Discuss your preferred movie/film - IELTS Speaking Sample

Bài viết cung cấp bài mẫu IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2, 3 cho topic “talk about your favorite film/movie” thuộc nhóm chủ đề Movie/ Book kèm từ vựng giúp thí sinh đạt điểm cao trong bài thi.

Mẫu câu hỏi Talk about your favorite movie - IELTS Speaking Part 1

1. How frequently do you visit the cinema?

I seldom go to the cinema. I think it is a hassle to travel, pay, and be cramped in a room packed with people. I would rather stay at home, bundle up in my bed, and watch movies on my laptop.

Vocabulary:

• hassle /ˈhæs.əl/ (n): mối phiền toái

• cramped /kræmp/ (a): chật chội 

• bundle up /ˈbʌndl ʌp/ (phrasal verb) quấn, đắp

2. Are cinema tickets costly in your nation?

In my opinion, they are not luxury items, but not cheap either. Movie tickets in my local cinema cost around 65000 VND/ticket. Although that price tag rarely fazes adults, it definitely overwhelms students, such as myself.

Vocabulary:

• luxury /ˈlʌk.ʃər.i/ (n): hàng xa xỉ 

• faze /feɪz/ (v): làm bận tâm

3. What are the benefits of watching a movie at the cinema?

I suppose there are some undeniable benefits of seeing a movie in theatres. The sound and image quality is optimised and in cases of 3D movies, the audience gets to use equipment provided by the cinema for the best viewing experience.

Vocabulary:

• undeniable /ˌʌn.dɪˈnaɪ.ə.bəl/ (a): không thể chối cãi

• optimise /ˈɒp.tɪ.maɪz/ (v): tối ưu hóa

• viewing experience /ˈvjuːɪŋ ɪksˈpɪərɪəns/ (n): trải nghiệm xem

4. Do you typically view movies alone or with companions?

I usually watch films with my friends or my family, the more the merrier. To me, it is better to have someone next to me, so that I can discuss and comment on the movie with them. The experience just is not complete without company.

Vocabulary:

• the more the merrier /ðə mɔː ðə ˈmɛrɪə/ (idiom): càng đông càng vui

• company /ˈkʌm.pə.ni/ (n): sự đồng hành

5. Which actor do you desire to portray you in a film?

It would be my most incredible honour if I had Angelina Jolie play me in a film. She has a gorgeous face and stunning figure, and her acting is impeccable, too. Some performances of hers have brought me to tears before. If she played me, she would make me look so good.

Vocabulary:

• gorgeous /ˈɡɔː.dʒəs/ (a): đẹp đẽ, lộng lẫy

• stunning /ˈstʌn.ɪŋ/ (a): đẹp tuyệt, gây choáng váng

• impeccable /ɪmˈpek.ə.bəl/ (a): hoàn hảo

Sample topic Describe your preferred film - IELTS Speaking Part 2

Sample 1 - The Pianist

I’m a huge movie enthusiast, so I love experiencing various types of movies since I was a kid. There are some movies, you know, just casual, cliché, and there are phenomenal movies that imprint in your mind once you watched them. To me, “The pianist” is that kind of movie!

The movie was based on the true-life memoir of Wladyslaw Szpilman – a talented Polish pianist who survived the Holocaust. It was directed by Roman Polanski in 2002 and is regarded as one of the most stunning, heartfelt, and moving art pieces of this director. This substantial work got glowing reviews from the critics and achieved the Cannes Palme d'Or in the same year. The success of this movie was the combination of a sensational plot, excellent production design, and painterly effects. The convincing performance of Adrien Brody as Szpilman was also lauded and won the Academy Award in 2002.

The movie started with the blowing-up scene in the studio of Warsaw radio when the Nazis invaded the city. After that event, Szpilman and his family are moved into a dreadful, crowded ghetto where they have to suffer from racism, starvation, and plagues. It is even more horrifying after Szpilman becomes the last survivor of the ghetto. The scene of a Nazi officer tipping a wheelchair old man out of the balcony to me is the most harrowing one.

