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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a film or a TV programme which has made a strong impression on you.

You should say:

• what kind of film or TV programme it was (e.g. comedy, romantic etc.)
• when you saw the film or TV programme
• what the film or TV programme was about

and explain why this film or TV programme made such an impression on you.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:

Introduction: 
One film that has made a strong impression on me is "Inception". It is a science fiction thriller directed by Christopher Nolan. I had the opportunity to watch this film a couple of years ago, and it truly captivated my attention and left me in awe. Thank you very much for letting me talk about this here. 

What kind of film or TV programme it was:
"Inception" is a mind-bending science fiction film that combines elements of action, suspense, and psychological thriller. It takes the audience on a thrilling journey into the world of dreams and explores the concept of subconscious manipulation.

When you saw the film or TV programme: 
I watched "Inception" during a movie night with friends. It was a highly anticipated film, and I was intrigued by the positive reviews and the buzz surrounding its unique storyline.

What the film or TV programme was about: 
The film revolves around a skilled thief, Dom Cobb, who has the ability to enter people's dreams to extract information from their subconscious. However, instead of stealing information, he is tasked with the challenging mission of planting an idea in someone's mind through the process of "inception." The film delves into the complexities of the dream world, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and presents a series of captivating twists and turns.

And explain why this film or TV programme made such an impression on you: 
"Inception" made a profound impression on me due to its brilliant storytelling, thought-provoking concept, and visually stunning execution. The film's intricate plot kept me engaged from start to finish, as I was constantly trying to unravel the layers of dreams within dreams. What struck me the most about "Inception" was its exploration of the power of the human mind and the profound impact that ideas can have on shaping our reality. It made me contemplate the nature of perception, the depths of the subconscious, and the power of our own thoughts and beliefs.

Furthermore, the film's exceptional visual effects and meticulously crafted dream sequences added a mesmerizing element to the overall experience. The seamless blend of action, suspense, and thought-provoking concepts made "Inception" a cinematic masterpiece.

Sample Answer 2:

Introduction: 
The film or TV programme that made a strong impression on me is the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness". It is a biographical drama film that combines elements of both a drama and an inspirational story. I watched this film a few years ago, and it left a lasting impact on me.

What kind of film or TV programme it was:
"The Pursuit of Happyness" falls under the category of a drama film. It tells a real-life story that is both emotional and thought-provoking. It serves as a constant reminder to never give up, pursue my dreams, and find happiness in the journey, regardless of the obstacles I may encounter.

When you saw the film or TV programme: 
I saw this film during my college days when a friend recommended it to me. It was a rainy weekend, and I decided to watch it as a way to spend my time indoors.

What the film or TV programme was about:
"The Pursuit of Happyness" is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman facing numerous hardships in his life. The film depicts his journey as a single father, his pursuit of a better life, and his determination to overcome obstacles. It highlights his resilience, optimism, and unwavering belief in himself, despite facing homelessness and financial struggles.

And explain why this film or TV programme made such an impression on you: 
This film made a strong impression on me due to its powerful storytelling and the outstanding performances by the actors, particularly Will Smith who portrayed the character of Chris Gardner. It conveyed a compelling message about the importance of perseverance, hope, and the pursuit of one's dreams, even in the face of adversity. It reminded me that no matter how difficult life may seem, we should never lose faith in ourselves and continue to strive for a better future.

The film's realistic portrayal of the challenges and triumphs in Chris Gardner's life left a deep impact on me. It taught me valuable lessons about resilience, determination, and the power of the human spirit. Whenever I face obstacles in my own life, I draw inspiration from this film and remind myself that with perseverance and a positive mindset, I can overcome any challenges that come my way.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

Some films or TV programmes leave a lasting impression on us due to their powerful stories, emotional depth, or unique presentation. Below are some detailed examples you can use to develop your answer. Each idea is framed to address the four cue card prompts effectively.

1. The Pursuit of Happyness (Film - Inspirational Drama)
I watched this movie a couple of years ago when I was feeling unmotivated. It's about a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his son but never gives up on his dreams. The determination of the main character, played by Will Smith, really moved me. It made a deep impression on me because it reminded me to stay persistent no matter how tough life gets.

2. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (TV Series - Science Documentary)
I first saw this on Netflix when a friend recommended it to me. The programme explores the universe, science, and human evolution in a visually stunning and easy-to-understand way. Hosted by Neil deGrasse Tyson, it made science feel accessible and exciting. It left a strong impression on me because it changed the way I view the world and sparked my interest in astronomy.

3. Schindler’s List (Film - Historical Drama)
I watched this film during a history class in school. It's based on a true story about a businessman who saved over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust. The emotional storytelling and black-and-white cinematography made the horrors of war very real to me. It had a profound impact on me by deepening my understanding of human rights and empathy.

