Movies & TV shows.
Everyone has a favorite, a guilty pleasure and a show they will defend to the end. Few topics get a class talking faster.
Warm-up · ask three
- What was the last thing you watched?
- Movie theater or sofa — where do you really prefer to watch?
- What’s a show everyone loves but you just don’t get?
Lights, camera, talk
Let's talk
Discussion questions
Project the generator and let it cold-call a question. Filter by level, then give a student 60 seconds to talk. Browse the full decks below.
Random question generator
Press “New question” to put one on the board.
Deck 1
Favorites
- What's your all-time favorite movie, and why?A2
- What series are you binge-watching right now?A2
- Movie theater or home — where do you prefer to watch?A2
- Who's your favorite actor or actress?A2
- Movies or TV series — which do you prefer, and why?A2
Deck 2
Genres & taste
- What genre do you enjoy most? Why?A2
- What's a genre you just can't stand?A2
- Do you like movies based on true stories? Why or why not?B1
- What makes a movie "good" for you — plot, characters, action?B1
- Have you ever watched a movie in English? How did it go?B1
Deck 3
Choosing & reviews
- How do you decide what to watch?A2
- How do you find out about new movies or shows?A2
- Do you read reviews before watching something? Why?B1
- Have you ever loved something everyone else hated?B1
- Have you ever been let down by a movie with great reviews?B1
Deck 4
Watching together
- Do you prefer watching alone or with other people?A2
- How do you agree on what to watch with family or friends?B1
- Have you ever recommended something that flopped with a friend?B1
- Is it okay to talk during a movie, or is that a crime?B1
- Do you finish shows you don't enjoy, or just quit?B1
Deck 5
Big questions
- Are streaming services killing the movie theater?B2–C1
- Do movies and series shape how we see the world?B2–C1
- Is binge-watching a problem, or just modern life?B2–C1
- Should a great movie have a message, or is entertainment enough?B2–C1
- Are remakes and sequels a sign Hollywood is out of ideas?B2–C1
Talk for longer
Useful language
Give students the words to review, recommend and react. Pre-teach a handful, then challenge them to slip three into the discussion or the game.
Sentence starters
Scaffolding for A2–B1 — finish the sentence about you.
Giving your verdict
Recommending
Describing it
Reacting
Words & phrases
Collocations to upgrade B1–C1 speaking.
a surprising turn in the story
"The plot twist blew my mind."
to watch many episodes in a row
"We binge-watched the whole season."
information that ruins the surprise
"No spoilers, please!"
the actors in a movie or show
"The cast is absolutely brilliant."
so exciting you can't stop watching
"It's a gripping thriller."
a tense, unresolved ending
"It ended on a huge cliffhanger."
a very sad, emotional movie
"Bring tissues — it's a tearjerker."
Reviewing word bank
Quick adjectives to judge what you watched.
Classroom game
Movie Pitch
Spin the reels for a random genre, hero and twist. In teams, invent the movie — give it a title and a one-line plot — then pitch it to the class in 60 seconds. Best pitch wins the round.
Genre
Spy movie
Starring
a talking dog
Twist
all in one single night
How to play: Spin, then give teams two minutes to invent a title and a one-line plot using all three reels. Each team pitches in 60 seconds — the class votes for the best, and you award the point.
Model dialogue
Emma & James pick a show
Read it together, notice the highlighted phrases, then act it out — and finally pitch a show of your own.
On the sofa, remote in hand, twenty minutes of scrolling already gone.
Okay, we've been scrolling forever. Just pick something.
That's the problem — too many choices. What are you into right now?
I just finished this crime series. Honestly gripping — I binge-watched it in two nights.
Any good? No spoilers.
No spoilers, promise. But the plot twist at the end? I did not see it coming.
Hmm. I still think it's a bit overrated — everyone won't stop talking about it.
Give it three episodes. The cast alone is worth it.
Fine. But if it ends on a cliffhanger and there's no season two, I'm blaming you.
Deal. What do you usually go for, anyway?
Sci-fi, mostly. I love anything that makes my brain hurt a little.
Then you'll actually love this. Pass the popcorn.
Now you're speaking my language.
Now create your own show
Student A · the writer
You care about story
You want unforgettable characters and a plot that keeps people hooked. Make it something you'd be proud to write.
Student B · the producer
You care about the audience
You want a clear hook, a catchy title and a reason people will keep watching. Keep it sellable.
Your mission
- Agree on a genre and a one-line concept for your new show.
- Name the show and its main character.
- Describe the cliffhanger at the end of episode one.
- Pitch it to the class in 60 seconds — use at least three phrases from the Useful language section.
Wind down & write
Choose your writing task
Pick one prompt to finish in class or as homework. Every option keeps students writing about the screens they love.
01
Write a short review of your favorite movie or show. What makes it stand out?
02
Imagine a day in the life of a character from your favorite show.
03
Write about a movie or show that made a real impact on you. What did it leave you with?
04
Plan the perfect movie night. What would you choose, and why?
05
Invent your own TV show. What's it about, and who stars in it?
Exit ticket · 60 seconds
Before you leave
Quick round-the-room close: each student answers in one sentence. A fast way to fill everyone's watch-list.
"Recommend one movie or show to the class in a single sentence — make us want to watch it."