IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Cards: Describe a Book/Movie (30 Topics)

Quick Answer: To describe a book or movie in IELTS Speaking Part 2, structure your 1-2 minute talk around: what it is (title, genre, author/director), what it's about (plot, main themes), why you chose it (personal connection or impact), and your recommendation. Use specific vocabulary for genres, characters, and emotions. Practice with 30 cue cards covering horror, romance, sci-fi, biographies, and more.

Table of Contents

Why This Topic is Common in IELTS

The Perfect 4-Part Structure

Essential Vocabulary for Books and Movies

30 Cue Card Topics with Sample Prompts

Band Score Comparison Table

Sample Answers by Band Level

Why This Topic is Common in IELTS

Examiners love asking about books and movies because:

They are universal experiences – everyone has watched or read something.

They allow you to show vocabulary for emotions, characters, plots, and genres.

They test your ability to narrate, describe, and give opinions in a structured way.

You can easily connect to other common IELTS themes like technology, culture, or personal growth.

The Perfect 4-Part Structure

Use this simple structure for any book or movie cue card:

Introduction: What is it? (Title, author/director, genre, when you read/watched it)

Plot Summary: What happens? (Brief overview – 2-3 key events, no spoilers)

Personal Connection: Why did you choose it? (Emotional impact, life lesson, memorable character)

Recommendation & Conclusion: Would you recommend it? Who would like it?

Essential Vocabulary for Books and Movies

Category	Useful Words & Phrases
Genres	thriller, romance, sci-fi, historical fiction, documentary, dystopian, fantasy, autobiography
Describing Plot	fast-paced, thought-provoking, slow-burning, gripping, predictable, twist-heavy
Characters	protagonist, antagonist, well-developed, relatable, flawed, two-dimensional
Emotions	moved, inspired, terrified, captivated, bored, confused
Reactions	a page-turner, a tear-jerker, a must-watch, overrated, underrated, masterpiece

30 Cue Card Topics with Sample Prompts

Here are 30 cue cards sorted by category. For each, we provide a sample prompt you might see.

Fiction Books

Describe a book that changed your perspective on life.

> Prompt: What is it? How did it affect your thinking? Give a specific example.

Describe a book you read as a child that you still remember.

> Prompt: Why was it memorable? Did it influence your childhood?

Describe a book set in a historical period.

> Prompt: What period? What did you learn from it?

Describe a book with a surprising ending.

> Prompt: What was the twist? How did it make you feel?

Describe a book you would recommend to a friend.

> Prompt: Who would enjoy it? Why?

Describe a book you read for academic purposes.

> Prompt: Was it useful? How did it help you?

Describe a book with a strong female protagonist.

> Prompt: Who is she? What challenges does she face?

Describe a book that was made into a movie you disliked.

> Prompt: Why was the movie worse? What did the book have that the movie lacked?

Describe a book that teaches a moral lesson.

> Prompt: What is the lesson? How did it apply to your life?

Describe a book you read while traveling.

> Prompt: Where were you? Did the setting enhance the reading experience?

Movies

Describe a movie that made you cry.

> Prompt: What scene? Why did it affect you?

Describe a movie based on a true story.

> Prompt: True story about what? How accurate was the film?

Describe a foreign language movie you enjoyed.

> Prompt: What language? What did you learn about the culture?

Describe a movie with a complex plot.

> Prompt: Was it confusing? How did it keep your attention?

Describe a movie you have watched more than once.

> Prompt: What makes it re-watchable?

Describe a movie that inspired you to pursue a hobby.

> Prompt: What hobby? How did the movie motivate you?

Describe a movie where technology plays a key role.

> Prompt: How is technology shown? Is it futuristic or realistic?

Describe a movie that you watched because of the soundtrack.

> Prompt: Who composed it? How did music enhance the film?

Describe a movie that has a famous line or quote.

> Prompt: What's the quote? Why is it famous?

Describe a movie that scared you.

> Prompt: Was it horror or psychological? What made it frightening?

Mixed or Themed

Describe a book or movie set in a dystopian future.

> Prompt: What kind of world is it? What message does it convey?

Describe a book or movie that explores family relationships.

> Prompt: Which relationship? How does it develop?

Describe a book or movie with an unreliable narrator.

> Prompt: How do you discover the truth? Did you predict the reveal?

Describe a book or movie that features a journey.

> Prompt: Physical journey or emotional? What changes?

Describe a book or movie that is part of a series.

> Prompt: Which book/movie in the series? Do you recommend the whole series?

Describe a book or movie that you think everyone should read/watch.

> Prompt: Why is it universal? What makes it essential?

Describe a book or movie that you initially disliked but later appreciated.

> Prompt: Why did your opinion change?

Describe a book or movie that you read/watched during a difficult time.

> Prompt: How did it help you escape or cope?

Describe a book or movie that features a very memorable villain.

> Prompt: Who is the villain? Why are they effective?

Describe a book or movie that was adapted from a comic or graphic novel.

> Prompt: Did the adaptation do justice to the original? Why or why not?

