Vocabulary · FILMS AND STORIES
Describing films and stories
Go beyond good or bad: describe a story and explain why you would recommend it.
Created by Denis M., British English teacher.
Your goal
Give a short, clear recommendation using story vocabulary and reasons for your opinion.
Work from top to bottom. Speak aloud on your own or with a tutor. The situations are practice examples.
Listen and repeat
Each item has a British and an American button. Listen to the word and example, repeat them, then make your own sentence. Both tracks use the same eight items.
British English · Libby
Open or download british MP3American English · Amanda
Open or download american MP3Choose an accent on any word below.
Describe the story
Start with what the story contains. You can describe the beginning and the situation without revealing the ending.
plot
noun
The connected events that make up a story.
The plot follows two friends searching for a missing letter.
a simple plot; follow the plot
The plot is what happens. A theme is an idea the story explores, such as friendship.
Word + example. Listen, then repeat.
setting
noun
The place and time in which a story happens.
The setting is a small village in the nineteen fifties.
a historical setting; an unusual setting
Use be set in for place or time: The film is set in a village. It is set in the 1950s.
Word + example. Listen, then repeat.
character
noun
A person or other individual represented in a story.
The main character wants to find her brother.
the main character; a believable character
A character belongs to the story. An actor is the real person who plays a character in a film or play.
Word + example. Listen, then repeat.
twist
noun
An unexpected change in how a story develops.
A surprising twist changes the meaning of the final scene.
a plot twist; an unexpected twist
Saying there is a twist need not reveal it. Explain the actual surprise only if your listener wants to know.
Word + example. Listen, then repeat.
Speak now: For 30 seconds, describe a real or invented story using plot, setting and character. Keep the ending secret.
Possible model response
The setting is a busy city in winter. The main character is a taxi driver. The plot follows her search for the owner of a mysterious bag.
Solo: say where, when and who before describing events. Tutor: ask what the character wants.
Explain your reaction
These words help you give a reason for your recommendation. Different viewers can respond differently to the same story.
pace
noun
The speed at which a story seems to develop.
The pace is slow at first but becomes faster later.
a fast pace; a slow pace
Slow does not automatically mean bad. A slow pace can leave time to understand the characters.
Word + example. Listen, then repeat.
gripping
adjective, extension word
So interesting or exciting that it keeps your attention strongly.
The mystery is gripping from the first scene.
a gripping story; a gripping film
Use this stronger alternative to interesting when it is difficult to stop watching or reading.
Word + example. Listen, then repeat.
predictable
adjective
Easy to guess before it happens.
The ending is predictable because the clues are too obvious.
a predictable ending; a predictable plot
In a review, this often expresses disappointment, but a familiar story can still be enjoyable.
Word + example. Listen, then repeat.
moving
adjective
Causing a strong emotional reaction, often sadness or sympathy.
The reunion is a moving moment in the story.
a moving scene; deeply moving
Here moving describes an emotional effect. It does not mean that a person or object changes position.
Word + example. Listen, then repeat.
Speak now: For 30 seconds, recommend a film or book using two reaction words and because. A mixed opinion is fine.
Possible model response
The ending is predictable, but the story is still moving because the friendship feels real. I would recommend it to people who enjoy family stories.
Solo: add a reason to each adjective. Tutor: ask whether the pace helped or weakened the story.
Try it in context
Say each answer aloud before opening the explanation.
1. A review says, 'The story happens in a coastal town in 1980.' Which aspect does this describe?
Check answer 1
The setting.
Place and time describe the setting. The plot would explain the events.
2. Correct the confusion: 'The actor in the story is a detective, but I cannot remember who plays her.'
Check answer 2
The character in the story is a detective.
The character is the detective. The actor is the person who plays her.
3. Complete a balanced opinion: 'I guessed the ending, so it was ___, but the goodbye scene made me feel sad, so it was ___. '
Check answer 3
Predictable; moving.
Predictable concerns what you can guess. Moving concerns the emotional effect. Both can describe the same story.
Solo: invent one sentence about a setting and one about a plot. Tutor: ask the learner to explain the difference without using those two words.
Check and use your learning
Mastery quiz · 8 questions
Give your recommendation · 45 seconds
Speak for 45 seconds about a real or invented film or book. Describe its setting and main character, give one event from the plot and explain your opinion. Do not reveal the ending.
It is set in… / The main character… / The plot follows… / I found it… because…
Possible model response
It is set in a quiet town in winter. The main character is a young photographer. The plot follows her search for a missing friend. The pace is slow at first, but the mystery becomes gripping. There is a surprising twist, which I will not reveal. I would recommend it because the friendship is believable and moving.
Solo: repeat your recommendation with one fewer adjective and one clearer reason. Tutor: ask what kind of viewer would enjoy it.
Make the words yours
Tomorrow, describe a story in four sentences without looking here: setting, character, plot and your reaction with a reason.
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