Last Updated on July 5, 2025
“Describe a film that impressed you a lot” is a common question in IELTS Speaking Part 2. This guide gives you four sample answers, useful words to help you score better, follow-up questions for Part 3, and explains what this topic tests.
This question checks if you can talk about a film in detail. It also tests how well you describe your feelings and opinions about something you watched.
Learn how to answer “Describe a film that impressed you a lot” with our IELTS sample answers, good words to use, tips, Part 3 questions, and a clear structure.
IELTS Cue Card Topic Breakdown
You will get:
- 1 minute to prepare
- 1–2 minutes to speak
Describe a film that impressed you a lot
You should say:
- What the film was
- When you watched it
- What it was about
- And why it impressed you a lot
Why This Cue Card Matters
This question helps examiners see if you can:
- Talk about a specific topic clearly.
- Use good words to describe things and feelings.
- Tell a story in a simple way.
- Organize your thoughts with a start, middle, and end.
3 Idiots (Indian Comedy-Drama): Describe A Film That Impressed You A Lot
What the film was?
The film was 3 Idiots. It’s a very popular Indian comedy-drama.
When did you watch it?
I watched it about five or six years ago. My friends and I watched it together at my home.
What it was about?
It tells the story of three friends at an engineering college. One friend, Rancho, has a different way of thinking. He believes in learning for understanding, not just for grades. The film shows their struggles and funny moments, and how Rancho changes their lives.
And why does it impress you a lot?
It impressed me because it questioned the education system. It said that chasing success is not as important as chasing excellence. And it showed that if you follow your passion, success will come. It also had strong messages about friendship and following your heart, not just what others expect. It was funny, but it also made you think deeply.
Spirited Away (Japanese Animated Fantasy): Describe A Film That Impressed You A Lot
What the film was?
The film was Spirited Away, a Japanese animated movie by Studio Ghibli.
When did you watch it?
I first watched it when I was a teenager, maybe ten years ago. My cousin recommended it to me.
What it was about?
It’s about a young girl named Chihiro. Her family moves to a new town. On the way, they get lost and enter a spirit world. Her parents turn into pigs. Chihiro has to work in a bathhouse for spirits to save her parents and return to the human world.
And why it impress you a lot?
It impressed me because the animation was beautiful. The story was very imaginative and unique. It explored themes like courage, identity, and the importance of hard work. The characters were memorable, even the strange ones. And it had a dream-like quality that stayed with me long after I watched it. It was unlike any other film I had seen.
The Shawshank Redemption (American Drama): Describe A Film That Impressed You A Lot
So what was the film?
The film was The Shawshank Redemption. It’s an American drama.
When was it done?
I saw it about three years ago. My father told me I had to watch it.
So what was it about?
It’s about a man named Andy Dufresne. He is wrongly sent to prison for killing his wife. The film shows his life in prison over many years. It’s about hope, patience, and how a person can stay strong even in a terrible place. He also helps other prisoners and plans something for a long time.
And why it impress you a lot?
It impressed me a lot because of its powerful message of hope. Even in a dark place like prison, Andy never gives up. He keeps hope alive for himself and others. The ending was also very satisfying. It showed that good things can happen to good people who keep trying. And the story was very well told.
Pather Panchali (Bengali Drama): Describe A Film That Impressed You A Lot
What was the film?
The film was Pather Panchali. It’s a classic Bengali film from India.
How long ago did you watch it?
I watched it last year, for a film studies class. It’s an old black and white film.
What was it about?
It shows the childhood of a boy named Apu and his older sister Durga. They live in a poor village in rural Bengal. The film simply shows their daily life, their joys, sorrows, and struggles with poverty. It’s the first film in the Apu Trilogy.
Exactly how did it impress you?
It impressed me deeply because it felt so real. It didn’t have big dramatic events. It just showed life as it is, with its small moments of happiness and sadness. The director, Satyajit Ray, captured the beauty of everyday life and nature, even in poverty. The acting was very natural, especially for the children. It was a very moving and poetic film.
