Speaking vocabulary
Movies and television
Use these expressions to speak more precisely about movies and television. Learn the meaning from context, then make your own example rather than memorising a complete answer.
Original practice material · Draft: editorial review pending
a gripping plot
- Meaning: a story that strongly holds your attention.
- Example: The novel has a gripping plot with a surprising ending.
- Context: movies and television. Use the phrase to describe.
- Use “a gripping plot” naturally in one sentence about movies and television.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
strong performances
- Meaning: convincing acting or other skilful work in a production.
- Example: Strong performances made the familiar story feel fresh.
- Context: movies and television. Use the phrase to explain.
- Use “strong performances” naturally in one sentence about movies and television.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
based on a true story
- Meaning: created using events that really happened.
- Example: The film is based on a true story, but some details were changed.
- Context: movies and television. Use the phrase to compare.
- Use “based on a true story” naturally in one sentence about movies and television.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
raise an important issue
- Meaning: bring a significant matter into a discussion.
- Example: She raised an important issue about access to the building.
- Context: movies and television. Use the phrase to give an example.
- Use “raise an important issue” naturally in one sentence about movies and television.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
keep the audience engaged
- Meaning: maintain listeners' interest.
- Example: A short story can keep the audience engaged.
- Context: movies and television. Use the phrase to qualify an opinion.
- Use “keep the audience engaged” naturally in one sentence about movies and television.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
a satisfying ending
- Meaning: a conclusion that feels appropriate or rewarding.
- Example: The film has a satisfying ending that resolves the main conflict.
- Context: movies and television. Use the phrase to discuss effects.
- Use “a satisfying ending” naturally in one sentence about movies and television.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
Practise your answer
Use the existing speaking practice tools, or type instead. This is practice feedback, not an IELTS band score.
up to 45 seconds practice.