Who doesn’t love to watch movies? And movie lovers keep talking about their favorite movies, characters, directors, scenes, dialogues, etc. ESL students should also be confident while talking about movies in English. So, how can you boost your students’ movie-related conversational skills?
If you’ve been teaching speaking skills for a while, you know that ESL teachers face at least a few, if not many, challenges while preparing their speaking lessons. One of the primary challenges is selecting the right activity for your ESL speaking class. In order to boost my students’ conversational skills, I often use sample conversations as a role-play activity in my classes.
And guess what? My students truly enjoy them!
Students often struggle when starting movie conversations, like expressing opinions clearly or using film-related words.
How can you help your students, as a teacher, with movie conversation challenges?
While teaching movie conversations to your ESL students, you should give them ample opportunity to practice real-life conversations through role-plays. You can also use my favorite list of conversation questions on movies to prompt their opinions about movies and related stuff.
This post has 15 conversations for students to practice, helping them improve their skills and confidence as they talk about movies. The conversations are curated for three levels: lower intermediate, higher intermediate, and advanced. Give these sample movie conversations to them as guided practice or drills so that they become confident in talking about movies in real-life situations.
Table of Contents
Recommending a Movie (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends chatting at a café
Maria: Hey, Juan, seen any good movies lately?
Juan: Not really. I need recommendations.
Maria: How about “Finding Nemo”? It’s fun.
Juan: What’s it about?
Maria: Fish looking for lost son. Very funny.
Juan: Sounds interesting. I’ll check it out.
Maria: You’ll like it. Great for a laugh.
Juan: Thanks, Maria. I’ll watch it tonight.
Maria: No problem. Enjoy your movie night, Juan.
Sharing Favorite Movies (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two neighbors chatting outside their houses
Elena: Hi, Carlos. What’s your favorite movie?
Carlos: I love “Toy Story”. It’s so funny.
Elena: I like that one too. Have you seen the sequels?
Carlos: Yes, they’re great too.
Elena: I prefer the first one. It’s classic.
Carlos: Yeah, it’s special. Let’s watch it together sometime.
Elena: Sure, sounds like a plan.
Planning Movie Night (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two friends discussing a movie night at home
Emily: Hi, Sarah. Want to watch a movie tonight?
Sarah: Sure! What movie do you want to see?
Emily: How about a comedy? They’re fun.
Sarah: Okay. I like comedies too.
Emily: I’ll order pizza. Do you like pizza?
Sarah: Yes, I love pizza!
Emily: Great! We can also have popcorn.
Sarah: Popcorn sounds good. I’ll bring drinks.
Emily: Sounds like a plan. See you at 7?
Sarah: Yes, see you then!
Discussing Favorite Movies (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: Two classmates chatting during break
James: Hi, Lisa. What’s your favorite movie?
Lisa: I like action movies. They’re exciting.
James: Action movies are cool. I like them too.
Lisa: Do you have a favorite actor?
James: Yes, I like Tom Cruise. He’s great.
Lisa: He’s in many action movies, right?
James: Yes, he is. Who’s your favorite actor?
Lisa: Angelina Jolie. She’s fantastic in action movies.
Asking for Movie Recommendations (Informal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A conversation between neighbors in the hallway
David: Hi, Maria. Can you recommend a good movie?
Maria: Sure! What kind of movie do you like?
David: I like romantic movies.
Maria: Have you seen “The Notebook”? It’s romantic.
David: No, I haven’t. Is it good?
Maria: Yes, it’s lovely. You should watch it.
David: Thanks, I’ll check it out.
At the Movie Rental Store (Formal)
Level: Low intermediate
Context: A customer asking for help at the movie rental store
Mr. Johnson: Excuse me, can you help me find a movie?
Clerk: Of course, sir. What type of movie are you looking for?
Mr. Johnson: I want a comedy for my family.
Clerk: We have a few popular comedies. Any preferences?
Mr. Johnson: Something suitable for children, please.
Clerk: How about “Toy Story”? It’s great for kids and funny.
Mr. Johnson: That sounds perfect. I’ll take it.
Clerk: Alright, let me get that for you.