Follow-Up Questions (IELTS Part 3): Describe A Film That Impressed You A Lot
Why are people fond of watching movies?
There are numerous reasons as to why people enjoy films. Movies may distract us, allow us to forget our day-to-day reality, or inspire us with new ideas. They may also introduce us to new cultures and destinations.
Do you believe the movies influence the society? How?
Yes, cinema has a certain influence on society. They have the ability to disseminate information, alter attitudes and shift trends in fashion or even language. Movies also can educate the population on history or social problems.
Which type of films are famous in your country?
The Bollywood films which are largely musicals and dramas are quite popular in my country. There is also big followership of regional movies such as Bengali or Tamil movies. Comedies such as action and romantic are also typical.
What do you like: to see movies at home or in the cinema? Why?
My first choice is always to watch movies at the cinema. The dark room, the big screen and the sound make it a better experience. It makes you concentrate on the movie without distractions. However, it is sometimes convenient to watch at home.
In what ways are films different to books when they tell stories?
Movies are considered similar to stories told on camera using pictures and sounds. Books make use of words to form images in your mind. Films may tell you about things on the spot, whereas books many times provide you with more information and allow you to fantasize. They are all good, though they operate differently.
Vocabulary to Use for This Cue Card
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Thought-provoking | Making you think deeply about a subject | The film was very thought-provoking about education. |
| Imaginative | Having new and clever ideas | The story was incredibly imaginative and unique. |
| Gripping | Holding your attention completely | The plot was so gripping that I couldn’t stop watching. |
| Memorable characters | People in the film that you remember well | It had many memorable characters, even the small roles. |
| Stunning visuals | Very beautiful or impressive images | The film had stunning visuals, especially the scenery. |
| Emotional depth | Showing deep feelings or understanding | The film had great emotional depth, making me feel for the characters. |
| Inspiring | Making you feel hopeful or want to do something good | The main character’s journey was truly inspiring. |
| Relatable | Easy to understand or connect with | The struggles of the students were very relatable. |
| Well-crafted plot | A story that is put together skillfully | It had a well-crafted plot with unexpected twists. |
| Timeless message | A message that is always relevant, no matter the time | The film conveyed a timeless message about hope. |
Summary
| Section | Key Points |
| Cue Card Breakdown | Focus on a film that impressed you, including details and reasons |
| Sample Answers | Four examples covering different film genres and impacts |
| Vocabulary Bank | Phrases to describe films, their qualities, and your feelings |
| Follow-Up Questions | Explores broader views on films, their role, and viewing preferences |
| Related Topics | Linked with cue cards involving arts, media, and personal experiences |
Final thoughts on the IELTS topic “Describe a film that impressed you a lot”
This IELTS cue card allows you to demonstrate your skills to describe something you like. Select a movie that you are familiar with. Talk not about what, but about why you found it impressive. Use simple and effective words. And tell your story simply as it is. It will make your answer unique.
Related Topics for IELTS Practice
- Describe the Scene of a Hospital
- Describe a Skill You Want to Learn
- Describe an important day in your life
- Describe a Difficult Decision You Made
- Describe a Historical Building You Have Been To
- Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
- Describe a Place You Would Like to Live in the Future
- Describe an Old Person Who Has Had an Interesting Life
- Describe a Place in Your City Where You Can See Wildlife
FAQs
Can I talk about an animated film?
Yes, absolutely. Animated films are just as valid as live-action films for this topic. Spirited Away in the samples is an example.
Is it okay if the film is not famous?
Yes, it’s fine. The examiner wants to hear you describe a film and explain your reasons, not test your knowledge of popular movies.
Should I describe the whole plot?
No, don’t describe the whole plot. Just give a brief summary of what it’s about. Focus more on why it impressed you.
How much detail should I give about the film?
Give enough detail so the examiner understands what kind of film it is and its main idea. Then, spend most of your time on why it impressed you, using descriptive words.
What if I don’t watch many films?
Think about a film you watched a long time ago, or even a TV series that felt like a long film. You can adapt it to fit the cue card. The goal is to show your English skills.
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