# What is your favourite movie? IELTS Speaking sample answers

Speaking Part 1 - Media

What is your favourite movie?

Source: Sample answers and examiner notes are written by Testmigo.

## Band 6 sample

My favourite movie is The Lion King. I watched it first time when I was about eight years old with my family, and after that I watched it many times. The story is about a young lion, Simba, who loses his father and runs away, and then later he come back to save his kingdom. I like it because the songs are very nice and there is a strong message about responsibility. Also, it is suitable for all ages, so I can watch it with my younger brother. Last year I saw the new version, but I prefer the old cartoon one because it has more feeling.

**Examiner notes.** This answer names the film, summarizes the story and gives two reasons, so it is relevant and well extended. Linking is clear but simple ("and then later", "Also", "so"), and words like "very nice" and "more feeling" are vague. Slips such as "I watched it first time" and "he come back" are noticeable but don't block meaning. For Band 7, the speaker would describe the film's qualities more precisely, for example "the soundtrack is unforgettable", and keep verb forms accurate.

## Band 7 sample

Probably Interstellar, the science fiction film by Christopher Nolan. I first saw it at the cinema when I was in high school, and I remember walking out feeling completely overwhelmed. On the surface it's a space adventure, but at its heart it's really about the relationship between a father and his daughter, which is what makes it so moving. The visuals are stunning too, especially the scenes near the black hole. I've rewatched it at least five times, and I still pick up on details I'd missed before. Admittedly, some of the science goes over my head, but that doesn't spoil it for me at all.

**Examiner notes.** This answer goes beyond plot to explain what the film is really about, using the contrast "On the surface... but at its heart". Idiomatic phrases such as "pick up on details" and "goes over my head" are used appropriately, and the past perfect in "details I'd missed before" is accurate. Some adjectives are fairly common, such as "stunning" and "moving". For Band 8, the speaker would describe the film's effect with more exact language and develop one point in greater depth.

The Band 8 sample is free with an account on the [topic page](https://testmigo.com/ielts/speaking/topics/what-is-your-favourite-movie).

## More Part 1 questions on this topic

1. How often do you watch films?
2. Do you prefer watching films at home or in the cinema?
3. What kinds of films did you like when you were a child?
4. Do you usually watch films alone or with other people?

## Common questions

### How long should an IELTS Speaking Part 2 answer be?

You get one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes; the examiner stops you at two. Aim to keep talking for the full time, which is usually 220 to 300 words.

### Can I use these sample answers in my test?

No. Examiners are trained to spot memorised answers, and a learned script is marked down. Use the samples to see what each band does, then answer in your own words.