrest Gump
Forrest Gump is an excellent choice for English learners due to its simple and clear language. The movie’s memorable phrases and grammar can help learners get closer to their goal of achieving IELTS 7.0. The story begins as Forrest recounts his life to strangers while sitting on a park bench. You’ll follow Forrest as he is bullied, becomes a table tennis champion, falls in love, fights in a war, runs across the world, and embarks on many other incredible adventures.
Set in Alabama, the movie features characters speaking in a Southern American accent. However, understanding Forrest is easy as he speaks slowly and uses simple language. The dialogues include many common English phrases that will be helpful for improving your conversational English skills. The story also touches on major historical events, so you can learn about American history and culture while improving your listening abilities. This perfect blend of education and entertainment makes Forrest Gump an invaluable addition to your learning journey, offering a rich and enjoyable experience beyond traditional language methods.
7. Titanic
Based on a true story, Titanic depicts the love story between Rose DeWitt Bukater (a wealthy young woman) and Jack Dawson (a poor artist who sneaks aboard the ship). The movie is also home to the iconic song “My Heart Will Go On” by Céline Dion, an unforgettable classic and a masterpiece in both its emotional depth and technical complexity!
A true cinematic gem, Titanic is an essential film in any must-watch list, especially for those working towards an IELTS 7.0 score. Since its release, Titanic has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with its exceptional story and presentation. What stands out most about this film are its richly diverse characters, each with their own unique speaking style and conversational approach. Titanic allows viewers to immerse themselves in a variety of dialogues, ranging from casual exchanges to more formal speech.
As you watch Titanic, you will be exposed to various conversational tones, speaking styles, and pronunciations. This helps viewers form a vivid understanding of how English is used in different contexts, maintaining both tone and clarity in dialogue. Therefore, practicing listening with Titanic is an invaluable tool for anyone aiming to excel in the IELTS exam.
9. Frozen
Frozen, or The Snow Queen, is regarded as one of the best films to help you achieve an IELTS 7.0 score. This animated musical fantasy is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s 1844 fairy tale. It follows Anna, the princess of Arendelle, who embarks on a journey with Kristoff, the ice man, his reindeer Sven, and the snowman Olaf, to find her sister Elsa, whose ice powers have trapped the kingdom in eternal winter.
Produced by Disney, Frozen features a wide variety of characters with distinct voices. Listening to these characters can help you develop new pronunciation styles and make it easier to understand spoken English without relying on subtitles. Since the movie is primarily aimed at children, its clear and standard language makes it perfect for beginners working on their listening skills in English.
The catchy songs, the beloved characters, and the engaging storytelling of Frozen have made it a cultural phenomenon, making it even easier for English learners to connect with the film. Moreover, finding videos or streaming platforms to watch Frozen for your listening practice is incredibly convenient!
10. Beauty And The Beast
Beauty And The Beast, or La Belle et la Bête, is another must-watch film on the list of the best movies to improve your listening skills for achieving an IELTS 7.0 score. This classic has earned numerous prestigious awards, including nominations for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design at the 90th Academy Awards. It is easy for learners to find and enjoy this film. The live-action adaptation of Disney's beloved tale tells the story of a cursed prince and a beautiful young woman who helps him break the spell.
Featuring mesmerizing characters, Beauty And The Beast is a story about good triumphing over evil. With its slow pacing and rich expressions, this film gives viewers plenty of time to absorb vocabulary and understand how words are used in everyday conversations. This provides language learners with the opportunity to incorporate new words and sentence structures into their vocabulary. As a timeless classic, this film is an invaluable resource for anyone preparing for the IELTS exam.
The Harry Potter series has taken the world by storm with its captivating tale that continues to awe audiences everywhere, making it an essential watch for those preparing for the IELTS 7.0 exam. This beloved English film franchise immerses you in the mysteries of Hogwarts, a magical school for wizards, and the enchanting world of witches and wizards. The seven-book series (and eight-film adaptation) follows the battle between good and evil, centering on Harry Potter, his closest friends, and the dark Lord Voldemort. Harry Potter is widely used by learners worldwide to improve their English because the films are so engaging, you’ll never be bored.
While the British accent can sometimes be challenging, this series provides an excellent example of clear British English. With strong and distinct British voices, the film introduces a vast array of British expressions and vocabulary, allowing viewers to learn uncommon phrases and understand their usage. The dialogue is straightforward and easy to follow. This magical series offers a truly effective way to improve English listening skills. After watching the Harry Potter series, your listening comprehension will be greatly enhanced. It’s also a fantastic choice for getting acquainted with British English, as the accent is consistent throughout.
