Questions and sample answers
Do you watch much television?
Not really. I mostly watch series and films on my laptop in the evening, and I rarely turn on a regular TV channel.
What kind of programmes do you like?
Documentaries and crime series. Documentaries teach me something new, while crime series keep me interested with their surprising plots.
Did you watch a lot of TV as a child?
Yes, cartoons every afternoon. My brother and I used to argue about the remote, and my parents had to set rules.
Do you prefer watching films at the cinema or at home?
At home, because it is cheaper and more comfortable. But for big action films, the cinema experience with a large screen and loud sound is hard to beat.
Do you think television is good for children?
In moderation, yes. Educational programmes can teach them a lot, but too much screen time harms their concentration and sleep.
Is there a TV show you would recommend?
A nature documentary series about oceans. The pictures are stunning, and I learned so much about marine life.
Useful vocabulary
- binge-watch — watch many episodes at once
- plot — the story of a film or series
- documentary — a factual film
- genre — a type of film or book
- gripping — very exciting
- episode — one part of a series
- in moderation — not too much
Tips for this topic
- Name specific genres rather than saying “all kinds”.
- Give a reason with “because” or “while”.
- Use “used to” for childhood habits.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.