Do you want to improve your writing? Try our new evaluation service and get detailed feedback.
Check Your Text it's free

Describe a book or movie that had a major influence on you. v.1

Describe a book or movie that had a major influence on you. v. 1
Describe a book or movie that had a major influence on you. You should say: what is it and who wrote/produced it how you learned about it what's the main story of the book/ movie and how it had a major influence on you. Model Answer 1: So, today I’m going to talk about a book that has had a major influence on me. I will first tell you the name of the book, then I’ll tell you how I heard about it. Next, I’ll outline the main story and finally I will explain why it plays an important role in my life. The book is called ‘Tracks’, and it is by an Australian woman called Robyn Davidson. It’s quite old now, I think it was written in about 1980, but it has recently been made into a film, so perhaps you will have heard of it. I was introduced to the book by an Australian friend.   She was travelling in England when I met her, and we were both working at the same place. I said how brave she was going round the world, and how much I’d like to do it but I didn’t have the skills and courage to do the same.   She insisted that bravery doesn’t really come into it, sometimes you just have to go. When she left to continue on her travels she gave me a copy of this book, with an inscription that was taken from its last chapter which basically says, the hardest part of any endeavour (or journey) is taking the first step, making the decision to go, and after that it’s easy! The book is a true account of a young woman who decides to cross the Great Australian Desert on her own by camel! That is some 1700 miles of Australian outback, from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean.   What I found remarkable about the tale, is that the woman who does this is herself not that well equipped.   She makes lots of mistakes, things go wrong, she loses confidence at times, and it is by no means easy.   At the start of the journey she’d never met a camel, let alone knew about how to work with them!   However, she overcame all these obstacles through tenacity and creativity and achieved her goal.   It was precisely because she was apparently so unsuited to the endeavour that I found it really inspirational to read.   Sometimes you read tales of adventurers and the people who do great thing seem to be super-human, incredibly resourceful, strong or wealthy and you end up thinking ‘that’s amazing, but I could never do that’. With Robyn’s tale, it is different. You think ‘well if she can I could too.   It won’t be easy, but it isn’t necessarily impossible either’. So why is the book so important to me?   Because it gave me a nudge to do something I’d been wanting to do for a very long time.   To travel.   The story inspired me, but also the confidence that my friend had in me that I could do it too helped me to eventually take the decision to go off exploring the world.   Perhaps not anything quite so remarkable as crossing a desert on my own apart from a few camels, but my own adventures nevertheless.   Since then I’ve found out for myself that it is indeed true, the hardest bit about any adventure is making the decision to take the first step.   I wouldn’t say that after that it is necessarily easy, but I would say if you keep going forward you won’t want to look back! [ Written by - Lucy Marris |  Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam) ]   Sample Answer 2:   (A Book) I am greatly influenced by the novel – The Alchemist. This is one of the bestsellers and I like the novel for a good many reasons. The book is about finding one’s destiny. I am extremely glad to get the opportunity on discussing the novel I like most. The novel was composed in the Portuguese language by the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho. It was composed in 1987 and was published in the next year. The entire book is about the firm determination which gets natural help. The novel shows how the universe helps someone in reaching the destiny. But by the same time, there should be a firm intention towards success. The novel was written within a very short time – two weeks only. The writer had completed his work so speedily that it amazes me greatly. He told about the writing speed that the plot was in his soul and thus he was able to complete it within this short time. I love to read books of various tastes. Some of my family members term me as book worm because of my book reading nature. I first came to know about the book from an uncle (my dad’s friend) who came to our house and had some conversations with me. He told me about the book and advised me to read it. He also told me that the novel will enrich my mind from diversified perspectives. After his directives, I collected the book. But it was really difficult to get the book in the local book shops of Paris where I live in. So, I had to wait for a few days before having the book. One of the book sellers, from whom I regularly collect books, took my order and asked me to wait for somedays till he manages the book. Finally, I got the book after about one month after I placed the order.     The novel revolves around the theme about the destiny. The core theme of the book is about the supports from the universe. When someone tries to get something by heart, the entire universe comes in to help to gain the thing. Finding the destiny becomes easier then. With this novel – The Alchemist, the author wants to prove that someone needs to be true with the determination. The story runs with the events of an Andalusian shepherd and his journey to Egypt. The young boy started for Egypt to find treasure in pyramids. He dreamt about the similar thing for a couple of times and he realised the fact that he needs to move ahead to make his dream come true. Santiago, the young shepherd, believed that he would reach his dream someday and accordingly, he made the plan to visit Egypt. In his way to the destiny, he had met with several people who inspired him to reach his goal. He falls in love and gets a new realisation about life. The novel had some major influences on me after I completed reading it. In fact, it may sound weird that I have started believing on personal legend and reached the goals I dreamt for. I wanted to succeed in my academic activities. It was difficult for me to obtain a very good score in the exams. But with the firm determination, I found that everything was easier to me. I got supports from my parents and classmates in the university which I never had before. My way of thinking towards the world changed and I won everything I wanted to win before. I got the idea from the novel and it was a great help for me indeed.
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
Describe
a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
or movie that had a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
major
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
influence
on you. You should say: what is it and
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
who
wrote/produced it how you learned about it what's the main
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
story
of the book/ movie and how it had a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
major
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
influence
on you. Model Answer 1:

So
,
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
today
I’m going to talk about a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
that has had a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
major
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
influence
on me. I will
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
first
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
tell
you the name of the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
, then I’ll
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
tell
you how I heard about it.
Next
, I’ll outline the main
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
story
and
finally
I will
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
explain
why it plays an
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
important
role in my life. The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
is called
‘
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
Tracks
’, and it is by an Australian woman called Robyn Davidson. It’s quite
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
old
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
now
, I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
think
it
was written
in about 1980,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
it has recently
been made
into a film,
so
perhaps you will have heard of it. I
was introduced
to the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
by an Australian friend.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
She was travelling in England when I met her, and we were both working at the same place. I said how brave she was going round the world, and how much I’d like to do it
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
I didn’t have the
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
skills
and courage to do the same.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
She insisted that bravery doesn’t
really
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
come
into it,
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
sometimes
you
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
just
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
have to
go. When she
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
left
to continue on her travels she gave me a copy of this
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
, with an inscription that
was taken
from its last chapter which
basically
says, the hardest part of any
Possible spelling mistake. 'endeavour' is British English.
endeavour
(or journey) is taking the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
first
step, making the decision to go, and after that it’s
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
easy
! The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
is a
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
true
account of a young woman
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
who
decides to cross the Great Australian Desert on her
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
own
by camel!
That is
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
some
Writing for an international audience? Consider adding the metric equivalent.
1700 miles
of Australian outback, from Alice Springs to the Indian Ocean.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
What I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
found
remarkable about the tale, is that the woman
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
who
does this is herself not that
This word is normally spelled with hyphen.
well equipped
.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
She
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
makes
lots of mistakes, things go
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
wrong
, she loses confidence at
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
times
, and it is by no means
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
easy
.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
At the
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
start
of the journey she’d never met a camel,
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
let
alone
Did you mean "new"?
knew
about how to work with them!
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
However
, she overcame all these obstacles through tenacity and creativity and achieved her goal.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
It was
precisely
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
because
she was
apparently
so
unsuited to the
Possible spelling mistake. 'endeavour' is British English.
endeavour
that I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
found
it
really
inspirational to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
read
.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
Sometimes
you
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
read
tales of adventurers and the
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
people
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
who
do great thing seem to be super-human,
incredibly
resourceful, strong or wealthy and you
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
end
up thinking ‘that’s amazing,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
I could never do that’. With Robyn’s tale, it is
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
different
. You
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
think
‘
well
if she can I could too.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
It won’t be
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
easy
,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
it isn’t
necessarily
impossible either’.
So
why is the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
so
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
important
to me?
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
Because
it gave me a nudge to do something I’d
The verb 'wanting' is a stative verb and sometimes the progressive form is not correct. Try a simple form instead.
been wanting
to do for a
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
very
long
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
time
.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
To travel.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
story
inspired me,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
also
the confidence that my friend had in me that I could do it too
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
helped
me to
eventually
take the decision to go off exploring the world.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
Perhaps not anything quite
so
remarkable as crossing a desert on my
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
own
apart from a few camels,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
my
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
own
adventures
nevertheless
.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
Since
The comma is probably missing here: "then, I".
then I
’ve
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
found
out for myself that it is
indeed
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
true
, the hardest bit about any adventure is making the decision to take the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
first
step.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
I wouldn’t say that after that it is
necessarily
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
easy
,
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
but
I would say if you
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
keep
going forward you won’t want to look back!
Don't put a space after the opening parenthesis
[
Written by
Consider using an m-dash if you do not want to join two words.
-
Lucy
Possible spelling mistake found.
Marris
|
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
Careers Adviser (UK), TEFL teacher (Vietnam)
Don't put a space before the closing parenthesis
]
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
Sample Answer 2:
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
 
(A Book)

I am
greatly
influenced by the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
Consider using an m-dash if you do not want to join two words.
–
The Alchemist. This is one of the bestsellers and I like the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
for a
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
good
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
many
reasons. The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
is about finding one’s
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
destiny
. I am
extremely
glad to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
get
the opportunity on discussing the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
I like most.