4. Friends (TV Series - Sitcom)
I started watching "Friends" during the COVID-19 lockdown. It's a comedy show about six friends living in New York City. Although it's lighthearted and funny, it also showed how meaningful friendships can be during hard times. I was strongly influenced by its positive energy and humour, which helped me through a stressful period.

5. Slumdog Millionaire (Film - Drama/Romance)
I first saw this film on a flight to Dubai. It tells the story of a poor Indian boy who rises from the slums to win a game show. The unique storytelling structure and the resilience of the protagonist were unforgettable. It made a lasting impression on me because it highlighted issues like poverty, luck, and fate in a deeply emotional way.

6. Planet Earth (TV Series - Nature Documentary)
I stumbled upon this documentary while browsing YouTube. Narrated by David Attenborough, it showcases breathtaking landscapes and wildlife around the globe. The visuals were so stunning that I was glued to the screen. It impressed me deeply by showing how beautiful and fragile our planet is, inspiring me to care more about the environment.

7. The Social Dilemma (Film - Documentary)
A friend recommended this documentary to me last year. It examines the dangers of social media and how tech companies manipulate our behaviour. The interviews with former tech insiders made it feel very real. It left a strong impression on me because it made me reflect on my screen time and social media habits.

8. Breaking Bad (TV Series - Crime Drama)
I watched Breaking Bad during my university years. The story of a chemistry teacher turning into a drug lord fascinated me. It was both thrilling and thought-provoking. The complex characters and moral dilemmas made me reflect on human nature, which is why it made such a strong impression on me.

9. Dark (TV Series - Science Fiction Thriller)
This German science fiction thriller explores time travel, fate, and the complexity of human relationships. I watched it on Netflix and was deeply moved by its intricate plot and emotional depth. It left a lasting impression due to its philosophical undertones and intelligent storytelling.

10. Westworld (TV Series - Science Fiction/ Drama)
A thought-provoking sci-fi series that delves into artificial intelligence, consciousness, and the blurred lines between reality and simulation. I saw this on HBO, and its stunning visuals and complex narrative truly captivated me. It made me reflect on the ethics of technology and free will.

11. The Big Bang Theory (TV Series - Sitcom/ Comedy)
This is a light-hearted sitcom revolving around a group of nerdy friends and their daily life. I started watching it during my university years. Its humour, character development, and witty dialogues left me both entertained and emotionally attached to the characters.

12. Connected (TV Series - Science Documentary)
A science documentary series that explores the surprising ways in which we are connected to each other and the universe. I watched it on Netflix and found it both informative and engaging. It changed the way I see everyday phenomena through a scientific lens.

13. What the Health  (Film - Health Documentary)
This documentary examines the link between diet and disease and questions the practices of health organisations. I watched it to learn more about plant-based diets, and it strongly influenced my eating habits. It made me more conscious about my health and nutrition.

14. Casablanca (Film - Romantic Drama)
This is a classic romantic drama set during World War II. I saw it during a film appreciation class. The unforgettable characters, powerful dialogues, and timeless love story deeply moved me. It left a strong emotional impact due to its moral choices and wartime backdrop.

15. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Film - Psychological Drama)
This psychological drama portrays life inside a mental institution. I watched it on a recommendation from a friend. Its critique of institutional control and individual freedom stayed with me long after the movie ended.

16. The Bucket List (Film - Comedy/ Drama)
This heartwarming film follows two terminally ill men as they embark on a road trip to complete their bucket lists. I found it inspiring and emotionally moving. It reminded me to live life fully and cherish every moment.

17. Million Dollar Baby (Film - Sports Drama)
This film is about a female boxer’s rise to success and the emotional bond she shares with her trainer. I watched it for its strong character portrayal. It impressed me with its raw emotion, perseverance, and tragic ending, leaving a powerful impression.

Model Answer 3:

I don’t really get to spend much time watching TV programs mainly because I remain busy with other priorities in life. But, sometimes, I do enjoy watching different kinds of comedy shows and documentaries because they make me “think” differently. Today, I would like to talk about one such comedy show that made a great impression on me.

I watched the program about a couple of years ago in the absence of my family who were out on a visit to see a “terminally” ill relative of them. Coincidently, the comedy show was also about an “elderly” ill person, with “limited” mobility, who wanted to find his “love” for the last time before dying.

