Recent I posted a list of questions for the topic of Film that appears frequently in IELTS speaking part 1, part 2 and part 3. You can see the full list of questions for film on this page: Film IELTS Questions

The question below is one of the common  questions and some students asked me to offer a model answer for it.

Question:

• Is it better for a foreign film to be dubbed or subtitled?

Meaning:

Dubbing: to replace the original language of the film and use voice actors of the country viewing it

Subtitles: to have a translation of the foreign film written on the screen throughout the movie, but keep the original language of the movie.

Model Answer

I think subtitles are best for documentaries and slow paced movies, but fast paced action movies should be dubbed because it is too distracting to read the subtitles and watch the action at the same time.

Further Points:

Dubbed Films

1. Films that are dubbed help you learn a foreign language.
2. Changing the language also means altering the experience of the film.
3. Some times the voice actors for dubbed movies do not match how the character looks.
4. Dubbing can be annoying to see the actors’ lips moving at a different pace to the words spoken by the voice actor.
5. Cartoons and animated films can easily be dubbed.
6. subtitles sometimes take up too much of the screen so you can’t see everything.

Subtitling

1. If you are reading the script of the movie, you miss the expressions of the actors and the dramatic scenes.
2. Not all countries can afford to pay voice actors to dub all films. Subtitles are cheaper.
3. It is good to hear the real voices of the actors in the movie.
4. Children can lose interest in a film that has subtitles and can’t read fast enough.

Your Opinion

1. Do you think foreign films should be dubbed or subtitled?

Answers

Feel free to post your answers below in the comments box below.

Sharing ideas is one way to help you all develop.

All the best

Liz

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card Topics

Many students have written to me about whether or not they can ask the examiner to explain the cue card topic in IELTS speaking part 2. Other students ask if they can change the topic of the cue card.

Understanding IELTS Cue Cards

1. Do you think you can change the cue card topic?
2. Can you ask the examiner to explain the topic if you don’t understand?

Answers

The examiner will give you the cue card with the main topic and prompts underneath. Here is an example:

An outing that didn’t cost anything. You should say:

• when it was
• where you went
• who was with you
• what you did
• how you felt about it

You will also be given a piece of paper and a pencil to make notes. You will have one minute to prepare. During that 1 min, the examiner will remain silent. At the end of 1 min, the examiner will ask you to start speaking. You should aim to speak for 2 mins.

Can you change the cue card?

No, you can’t. You are given the IELTS cue card and then you start preparing. There is no chance to change it.

Can you ask the examiner to explain it?

No, you can’t. The examiner is not allowed to help you at this time. The cue card is given to you for your preparation time and also for your talking time. At no point, can the IELTS examiner explain in part 2 speaking.

What if you don’t understand?

1. Then you must try to speak about something you think is similar. You can explain your choice when you start speaking. Also follow the prompts so that the examiner doesn’t think you are trying to change the topic completely.
2. Most cue cards are simple topics. They rarely contain language that is complicated. Common cue card topics: a meal you enjoyed, a book you read, an item of clothing you like, your favourite season, a place near water etc. Very easy to understand.
3. You are not marked on your choice of subject. If you get “a place near water”, you could talk about a place near the sea, a place near a river or just a place near a swimming pool. It really doesn’t matter. The examiner is only interested in your spoken English.
4. The topic above “an outing that didn’t cost anything” is similar to “an activity that was free”. This is about leisure time activities that do not cost money (no fee was paid) – going to the park, having a picnic, playing badminton in the garden, going to the beach etc.

All the best

Liz

The topic of films is common for IELTS speaking part 1, part 2 and part 3.

IELTS Questions for Films

Part 1

• Do you often watch films?
• What kind of films do you like?
• Are foreign films popular in your country?
• Do men and women usually like the same kinds of films?

Part 2

Talk about a film you enjoy

• what type of film it is
• when you first saw it
• what it is about
• why you like it

Part 3

1. Do you think subtitles are better than dubbing for foreign films?
2. Why do some people prefer watching a film in the cinema rather than at home?
3. What makes a film successful?
4. Do you think film stars are more important than special effects?
5. What kinds of films are not suitable for children?

Film Vocabulary

It is important that you learn different genre of film.

How many genre do you know?

Click here: FILM TYPES  to get a listening practice lesson and learn the different film types.

All the best

Liz