The reason why I love this movie that much is how they resolute the consecutive devastation by bringing the climactic meeting between the pianist and a German officer. Spilzman’s desire to play the piano was fervent! When he had a chance to play Chopin’s Ballade no 1 for the officer, he just couldn’t resist. Szpilman’s precious talent touched the officer’s heart, and he helps Spzilman to hide and survive the winter. This is indeed the beauty of art that can surpass any barrier. Even though this suggestion of the humanity of a good German is somehow difficult to accept by some audience since we are just reminded of the notoriety of Nazis from the previous scenes, it is still plausible and touching to me.

Từ vựng cần lưu ý:

1. cliché /kliːʃeɪ/ (a): sáo rỗng 

2. phenomenal /fəˈnɒmɪn(ə)l/ (a): phi thường, tuyệt vời

3. true-life (a): có thật

4. memoir /mɛmwɑː/ (n): hồi ký

5. stunning /stʌnɪŋ/ (a): kinh ngạc, tuyệt vời

6. heartfelt /hɑːtfɛlt/ (a): chân thành

7. moving /muːvɪŋ/ (a): cảm động

8. glowing reviews /ɡləʊɪŋ rɪˈvjuː/ (n): lời nhận xét có cánh

9. painterly /peɪntəli/ (a): nên thơ

10. convincing /kənˈvɪnsɪŋ/ (a): thuyết phục

11. be lauded /biː ˈlɔːdɪd:/ tán dương

12. dreadful /drɛdfʊl, ˈdrɛdf(ə)l/ (a): ghê sợ 

13. harrowing /harəʊɪŋ/ (a): bi thảm, khủng khiếp

14. fervent /fəːv(ə)nt/ (a): sôi sục

15. plausible /plɔːzɪb(ə)l/ (a): dễ hiểu

16. touching /tʌtʃɪŋ/ (a): cảm động

Sample 2 - Maleficent

Disney is my childhood, and I am sure many can relate. There is a certain childlike and nostalgic quality about classic animated films that warm the heart. So when it was announced in 2014 that a Sleeping Beauty Live-Action Remake was to be released, I was over the moon. What I saw in the theatre did not disappoint, and to date, it is still my favourite movie.

The movie followed the titular character, Maleficent, and her estranged lover-turned-enemy Stefan as well as his daughter, Aurora - also known as Sleeping Beauty, on a rollercoaster of emotions. The writers took a lot of creative liberties in this remake, deviating a lot from the original tale, but still kept some details and plot lines the same.

As the fairy tale goes, the “evil” fairy cursed little princess Aurora to prick her finger on a spindle and fall into a deep sleep, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss. However, the fairy was not evil but betrayed and hurt by the King himself. As Aurora grew up, Maleficent, in trying to monitor her, grew fond of the princess, and remorsefully tried to undo the curse to no avail. Sleeping Beauty fell asleep, and audiences were expecting a prince to come to rescue her, but as it turned out, the prince did not have enough love for her. Maleficent, with her maternal love for the princess, was the one to deliver the kiss on Aurora’s forehead and awaken her, to everyone’s astonishment.

I adore the twist, for it is such a modern and refreshing take on old-fashioned fairy tales. Angelina Jolie as Maleficent captured viewers’ hearts, including mine, with such a raw emotional performance. Elle Fanning resembled princess Aurora so much that she looks as if Sleeping Beauty herself stepped out into real life. All in all, I strongly recommend this film to anyone looking for a wonderful trip down memory lane.

Từ vựng cần lưu ý:

1. nostalgic /nɒsˈtæl.dʒɪk/ (a): có tính hoài niệm

2. titular /ˈtɪtʃ.ə.lər/ (a): (nhân vật) chính

3. estranged /ɪˈstreɪndʒd/ (a): bị ghẻ lạnh

4. liberty /ˈlɪb.ə.ti/ (n): sự tự do

5. remorsefully /rɪˈmɔː.sfəl.i/ (adv): một cách hối lỗi, ân hận

6. to no avail /tuː nəʊ əˈveɪl/ (idiom): không có tác dụng

7. maternal /məˈtɜː.nəl/ (a): thuộc về mẹ, tính mẹ

8. astonishment /əˈstɒn.ɪʃ.mənt/ (n): sự bất ngờ, sửng sốt

9. capture /ˈkæp.tʃər/ (v): bắt, chiếm

10.  resemble /rɪˈzem.bəl/ (v): giống

11.  take a trip down memory lane /teɪk ə trɪp daʊn ˈmɛməri leɪn/ (idiom): nhớ về một thời vui vẻ đã qua

Sample 3 - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

I am very interested in animated features, from Disney, Pixar, and especially Dreamworks. That studio has never failed me, with spectacular animated sequences and heartfelt storylines. One of their latest releases - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish - was not an exception, and was gripping from beginning to end.