But the problem was, of course, no woman was willing to put up with the old man because he had a very “tight fist”. In other words, he was a very “stingy” man with no intention whatsoever to spend any money on others, even if it meant spending on his “wife”! In fact, he was so “stingy” that he even liked to “sleep” on his money sometimes due to his fear of getting it stolen by others. Anyway, finally, one elderly lady became kind enough to marry him on one condition. And the condition was, the old guy would need to stop sleeping with his money. The guy happily agreed. But, after the marriage, the guy still kept sleeping with his money. The wife saw it and angrily reminded him about his “promise”. The guy very calmly answered that “he was not sleeping with his money any more, rather the money was sleeping with him!” Needless to say, that was the moment when I simply burst out into laughter!

I really liked the comedy show mainly because it did highlight a very natural human instinct which “pushes” people to go to any length, even if it is “lying” or “cheating”, in order to find “love” regardless of age or sex. It also made me realize the fact once again that even though sometimes “money” is what helps us “buy” love, it pushes us away too.

Sample Answer 4:

There are just “some movies”, and then there are some “great” movies – movies which leave a lasting impression on us for a long time to come. Today, I would like to talk about one such great movie that I watched about 10 years ago, but is still very much fresh in my mind.

The name of that movie is “Life is Beautiful”. Released in the year 1997, this “drama-comedy” movie, no doubt, is one of the most beautiful movies ever made because of the messages that it tries to convey. Of course, some people would like to call this movie a “tragi-comedy” also, but, whatever type of movie we prefer to call it, the truth is, it is one of the best movies ever that has managed to combine wartime human tragedy with humour in such perfect proportion. 

Based on the horrific story and immense suffering of the Nazi concentration camp, this Italian movie shows how a Jewish man falls in love with a non-Jewish woman, marries her, has a kid, and is then taken as a prisoner in the concentration camp along with his wife and kid. But the ways he tries to protect his kid from the horrors of the genocide and makes his wife and kid smile and laugh is truly magnificent and beyond any words, and is truly what so perfectly resonates with the message of "life is beautiful”.

In fact, this movie is profound and so realistically made that one can go on forever describing the "creativity" of this movie, but he or she most certainly won’t be able to capture its beauty through just some writing. 

After watching this movie, I felt like it provided me with something that everyone - in one form or another -  needs, which is "Hope".  And if we all could just take a little bit of that hope and love that this movie was trying to spread, this world of ours would be a much, much better place for us to live in. After all, love and hope indeed are what triumph in the end.

Sample Answer 5:

Nowadays, I don't watch TV much, but when I was a student, I used to watch television a lot perhaps because I had a lot of free time back then. I liked many TV programmes and watched them regularly during that time, and the TV programme that made a strong impression on me was a documentary that I watched on the Discovery Channel.

The TV programme is called “The Sacrifice of Geniuses” and it is a serial that had 10 episodes. I watched every episode and enjoyed them thoroughly. This was mainly a documentary serial which emphasised the sacrifice the famous and genius scientists - like Marie Curie, Thomas Edison and 8 other scientists - made in their lives for the greater good of humanity.

I watched the TV programme during the third term of my university years. In our local time, the programme was broadcast at 9.00 pm every Thursday. It showed the life and work of ten famous scientists and inventors, and the sacrifices they made to make the world a better place. These stories were presented in a fascinating way and each episode went into great detail about the life and work of those inventors, scientists and geniuses. I got the impression that I was actually watching those great scientists and their works in person!

I have learned so many things about the lives of these scientists and the sacrifices they made. Those sacrifices were unbelievable and after watching this programme, I could not stop thinking about those famous scientists and their ultimate dedication.

This programme has helped me judge life from a different perspective. I realised that working hard to bring something important to others can be more meaningful than our personal achievements - like wealth and fame. I later searched for more details about those scientists and other famous people and learned more about their lives and work.

Model Answer 6:

My favourite television program is an old series which was produced during the '80s in America. The title of this serial was "MacGyver" and it was an action TV series. MacGyver was produced for about 5 consecutive seasons, and it is considered one of the top-rated TV series of its era. This series had a great impression on me and it inspired me to a great extent.

RCTI was the local television station in Indonesia that broadcasted the programme. The TV series was usually played once a week for about one hour, and I remember that it was played on Friday night at 7.00 pm. So as a teenager during that time, I would have sat in front of the television from 6.45 pm and waited for the programme to start. On the very next day, my friends and I would discuss what had happened in it, how cool and exciting the episode was and how smart and talented Mr MacGyver was. This is really impressive and impactful for a TV series to motivate young minds like ours.

The unique thing about it is that the main character, MacGyver, did not like to use a gun. Instead of using rifles, which we see many heroes do, he used his creativity in creating tools to fight his enemies. I remembered that in one of the episodes, where he was locked by his enemy in a garage, he found some tools, that are used to open the gate of the garage, and he escaped from this place.