Band Score Comparison Table

Band	What Examiner Wants
6	Basic structure (introduction, plot, opinion). Simple vocabulary. Some hesitation. Basic grammar (past simple, present simple). Limited linking words (and, but, so).
7	Clear structure with good use of tenses (past simple, present perfect). Range of vocabulary (thriller, protagonist, gripping). Fewer hesitations. Uses linking words (however, because of this, as a result).
8	Natural, fluent speech with complex sentences. Wide vocabulary with subtlety (e.g., poignant, deeply moving). Idiomatic expressions (a real page-turner, kept me on the edge of my seat). Good use of present perfect and conditionals.
9	Flawless fluency. Precise vocabulary with nuanced synonyms. Natural use of idiomatic language. Grammatically perfect with varied structures (relative clauses, inversions). Engaging delivery with appropriate pauses and emphasis.

Sample Answers by Band Level

Band 7: "I would like to talk about a book called 'The Kite Runner' by Khaled Hosseini. It is a powerful novel set in Afghanistan. The story is about two boys, Amir and Hassan, and their complex friendship. I chose this book because it changed my view about loyalty and redemption. The plot is heart-wrenching, especially the twist at the end. I would recommend it to anyone interested in emotional family stories. Overall, it's a thought-provoking book that stays with you." Band 8: "I'd like to describe a movie that profoundly affected me – 'The Pursuit of Happyness', starring Will Smith. The film tells the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son. What makes it so powerful is Smith's portrayal of a father who never gives up despite overwhelming odds. The scene where they sleep in a subway station bathroom is absolutely heart-breaking. I was thoroughly moved by the themes of resilience and hope. This movie is a must-watch for anyone needing a dose of motivation. I've watched it four times and it still gives me goosebumps." Band 9: "I'd like to talk about a book that left an indelible mark on my psyche – George Orwell's '1984'. Set in a dystopian world where 'Big Brother' watches everyone, it explores the terrifying nature of totalitarianism. The protagonist, Winston Smith, tries to rebel but ends up completely broken. This isn't just a story; it's a profound warning about the loss of truth and freedom. Orwell's mastery lies in how he makes you question your own reality. The concept of 'doublethink' is something I reflect on even today. I believe this book should be mandatory reading in schools because its themes are eerily relevant to the age of surveillance we now live in. I cannot recommend it enough, though be prepared – it offers no easy comfort."

Common Mistakes

❌Giving too much plot summary. The examiner wants your opinion, not a Wikipedia synopsis. Focus 60% on your reaction and 20% on summary.

❌Using very basic vocabulary like 'good' or 'interesting'. Replace with 'thought-provoking', 'gripping', 'poignant', 'overwhelming'.

❌Forgetting to answer the 'why' part. The cue card will ask 'and explain why you liked/disliked it'. Don't miss that.

❌Talking for too little time. Aim for at least 1 minute 30 seconds. Use the 4-part structure to expand naturally.

❌Mixing up tenses. When describing a book you read, use past simple. When describing its current significance, use present simple.

❌Recommending without reason. Don't just say "I recommend it". Say "I recommend it because it changed the way I view family dynamics".

Top Tips

💡 Prepare 2-3 "go-to" books and movies that can fit multiple cue cards. For example, 'The Kite Runner' can be about family, history, perspective change, and tragedy.

💡 Use the first 15 seconds to plan. The examiner gives you 1 minute to prepare. Write down the 4 structure points and three adjectives.

💡 Incorporate a short personal anecdote. "I remember reading this on a rainy Sunday afternoon..." This makes your talk more natural and memorable.

FAQ

Q: Can I talk about a movie that I only saw a small part of? A: No – you should be able to describe it in detail. Use a title you know fully. Q: What if I don't understand the cue card topic? A: Ask the examiner to repeat or clarify. You lose no points for this. Q: Should I memorize a script? A: Avoid full memorization – it sounds unnatural. Instead, memorize the structure and key vocabulary. Q: How can I expand my answer if I run out of ideas? A: Add a comparator ("Unlike most thrillers, this one...") or a hypothetical ("If I could change one thing about the ending...") Q: Is it better to talk about a classic or a popular movie? A: Either works, but a classic might show deeper analysis, while a popular movie is easier to discuss with passion. Q: What if the book is in my native language? A: That's fine – just describe it in English. Mention the original language if you like.

Key Takeaways

✅Structure your talk with introduction, plot, personal connection, and recommendation.

✅Build a vocabulary bank for genres, emotions, and reactions. Use synonyms for 'good' and 'bad'.

✅Practice with the 30 cue cards above – time yourself to stay within 1-2 minutes.

✅Focus 60% on your opinion and 20% on pure plot summary.

✅Use tenses correctly – past for describing the story, present for universal truths.

Related Posts:

IELTS Speaking Part 2: How to Structure Your Answer (With Examples)

50 Advanced Vocabulary Words for IELTS Speaking (Books and Films)

IELTS Speaking Part 1 vs Part 2 vs Part 3: What's the Difference?