Puss was an arrogant and egotistic folk hero, who, as all cats did, had nine lives, and cheated death multiple times. The movie detailed his journey to the elusive Wishing Star as he grappled with the risk of losing his last life and ran away from an insanely powerful and terrifying wolf, who later was revealed to be the personification of Death itself, coming to claim Puss’ life once and for all. Accompanying him were Kitty, a competent and lovely thief, and Perrito, an abandoned dog who was wide-eyed and lovable. There were not only friends but foes also. A horde of villains all follow Puss’ group, all with the goal of getting the wish for themselves.

Puss was petrified at the thought of losing his last life, so he intended to use his wish for more lives, but after a perilous trip with friends by his side and enemies at his tail, in the end, the heroic cat was able to face Death fearlessly. They had a perfectly animated fight scene, and at the end, Death exclaimed that he came for a conceited cat who thought he was larger than life, but standing before Death was a different personality altogether. And with that, Death gave up his pursuit of Puss, and the cast went on their merry way, despite no one earning the wish.

I watched this movie with my friend, and we both agreed that it was then our new favourite movie. The details were mind-blowing and the plot was extremely meaningful. It was one of the best movies I have ever seen.

Từ vựng cần lưu ý:

1. feature /fiː.tʃər/ (n): phim dài

2. heartfelt /hɑːt.felt/ (a): thành tâm, chân thành

3. gripping /ɡrɪp.ɪŋ/ (a): hấp dẫn, gay cấn

4. egotistic /iː.ɡəˈtɪs.tɪk/ (a): tự cao tự đại

5. elusive /iˈluː.sɪv/ (a): khó tìm

6. grapple (with) /ɡræp.əl/ (v): giải quyết

7. personification /pəˌsɒn.ɪ.fɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/ (n): sự nhân hóa, hiện thân

8. competent /kɒm.pɪ.tənt/ (a): có tài

9. wide-eyed /waɪdˈaɪd/ (a): ngây thơ

10. petrified /pet.rə.faɪd/ (a): cực kì sợ hãi

11. perilous /per.əl.əs/ (a): nguy hiểm

12. exclaim /ɪkˈskleɪm/ (v): hét lên, nói rằng

13. conceited /kənˈsiː.tɪd/ (a): tự cao tự đại

14. larger than life /lɑːʤə ðæn laɪf/ (idiom): nổi bật hơn người

15. pursuit /pəˈsjuːt/: cuộc rượt đuổi 

Sample 4 - Jumanji

I am a total movie buff and have watched too many films to count. However, few have made such a lasting impression on me as Jumanji (1995) when I first enjoyed it in third grade. Even though it is not the most critically acclaimed movie out there, it still has a very special place in my heart.

Alan Parrish - played by Robin Williams, was sent on a strange and terrifying adventure with his childhood friend, Sarah, and two unfortunate kids by a mysterious board game called Jumanji.

The story began when a young Alan, who was an outcast and victim of bullying, found a board game and asked his friend, Sarah, to join him. However, they soon realised that it was not an ordinary board game, and Alan was sucked into the game while a flock of bats chased Sarah out the door screaming. 26 years later, Judy and Peter Shepherd released Alan, now much older, from the sinister game, but it was far from over. The game had magical properties and seemingly a mind of its own since it can summon dangerous wildlife and turn the house into a forest, while purposefully making it more and more difficult for the players to win.

I remember holding my breath as a child when this came on the TV, and only breathing out when all of them made it out alive. Despite the criticisms, it is still my favourite movie, partly because of Robin Williams, who knocked it out of the park and was brilliant as usual.