I believed I learned some positive things from this series and it was an impactful TV series for me. I understood from this programme that we should be encouraged to use our creativity rather than using our physical power and weapons. I believe that MacGyver has influenced so many teenagers during my era and I hope that it would be remade in the future.

['Model Answer 3' is written by - Darwin Lesmana]

Part 3 - Details Discussion

Discussion Topics: People’s cinema-going habits nowadays 

Q. Do you think the cinema has increased or decreased in popularity in recent years?
Answer: I believe that more people these days enjoy movies than ever before, thanks to the advancement of technology and the accessibility of the internet. However, when it comes to the number of people who actually visit a theatre to enjoy a cinema, I am afraid the number is declining, at least in our country. This is because the cinema halls have failed to keep their promises to show quality movies and people have smart TVs, mobile phones and internet connections to watch a movie at home at their convenience. 

Q. In your opinion, will this trend continue into the future?
Answer: I truly believe that the trend will continue in the future. On the one hand, more and more people will subscribe to online movie streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime to enjoy movies and TV series at home, and on the other hand, the number of viewers who will be visiting a cinema hall to enjoy movies will keep on decreasing. 

Discussion Topics: Making a film or TV drama of real/fictional events 

Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of making films of real-life events?
Answer: Movies based on real-life events have some distinctive advantages like a ready plot, a compelling storyline and the possibility of being widely accepted by the audience. Casting actors and actresses for such movies is also comparatively easier as the characters are already known.

On the contrary, such films have some serious drawbacks. To start with, the story is already known to people and that is why the producer has to work hard to make it enjoyable and entertaining. In the process, if the story deviates from the truth, it would be highly criticised. So it is a dilemma to produce such movies entertaining and keeping original at the same time.   

Q. How important do you think it is for a film-maker to remain true to the original story?
Answer: I believe filmmakers should keep the originality of the story in a film if this is based on a historical figure or an event that is sensitive and important. For instance, a filmmaker can not just alter an event that happened during World War II to make it more entertaining.  

However, if this is based on a fictional character, mythology or fiction book, some changes and modifications should be made to make the film more entertaining and enjoyable.   

Discussion Topics: Censorship and the freedom of the film-maker/TV producer 

Q. Should films and television be censored or should we be free to choose what we see?
Answer: As long as the films and TV programmes do not hurt the religious and cultural feelings of audiences, create confusion and chaos, and promote anti-social and anti-national themes, they should be available for all to watch and enjoy. Having said that, I also believe that censorship in a country is always a good idea to keep a balance on the type of content and programmes people in this country enjoy. 

Q. How do you think censorship laws will change in the next 20 years? 
Answer: I am quite convinced that censorship laws will become more relaxed or slacked after two decades or so than they are now. I believe in it because in the last ten years or so I have noticed that censorship laws have been made relaxed to let viewers enjoy programmes or movies that were unimaginable to be released in the past. The shift to more relaxed censorship laws is mainly because society is embracing freedom of speech and creativity over secretiveness and conservatism.

Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:

Talking about a film or TV programme that left a strong impression on you requires vocabulary related to genre, emotions, storytelling, and impact. Below is a list of some useful words and phrases that will help you express your ideas more effectively during the IELTS Speaking test.

Thought-provoking – Something that makes you think deeply about a subject.
Binge-watch – To watch several episodes of a TV show in one sitting.
Gripping – Very exciting and holding your attention completely.
Genre – A category of artistic work (e.g., comedy, thriller, drama).
Plot twist – An unexpected development in a story.
Captivating storyline – A story that is very interesting and holds your attention.
Emotional depth – The ability of a show or film to explore strong emotions realistically.
Relatable characters – Characters whose traits or experiences are easy to understand and identify with.
Outstanding performance – Exceptionally good acting by one or more performers.
Suspenseful – Full of excitement and uncertainty about what may happen next.
Cinematic experience – The visual and emotional impact of a film in a theatre-like setting.
Message-driven – Focused on delivering a specific theme or lesson.
Cultural relevance – Important to or reflective of the values and issues in a specific society.
Critically acclaimed – Praised highly by reviewers and critics.
Eye-opening – Something that shows you something you didn’t know or understand before.

Similar Cue Card topics:

If you prepare for the topic "Describe a film or a TV programme which has made a strong impression on you", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1. Describe a film or TV programme that you watched and would like to watch again.
2. Describe a radio or TV programme that you like.
3. Describe a famous TV programme in your country.
4. Describe a TV programme that you watched and did not like.
5. Describe a film or TV programme you have recently watched.
6. Describe a comedy show that you watched and enjoyed. 
7. Describe your favourite movie.
8. Describe a TV programme or movie that is based on real life event.

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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