Talking About Movies

Advanced ESL Reading and Writing
Santa Monica College
Eric H. Roth
 
A. Movie experiences:
1. Where do you usually see movies?
2. How often do you rent videotapes/DVDs?
3. Do you have cable television?
4. Do you subscribe to any movie channels?
5. Do you own any movies at home? Which?
6. Have you figured out a way to see movies for free?
7. How expensive are movie tickets in your native country?
 
8. Can you compare movie houses there with theatres in the United States?
9. Are movie tickets usually sold on a first-come, first-served basis?
10. Can you think of any recent smash hits in your country?
11. Would you like to pan a movie you saw in the last year?
12. Have you ever run into someone famous in Los Angeles?
 
B. Movie genres:
1. Which types (genres) of movies do you enjoy most? Why?
Adventure           Animation            Biography          Comedy
Drama                 Historical             Musical               Science Fiction
Romantic             Documentary      Fantasy              Foreign
Mystery               Horror                 War                    Western
 
2. Can you think of an example of a good movie in 5 categories?
3. Can you think of an example of a bad movie in 3 categories?
4. Please list five of your favorite films. Why are these films special?
5. Please list five movies that you disliked. Why do you dislike them?
 
6. Do you have any favorite actors?
7. Can you list five actors/actresses that you like?
8. What roles or movies did they perform in that impressed you?
9. Do you have any favorite directors? Why?
10. What factors help you decide what movie to see? (Word of mouth? Ads?)
11. What makes a movie “work” for you?
12. What are some characteristics of what you consider a good movie?
13. What movies have you seen this summer?
14. What movies do you want to see this summer? Why?

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