Từ mới:

1. movie buff /muːvi bʌf/ (n): người nghiện phim

2. lasting impression /lɑːstɪŋ ɪmˈprɛʃᵊn/ (n): ấn tượng khó quên

3. acclaimed /əˈkleɪmd/ (a): được hoan nghênh

4. outcast /aʊt.kɑːst/ (n): kẻ bị ruồng bỏ

5. victim /vɪk.tɪm/ (n): nạn nhân

6. sinister /sɪn.ɪ.stər/ (a): ác độc, nham hiểm

7. obstacle /ɒb.stə.kəl/ (n): trở ngại

8. knock it out of the park /nɒk ɪt aʊt ɒv ðə pɑːk/ (idiom): làm rất tốt

Sample 5 - Forrest Gump

When it comes to iconic American films, few can match Forrest Gump in popularity and affection from the audience.  Made in 1994, the movie took the cinematic world by storm and went on to garner multiple awards. For such a well-acclaimed work, Forrest Gump is surprisingly simple in its plot as well as message, but perhaps that is also part of its charm.

The movie told the life story of the titular character, Forrest, in his own words, as in the film he recounted it to everyone who happened to sit next to him.

Forrest was a child with an IQ of 75 and leg braces, so other children often made fun of him, and he had only one friend by the name of Jenny. Once, he was chased by a group of bullies, and with encouragement from Jenny, he kept running and showcased his athletic abilities, which catapulted him to new heights in education and honour. From then on, his life was filled with ups and downs, and he tried his hands at various fields. He was in the army, then played ping pong professionally, before going into shrimping as promised to a friend in the military and even invested in a tech company. In the end, he became incredibly wealthy, but Jenny still rejected him. So he embarked on a run across the country, inspiring numerous people all over the nation in the process. When Jenny came to him again, it was to leave him with his son whom she named after him, as she had fallen ill and passed shortly after. The film ended with Forrest making the best of his time with Forrest Jr.

The movie was a game-changer for many, including me. To this day, the impact of its simple but effective story still moves me, and Tom Hank’s acting as Forrest helped ramp that up tenfold.

Từ mới:

1. iconic /aɪˈkɒn.ɪk/ (a): rất nổi tiếng, mang tính biểu tượng

2. take (something/someone) by storm /teɪk (ˈsʌmθɪŋ/ˈsʌmwʌn) baɪ stɔːm/ (idiom): trở nên nổi tiếng ở một nơi hoặc với một nhóm người

3. garner /ɡɑː.nər/ (v): thu thập

4. charm /tʃɑːm/ (n): điểm thu hút

5. recount /rɪˈkaʊnt/ (v): thuật lại, kể lại

6. catapult /kæt.ə.pʌlt/ (v): phóng lên, đẩy lên cao

7. try one’s hands at /traɪ wʌnz hændz æt/ (idiom): thử 

8. embark /ɪmˈbɑːk/ (v): dấn thân vào

9. game-changer /ɡeɪm ˌtʃeɪn.dʒər/ (n): người/việc thay đổi cuộc chơi

10. ramp up /ræmp ʌp/ (v): tăng lên

Sample IELTS Speaking Part 3 topic Describe your preferred film/movie

1. Do you believe the popularity of cinemas has risen or fallen in recent years?

With the development of technology such as movie apps Netflix, Hulu, HBO max, and Disney +, more and more people are now able to access a wider range of movies. The plus point is they can enjoy their favorite movies at home while using the apps. So, I think that in the next couple of years, there will be fewer people visiting a theatre to enjoy a movie. This might not be true for some actions or 3D, or 4D movies since most people cannot afford to equip their homes to experience these specific types.

2. What are the pros and cons of creating films based on real-life events?

In my opinion, movies based on real-life stories usually have several major advantages, such as gripping events, attention from the audience and even a huge fan base. On the other hand, filmmakers also encounter some difficulties in making this type of movie. For example, casting actors and actresses will be a tough challenge since the character is already widely known. If their appearance and performance do not match the original character, the audience may lose interest in the movie. Also, to make the real-life events closer to the audience, you know, like more entertaining or more youthful to approach a younger audience, the screenwriter has to adjust the storyline. The movie might turn into a disaster and get panned by critics if the screenwriter over-modifies the story.

