Films and cinema

Hi everyone, and welcome to the IELTS TIME Podcast! I’m Archer. In this episode, we’ll be diving into IELTS Speaking Part 3 —films and cinema. We’ll begin with a dialogue.

Do you think the cinema has increased or decreased in popularity in recent years?

Well, streaming services are definitely convenient, but I think the cinema’s role is changing, not just fading away. You see, blockbuster events still pull in big crowds, which really points to a shift towards people treating the cinema experience as something special, a shared occasion. So, while regular cinema visits might be down, those big, cinematic events—they’re still a huge draw.

In your opinion, will this trend continue into the future?

Yeah, I definitely think this trend is here to stay. Home streaming? That’s going to be the go-to for everyday movie watching, no doubt. But, you know, cinemas aren’t just going to disappear. With all the cool tech they’re bringing in, like those amazing sound and visual systems, they’re really setting themselves apart. So, for those big, blockbuster releases, I think people will still want that full-on cinema experience.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of making films of real-life events?

So, when you think about making movies based on real stuff, there are definitely some upsides. I mean, you can really get people talking about important things, like big historical moments or social issues, which is great. But, of course, there are downsides too. There’s always the chance of getting things wrong, or making it too dramatic, which can really mess with the truth and even hurt people. Plus, let’s face it, movies have to squeeze complicated stories into a couple of hours, so you’re bound to lose some of the finer details.

How important do you think it is for a filmmaker to remain true to the original story?

Honestly, I think it’s pretty crucial for filmmakers to stick to the original story. You know, people usually have certain expectations going in, and if you stray too far, it can really let them down, or even turn them off completely. Sure, you’ve got to make some changes when you’re adapting something, but keeping the main story and the characters true to what they were? That’s key for respecting the original work and keeping the audience happy.

Should films and television be censored or should we be free to choose what we see?

You know, this whole censorship thing is a tricky one. On one hand, yeah, having total freedom to watch whatever you want sounds great. But, honestly, I think we need some kind of content regulation, especially when it comes to stuff that could stir up violence, hatred, or take advantage of vulnerable people. At the same time, though, going overboard with censorship can really shut down creativity and keep us from seeing different viewpoints. So, to me, it feels like we need a system that focuses on protecting those who might get hurt, while still letting filmmakers and creators explore more mature and challenging themes.

How do you think censorship laws will change in the next 20 years?

trying to guess where censorship laws are headed is pretty tough. But, looking ahead, I think a few things are going to shake things up. First off, with media going global, we’re probably going to see countries working together more on how to handle content, especially online. Expect to see more of those international guidelines popping up. Then, there’s AI and deepfakes(it’s very common in informal spoken English to use “there’s” even when the subject is plural), That’s a whole new ballgame, and we’ll definitely need laws to deal with fake content and misinformation spreading like wildfire. Plus, let’s not forget, what we think is okay changes over time. What’s cool now might be a no-go in 20 years, so censorship will have to keep up. Finally, I’m guessing we’ll see less of the ‘one-size-fits-all’ censorship and more stuff like detailed content labels and age checks, so people can decide for themselves.

Why do you think people like watching films?

Well, there’s a lot of reasons why people love watching films (‘there’s’ is technically incorrect because ‘reasons’ is plural. but in everyday conversation, many native speakers still say there’s instead of there are when followed by a lot of or other plural phrases. It’s very common in informal speech. In your IELTS speaking, I recommend using ‘there are’ to show strong grammar skills). I think, first off, it’s a great way to just escape for a bit. You can dive into these totally different worlds and experiences, which is pretty cool. Plus, they’re just plain entertaining, whether you’re laughing, on the edge of your seat with action, or feeling that suspense. And, let’s be real, films can really hit you on an emotional level. You connect with the stories and characters, and sometimes you even get those ‘aha’ moments, you know? Not to mention, it’s a fun way to hang out with friends and family, share some laughs, and make memories. So, all in all, films offer this awesome mix of getting away, having fun, and connecting with others, which is why we keep coming back for more.

Do you think films have changed since you were a child? How?

Yes, films have changed a lot since I was a child. One big difference is how easy it is to watch movies now. Even though we had streaming when I was younger, it’s much more common today. There are so many different streaming services, and you can watch films on your phone.

Another change is in special effects. Films today have much more realistic computer-generated images. When I was a kid, those effects were good, but now they are amazing.

As the technology for home viewing improves, do you think people will stop going to the cinema in future?

I think, even though home viewing is getting better and better, I don’t think cinemas are going anywhere completely. There’s just something about the whole cinema experience you can’t get at home. I mean, the giant screen, the sound that surrounds you, and watching a movie with a crowd—it’s like an event, right? I think what’ll probably happen is cinemas will shift towards offering those really special, big-screen experiences. They might also focus on smaller audiences, like showing indie films or classic movies on the big screen. So, yeah, home viewing will keep being a big deal, but I think cinemas will stick around, just maybe in a different way.

Welcome back to IELTS TIME, everyone! In today’s episode, we’re discussing films and cinema in Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking test. You just heard a dialogue featuring Joseph’s responses to some common questions about this topic. Now, let’s dive deeper into these questions and talk about how you can answer them effectively in your exam.

Alright, the first question Joseph tackled was whether the cinema has become more or less popular in recent years. He acknowledged the convenience of streaming services but argued that the cinema’s role is changing, not simply declining. He pointed out that blockbuster events continue to attract large audiences, suggesting a shift towards people viewing the cinema as a special, shared experience, rather than a regular activity. So, while regular cinema visits might be less frequent, these big cinematic events remain a significant draw.