The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
was composed
in the Portuguese language by the Brazilian writer Paulo
Possible spelling mistake found.
Coelho
. It
was composed
in 1987 and
was published
in the
next
year. The entire
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
is about the firm determination which
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
gets
natural
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
help
. The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
shows
how the universe
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
helps
someone in reaching the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
destiny
.
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
But
by the same
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
time
, there should be a firm intention towards success. The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
was written
within a
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
very
short
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
time
Consider using an m-dash if you do not want to join two words.
–
two weeks
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
only
. The writer had completed his work
so
speedily
that it amazes me
greatly
. He
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
told
about the writing speed that the plot was in his soul and
thus
he was able to complete it within this short time.

I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
love
to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
read
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
books
of various tastes.
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
Some
of my family members term me as
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
worm
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
because
of my
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
reading nature. I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
first
came to know about the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
from an uncle (my dad’s friend)
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
who
came to our
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
house
and had
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
some
conversations with me. He
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
told
me about the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
and advised me to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
read
it. He
also
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
told
me that the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
will enrich my mind from diversified perspectives. After his directives, I collected the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
.
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
But
it was
really
difficult to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
get
the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
in the local
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
shops of Paris where I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
live
in.
So
, I had to wait for a few days
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
before
having the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
. One of the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
sellers, from whom I
regularly
collect
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
books
, took my order and asked me to wait for
Possible spelling mistake found.
somedays till
he manages the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
.
Finally
, I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
got
the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
after about one month after I placed the order.
Possible typo: you repeated a whitespace
   
The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
revolves around the theme about the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
destiny
. The core theme of the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
book
is about the supports from the universe. When someone tries to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
get
something by heart, the entire universe
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
comes
in to
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
help
to gain the thing. Finding the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
destiny
becomes easier then. With this
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
Consider using an m-dash if you do not want to join two words.
–
The Alchemist, the author wants to prove that someone needs to be
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
true
with the determination. The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
story
runs with the
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
events
of an Andalusian shepherd and his journey to Egypt. The young boy
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
started
for Egypt to find treasure in pyramids. He dreamt about the similar thing for a couple of
Use a comma before 'and' if it connects two independent clauses (unless they are closely connected and short).
times and
he
Possible spelling mistake. 'realised' is British English.
realised
the fact that he needs to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
move
ahead to
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
make
his dream
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
come
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
true
. Santiago, the young shepherd, believed that he would reach his dream someday and
accordingly
, he made the plan to visit Egypt. In his way to the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
destiny
, he had met with several
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
people
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
who
inspired him to reach his goal. He falls in
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
love
and
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
gets
a new
Possible spelling mistake. 'realisation' is British English.
realisation
about life.

The
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
had
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
some
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
major
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
influences
on me after I completed reading it. In fact, it may sound weird that I have
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
started
believing on personal legend and reached the goals I dreamt for. I wanted to succeed in my academic activities. It was difficult for me to obtain a
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
very
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
good
score in the exams.
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
But
with the firm determination, I
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
found
that everything was easier to me. I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
got
supports from my parents and classmates in the university which I never had
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
before
. My way of thinking towards the world
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
changed
and I won everything I wanted to win
This phrase/word is too simple and can be replaced with:
before
. I
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
got
the
This phrase/word (depending on the context) can be potentially replaced with :
idea
from the
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
novel
and it was a great
You use this word too often, consider replacing it with
help
for me
indeed
.
17Linking words, meeting the goal of 7 or more
92Repeated words, meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
38Mistakes

IELTS speaking Describe a book or movie that had a major influence on you. v. 1

Speaking
  American English
6 paragraphs
1247 words
5.5
Overall Band Score
Coherence and Cohesion: 5.5
  • Structure your answers in logical paragraphs
  • ?
    One main idea per paragraph
  • ?
    Include an introduction and conclusion
  • ?
    Support main points with an explanation and then an example
  • Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately
  • ?
    Vary your linking phrases using synonyms
Lexical Resource: 5.0
  • Try to vary your vocabulary using accurate synonyms
  • Use less common question specific words that accurately convey meaning
  • Check your work for spelling and word formation mistakes
Grammatical Range: 5.5
  • Use a variety of complex and simple sentences
  • Check your writing for errors
Task Achievement: 5.0
  • Answer all parts of the question
  • ?
    Present relevant ideas
  • Fully explain these ideas
  • ?
    Support ideas with relevant, specific examples
Labels Descriptions
  • ?
    Currently is not available
  • Meet the criteria
  • Doesn't meet the criteria
Similar posts


Recent posts