IELTS Speaking Part 1: Films
7 common Part 1 questions on films, each with a sample answer at the length Part 1 actually wants.
What kinds of movies do you like best?
I enjoy a wide range of films, but my favourites are probably science fiction and thrillers. I love how sci-fi explores imaginative ideas about the future, while thrillers keep me on the edge of my seat with their suspense. A gripping storyline is what appeals to me most.
How often do you go to a cinema to watch a movie?
These days I don't go to the cinema all that often, perhaps once every month or two. With so many streaming services available, it's much more convenient to watch films at home. However, I still love going to the cinema for big blockbuster releases that deserve the big screen.
Did you usually go to the cinema when you were a kid?
Yes, going to the cinema was a real treat when I was a child. My family would take me every so often, usually to see animated or family films, and I always looked forward to it enormously. The whole experience, from the popcorn to the huge screen, felt magical back then.
What was the first film that you watched?
I can't recall the very first film I ever watched, but one of the earliest I remember was an animated Disney movie. Like most children, I was completely absorbed by the colourful characters and the adventure. It left a lasting impression and sparked my love of films.
Do you like to watch movies alone or with your friends?
It really depends on the type of film and my mood. I enjoy watching comedies and action films with friends, as sharing the excitement and laughter makes it more fun. However, for more serious or emotional films, I sometimes prefer to watch alone so I can fully concentrate.
Do you like to go to the cinema with your friends?
Yes, going to the cinema with friends is one of my favourite social activities. There's something really enjoyable about experiencing a film together on the big screen and then discussing it afterwards over a coffee or a meal. It makes the whole outing far more memorable.
Do you prefer foreign films or films made in your country?
I genuinely enjoy both, but I tend to watch a lot of foreign films, particularly Hollywood productions, because of their high budgets and impressive special effects. That said, I also appreciate films made in my own country, as they reflect our culture and are easier to relate to. Ideally, I like a good mix of both.
Reading a model answer is not the same as saying one. The sample above shows what a strong Part 1 answer sounds like. What it cannot tell you is how yours sounds — whether you hesitate, repeat the question back, or run out of things to say at forty seconds.
You can record an answer to this exact question and get it marked on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and pronunciation — the same four criteria the examiner uses.
Common questions
How long should Part 1 answers be?
Two or three sentences. Part 1 is a warm-up and one-word answers stall the conversation, but a ninety-second speech on your home town is the wrong length too — the examiner has a list of questions to get through.
How long does Part 1 last?
Four to five minutes, covering three familiar topics. Your identity is checked first, then the questions start.
Can I ask the examiner to repeat a question?
Yes, and it costs you nothing. Asking for a repeat is normal conversational English; guessing at a question you misheard and answering the wrong one is far more damaging.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.