Now, if you were answering this question, you might want to think about the same point—cinemas are adapting, right? So, you could say something like, ‘Yes, cinema visits may have decreased a bit due to streaming, but I think cinemas still offer that premium experience for big events, and people continue to go for blockbuster releases. They’re becoming more about those special shared experiences.’ You want to make sure to balance the pros and cons—mention that streaming has definitely affected things, but that doesn’t mean cinemas are dying completely.

Next, Joseph was asked about the future of this trend. He believes the trend will continue, with streaming becoming the go-to for everyday movie watching. However, he doesn’t think cinemas will disappear, as they’re using advanced technology like superior sound and visuals to create a distinct, immersive experience that people will still seek out for major releases.

If you were asked this question, you could share a similar opinion or a slightly different one. For example, you might say, ‘Yes, I think streaming will keep growing, especially for casual viewers. But cinemas will likely focus more on offering premium experiences, like IMAX or 3D, that people can’t get at home. So, while cinema visits might change, they’ll remain a key part of entertainment, especially for major film releases.’

One of the next questions Joseph answered was about making films based on real-life events. He mentioned that these films can be great for raising awareness about important historical moments or social issues. However, he also pointed out the risk of inaccuracies, over-dramatization, and the simplification of complex stories due to time constraints.

For your answer, you could agree with Joseph, for instance, you could say: ‘Films based on real-life events can help people connect to important issues and provide a sense of empathy for those involved. However, there’s always the risk of taking creative liberties, which might lead to misinformation or oversimplifying complex situations. Filmmakers need to balance entertainment with accuracy. This kind of nuanced answer will show you can consider both sides.

Joseph was asked about how important it is for a filmmaker to stay true to the original story. He said it’s crucial for filmmakers to remain true to the original story, as audiences have expectations, and significant deviations can lead to disappointment. While acknowledging the need for some adaptations, he emphasized the importance of maintaining the core story and character integrity to respect the original work and satisfy the audience.

In your answer, you could definitely agree with him, saying something like, ‘It’s crucial for filmmakers to respect the original work, especially when audiences have a certain attachment to the story or characters. That said, some changes are necessary to make a story work in a different medium, but the core message and characters should remain true to the original.

When Joseph tackled the question of censorship, He argued for a balance between individual freedom to choose what to watch and the need for content regulation to protect vulnerable groups. He emphasized that while censorship can be protective, it shouldn’t stifle artistic expression.

You might agree with this balance in your answer, saying something like, ‘I think censorship should exist to a certain extent, especially to protect minors or prevent harmful material. However, adults should have the freedom to make their own choices when it comes to watching films or TV. It’s important to allow artistic expression while still protecting vulnerable groups from content that could be harmful.

Looking ahead, Joseph discussed how globalization and technological advancements, particularly AI and deepfakes, will likely influence changes in censorship laws. He believes that increased international cooperation on online content regulation is probable, and that new legislation will be needed to address misinformation and the challenges posed by AI and deepfakes. He also mentioned the likelihood of a shift towards more nuanced content labeling and age verification systems, as well as the impact of evolving societal values on future censorship practices.

“If you were asked this, you could respond with something similar, like, ‘In the next 20 years, I think censorship laws will become more global. With the rise of digital platforms and social media, we’ll likely see more standardized guidelines across countries. Also, the increasing use of AI in creating content will raise new questions, like how to deal with deepfake videos or manipulated information. So, we’ll probably see a shift towards more nuanced content labeling and age-verification systems.’

Joseph shared some great insights into why people enjoy films—they offer escapism, entertainment, and emotional connections. People love getting lost in stories, laughing, or even feeling moved by a film.

For this, you could say something like, ‘People watch films because they give us the chance to escape our daily lives and experience things we might not in real life. Films also allow us to connect emotionally with characters and stories, and that’s why we can be so drawn to them. Plus, movies are a great way to spend time with friends and family and create shared experiences.

Joseph mentioned how films have changed significantly since his childhood. He highlighted the increased accessibility of movies, particularly through the proliferation of streaming services and mobile viewing. He also pointed to the dramatic improvement in special effects, with computer-generated imagery becoming far more realistic than when he was younger.

If you were answering this question, you could reflect on how films today are bigger and better than when you were younger. Maybe you could say, ‘Yes, films have definitely changed. The quality of special effects today is mind-blowing, and the range of stories we see now is so much more diverse. Filmmakers are tackling complex issues, and there’s more representation of different cultures and identities on screen. It’s a huge shift from the kinds of films I grew up watching.

Joseph concluded by saying that even with better home viewing options, he doesn’t think cinemas will disappear completely. There’s something special about the cinematic experience—the large screens, surround sound, and the shared atmosphere that you just can’t get at home.

You could echo this sentiment in your answer, saying, ‘Even though technology for home viewing is improving, I don’t think cinemas will disappear. The experience of watching a film on the big screen, with great sound and surrounded by other people, is something that home viewing can’t match. In the future, cinemas will probably focus on premium experiences and niche markets, but they’ll remain an important part of the entertainment world.

So, there you have it! If you’re ever asked about films and cinema in your IELTS Speaking test, just remember to express your opinion clearly, back it up with reasons, and show that you can see both sides of a topic. Use phrases like ‘On the one hand,’ ‘For example,’ and ‘In my opinion’ to make your answers sound natural and well-developed.

That’s all for today’s episode. See you next time!