Sharing Movie Recommendations (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two cousins catching up at a family gathering
Carlos: Hi, Maria! Seen any good movies lately?
Maria: Hey, Carlos! Yes, I watched “Inception” last night.
Carlos: Oh, I love that movie! Mind-bending storyline, right?
Maria: Exactly! It kept me on the edge of my seat.
Carlos: Christopher Nolan’s films are always thought-provoking.
Maria: Definitely. Have you seen any of his other works?
Carlos: Yes, “Interstellar” is another masterpiece by him.
Maria: I’ll add it to my watchlist. Thanks, Carlos!
Carlos: No problem, Maria. Enjoy the movie!
Debating a Movie Ending (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two classmates discussing a film project
Emma: Hi, Jack. Did you watch “The Shawshank Redemption”?
Jack: Yes, I did. But I didn’t like the ending.
Emma: Really? I thought it was satisfying and hopeful.
Jack: I disagree. It felt too convenient and unrealistic.
Emma: But it’s a story of redemption and resilience.
Jack: True, but I prefer more ambiguity in endings.
Emma: That’s understandable. Different strokes for different folks.
Jack: Exactly. It’s what makes discussing films so interesting.
Emma: Agreed. Let’s incorporate diverse perspectives into our project.
Jack: Good idea, Emma. It’ll enrich our analysis.
Recommending a Feel-Good Movie (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: Two coworkers chatting during a coffee break
Luis: Hey, Ana. Looking for a movie to lift your spirits?
Ana: Hi, Luis. Yes, something light-hearted would be nice.
Luis: How about “The Intouchables”? It’s heartwarming and funny.
Ana: Sounds promising. What’s the storyline?
Luis: It’s about an unlikely friendship between a quadriplegic and a caregiver.
Ana: That sounds touching. I’ll give it a watch.
Luis: Great choice. Let me know what you think afterward.
Ana: Will do, Luis. Thanks for the recommendation!
Luis: Anytime, Ana. Enjoy the movie!
Talking about Movies at a Movie Club Meeting (Informal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A group of friends planning their next movie club meeting
Emma: Hi everyone, any ideas for our next movie club meeting?
Alex: How about a classic movie night?
Sophia: That sounds fun. What classic movie do you suggest?
Alex: “Casablanca” or “Gone with the Wind”?
Daniel: I prefer “Gone with the Wind.” It’s epic.
Emma: Agreed. Let’s go with that. When should we meet?
Sophia: Saturday evening works for me. How about you all?
Alex: Saturday sounds good. Let’s meet at my place?
Daniel: Sure, Alex. Thanks for hosting.
Movie Critique Discussion (Formal)
Level: High intermediate
Context: A film studies class analyzing a recent movie
Professor Davis: Good morning, class. Let’s discuss the movie we watched.
Lily: I found the plot intriguing, especially the twists.
Professor Davis: Yes, the storyline was captivating. Any other thoughts?
Mark: The cinematography was impressive. It added depth to the scenes.
Professor Davis: I agree. What about character development?
Emily: Some characters felt underdeveloped, but overall, it was good.
Professor Davis: Excellent observations. Let’s delve deeper into the themes.
Lily: I noticed themes of redemption and forgiveness throughout the movie.
Professor Davis: Yes, those were central themes. Well done, everyone.
Analyzing Film Techniques (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two film enthusiasts discussing a recent critically acclaimed movie
Eleanor: Hello, Jonathan. Have you watched “Parasite”?
Jonathan: Yes, Eleanor. A remarkable film, don’t you think?
Eleanor: Absolutely. Bong Joon-ho’s direction and cinematography were outstanding.
Jonathan: Indeed. The use of symbolism added depth to the narrative.
Eleanor: I particularly admired the juxtaposition of social classes portrayed.
Jonathan: It offered a profound commentary on societal inequality.
Eleanor: Precisely. The subtle nuances throughout were thought-provoking.
Jonathan: And the performances were captivating, wouldn’t you agree?
Eleanor: Definitely. Each actor brought authenticity to their role.
Jonathan: “Parasite” truly exemplifies the power of cinematic storytelling.
Eleanor: I couldn’t agree more. It deserved every accolade it received.