3. How crucial do you think it is for a filmmaker to stay faithful to the original narrative?

It depends on the original story, honestly. If the storyline is part of a historical event or to describe a famous people, which requires preciseness, then the filmmakers should remain true to the story. Unless they got permission to alter the adaptation from the original character, they should respect its truthfulness. For instance, the movie Em and Trinh got severely slated by the audience when they twisted the figure of the famous music composer. However, filmmakers may consider altering fictional book adaptations to make them more approachable and entertaining.

Tips to support preparation for the IELTS Speaking test

Nhóm từ là tập hợp 10 đến 20 từ và cụm từ nâng cao có liên quan đến một chủ đề chính. Thí sinh có thể tham khảo các nhóm từ dưới đây để có thể áp dụng vào phần luyện tập của bản thân.

Ví dụ, một chủ đề phổ biến của Phần 2 là bộ phim, nhân vật trong phim hoặc tình tiết phim. Vì vậy, thí sinh nên chuẩn bị một vài nhóm từ có thể mô tả cho chủ đề này.

Ví dụ:

• Describe a movie you have recently watched

• Describe a foreign movie you have enjoyed

• Describe a movie you would like to watch again

• Describe a movie you watched with your friends

Thí sinh có thể tham khảo các nhóm từ dưới đây:

Horror Movies

• Spine-tingling [/spīn ˈtɪŋɡ(ə)ling/: sởn gai ốc

• On the edge of your seat: hồi hộp, phấn khích

• Scare you out of your wits: gây sốc, sợ hãi (một cách bất ngờ)

Great movies

• Sensational /sɛnˈseɪʃ(ə)n(ə)l/ (a): Gây xúc cảm

• Phenomenally /fəˈnɒmɪn(ə)li/ (adv): phi thường

• Unanimously /juːˈnanɪməsli/ (adv): nhất trí

• Acclaimed /əˈkleɪmd/ (a): Được hoan nghênh

• Gripping [/ɡrɪpɪŋ/ (a): Thu hút

• moving [/muːvɪŋ/(a): xúc động

• memorable [/mɛm(ə)rəb(ə)l/ /unforgettable /ʌnfəˈɡɛtəb(ə)l/(a) : đáng nhớ

• the applause was deafening: tiếng vỗ tay chói tai

• glowing reviews [/ɡləʊɪŋ rɪˈvjuː/: lời phản hồi có cánh

• be lauded /biː ˈlɔːdɪd:/: ca ngợi

Boring movies

• Appalling /əˈpɔːlɪŋ/ (a): Đáng kinh tởm

• Sentimental /sɛntɪˈmɛnt(ə)l/ (a): Tình cảm, sến sẩm (mang ý nghĩa tiêu cực)

• Tedious [/ˈtiː.di.əs/ (a): Nhàm chán

• Cliché [/ˈkliː.ʃeɪ// Shallow [/ˈʃæl.əʊ/ (a): Mặt cỏn

• Feeble [/ˈfiː.bəl/ (a): Yếu đuối

• Stiff dialogue [/stɪf ˈdaɪəlɒɡ/ (n): Cuộc trò chuyện cứng nhắc như gỗ

• Ordinary acting [/ˈɔː.dɪ.nər.i ˈæktɪŋ/ (n): Diễn xuất bình thường

• Misassigned /ˌmɪs.əˈsaɪnd/ (v): gán nhầm vai

• Unconvincing portrayal /ˌʌn.kənˈvɪns.ɪŋ pɔːˈtreɪ.əl/ (n): sự thể hiện không thuyết phục

• Total garbage [/ˈtəʊ.təl ˈɡɑː.bɪdʒ/ (n): rác rưởi

• Excruciatingly boring/ Extremely dull: chán tột cùng

• overvalued /ˌoʊ.vɚˈvæl.juːd/ (a): được đánh giá cao hơn thực tế

• banal [/bəˈnɑːl/ (a): nhàm chán

• disconnected storyline /ˌdɪs.kəˈnek.tɪd ˈstɔːr.i.laɪn/ (n): cốt truyện không liên kết

• be criticized /criticized//roasted /ˈroʊ.stɪd/ (v): bị chỉ trích

• complete failure [/kəmˌpliːt ˈfeɪ.ljər/: sự thất bại hoàn toàn

Tổng kết

References:

“Cambridge Dictionary | English Dictionary, Translations and Thesaurus.” Cambridge Dictionary, 13 July 2022, dictionary.cambridge.org.