Debating Film Adaptations (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: Two friends sharing differing opinions on movie adaptations of books
Sophia: Hi, Adam. What’s your take on movie adaptations versus their literary counterparts?
Adam: Hey, Sophia. It depends. Some adaptations capture the essence, but others fall short.
Sophia: Agreed. The transition from page to screen can be challenging.
Adam: Precisely. Visual storytelling often sacrifices narrative depth for cinematic appeal.
Sophia: However, a well-executed adaptation can enhance the source material’s impact.
Adam: True. It introduces the story to a wider audience, albeit with compromises.
Sophia: Yet, purists argue that it dilutes the author’s original vision.
Adam: Understandable. Balancing fidelity to the text with creative interpretation is crucial.
Sophia: Ultimately, it boils down to individual preferences and expectations.
Adam: Indeed. Each medium offers unique storytelling opportunities and limitations.
Movie Production Meeting (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A production meeting for an upcoming blockbuster film where creative heads discuss the visual effects and cinematography
Director Patel: Good morning, team. Let’s focus on the visual effects and cinematography for the next scene.
Cinematographer Wong: I propose incorporating practical effects to enhance the realism of the action sequence.
VFX Supervisor Chen: Agreed. We can then seamlessly integrate CGI to elevate the spectacle without sacrificing authenticity.
Director Patel: How about the color palette? I envision a contrast between warm and cool tones to convey emotional depth.
Production Designer Kim: I’ll ensure the set design complements the color scheme and enhances the visual storytelling.
Director Patel: Excellent. Let’s collaborate to achieve a visually stunning and thematically resonant sequence.
Cinematographer Wong: I’m excited to bring your vision to life, Director Patel.
VFX Supervisor Chen: We’ll work closely to ensure the effects seamlessly blend with the narrative and enhance audience immersion.
Director Patel: Thank you, team. Your dedication to excellence is truly commendable. Let’s make this scene unforgettable.
Movie Critics’ Discussion (Formal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A panel of film critics dissecting the symbolism in a recently released movie
Dr. Patel: Good afternoon, esteemed colleagues. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the symbolism in the film.
Professor Lee: The recurring motif of mirrors symbolizes self-reflection and the characters’ inner turmoil.
Dr. Rodriguez: Agreed. Additionally, the use of color symbolism highlights the emotional journey of the protagonist.
Dr. Patel: How about the symbolism of the recurring thunderstorms throughout the film?
Professor Lee: It represents the protagonist’s internal conflict and foreshadows pivotal moments in the narrative.
Dr. Rodriguez: Furthermore, the juxtaposition of light and shadow symbolizes the duality of human nature.
Dr. Patel: Fascinating insights, colleagues. Let’s continue to unravel the layers of meaning within the film.
Professor Lee: Indeed, the richness of symbolism adds depth to the cinematic experience and invites further analysis.
Dr. Rodriguez: I propose we explore how cultural contexts influence the interpretation of symbols in the film.
Dr. Patel: An excellent suggestion. Let’s reconvene next week to delve deeper into cultural symbolism in cinema.
Movie Buffs’ Debate (Informal)
Level: Advanced
Context: A group of movie enthusiasts engaged in a lively debate about the merits of classic versus contemporary cinema
Sophia: Hey guys, what’s your take on classic versus contemporary cinema?
Max: Classic films have timeless storytelling and depth that modern movies often lack.
Elena: But contemporary cinema pushes boundaries and reflects current societal issues in a more relevant manner.
Sophia: True, but classics laid the groundwork for the evolution of cinematic techniques and storytelling.
Max: I agree, but we can’t discount the innovation and diversity in today’s filmmaking.
Elena: Both have their merits, but ultimately, it’s about personal preference and the cultural context.
Sophia: Well said. Let’s toast to the rich tapestry of cinema, past and present.
Max: Here’s to the films that inspire us, regardless of their era or genre.
Elena: Cheers to that! May our love for cinema continue to unite us.
Conclusion
In conclusion, practicing conversations about movies can greatly enhance ESL students’ English skills. By using the provided dialogues, both students and teachers can overcome common challenges and improve their ability to discuss films effectively
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