Learning English exclusively through books can be both monotonous and daunting, particularly when studying for an important exam such as the IELTS. The incorporation of exciting TV shows into your prep schedule is a form of authentic language exposure because its use offers various accents and contexts.
Research shows that the acquisition of new languages through visual aids or immersion significantly enhances the desired results. According to a study published on the The Language Learning Journal, learners who fortified their education with media in English experienced improved listening skills nearly 30% faster than their peers who relied solely on customary resources.
Let us discuss effective TV shows that will prepare you for IELTS while sharpening your English proficiency.
The Importance of Shows on TV for IELTS Preparation
Let's take a step back and assess the impact television shows have on an IELTS candidate before giving any recommendations.
Listening to natural language is vital for the IELTS exam
As part of the examination, the ability to comprehend and use English is evaluated. Unlike textbooks and learning aids which reduce conversation into static-and boring interaction, television shows feature real dialogue, idiomatic expressions, fast-paced talking like you would in a real-world scenario, use English slang which the learner will encounter in day to day conversations.
Diverse Accents
One important aspect of the IELTS listening part is seeing how well you understand different accents. You will be exposed to British, American, as well as Australian and Canadian accents. Watching different shows around the world will aid in understanding why the different accents are used.
Learning New Words and Phrases
TV shows contextualize vocabulary within phrases. Studies show that use of context leads to 40% better retargeted compared to rote memorization devoid of context. If they would try to learn new words on their own, most TV show's characters will contextualize it in a way that sitcoms will help the viewer learn how to use a phrase correctly.
Information about cultures
Sometimes shows capture culture based in certain background situations. Often would show is used for illustrations in IELTS they use surreal English which primarily focuses on cultural context. Learning the language while watching a show gives good exposure to new contexts.
Useful tips on learning English through Television Shows
The following tips will make the passive learning from TV shows more effective.
- Try to first watch with your native language subtitles. After that try English subtitles, then advance to no subtitles at all as you get better.
- Maintain records of new vocabulary, phrases, and cultural notes of interest.
- Rethink complicated scenes for better understanding.
- Repeat lines from the show to work on pronunciation and inflection.
- Talk about the episodes with other learners or forum participants to enhance their written and verbal skills.
"Watching TV shows in English is a fun and effective way to improve your language skills. It helps you pick up new vocabulary, understand different accents, and get used to the natural flow of conversation." — Sarah Lee, ESL Instructor
Top 10 TV Shows to Improve Your English for IELTS
- Friends (American Sitcom)
IELTS Benefits: Conversational English, everyday vocabulary, clear pronunciation
Why It Works: With simple dialogue focused on daily life situations, Friends offers an accessible entry point for intermediate learners. The show's steady pace and American accent is ideal for learners working on listening comprehension.
Set Phrase Tip: Look out for the filler and casual slang phrases used by natives as they talk, such as "you know" and "I mean". These will improve the conversational quality of your responses in the speaking section.
- The Crown (British Historical Drama)
IELTS Benefits: Formal British English, sophisticated vocabulary, proper pronunciation
Why It Works: The Crown enables learners to hear formal British English and the RP (Received Pronunciation) accent which is common in IELTS listening materials. Its historical context is also useful for background knowledge concerning some reading passages.
Study Tip: Listen for the formal expressions and advanced terms effortlessly enhancing your writing and speaking scores.
- MasterChef Australia (43rd Season of a Famous Show)
IELTS Benefits: MasterChef Australia offers culinary competitions framed as reality shows.
Why It Works: listening comprehension with an Australian accent, descriptive language, and specialized vocabulary. MasterChef Australia has food related specialties, so it will benefit you in IELTS. Moreover, it will teach you different terms in cooking and will help you with Australian English, which is one of the accents used in the listening portion of the IELTS exam.
Study Tip: Speaking and writing tasks in IELTS examine your ability to follow processes and procedures. Thus, describing processes from cooking shows can serve as amazing preparation for IELTS MasterChef.
- Significant authority: Focus and merit tasks achieved
IELTS Benefits: The reputable organizations of the world such as TED offer nine ideal educational sessions deemed worthy for individuals planning significant advancement toward goals designed for difference-making.
Why It Works: Australian educational IELTS is similar to TED talks. Thus, watching TED talks gives you assistance with IELTS and prepares you to sculpt your way to tackling the educational English IELTS.
Study tips: watch the speaker and actively listen to their ideas so you can compose main point summaries.
- Modern American Sitcom 'Modern Family' (American Sitcom)
IELTS Benefits: You can benefit in Modern Family by understanding 21st century informal English, words relating to family, and multiple accents.
Why It Works: Learn how to comprehend many other modern relatives and their different relationships, and learn contemporary words and expressions along family interactions that are frequent in IELTS.
Study tips: Notice the difference in how each characters voice and opinion is expressed, this shift in delivery will aid you for the speaking test.
- Planet Earth (British Documentary Series)
IELTS Benefits: Academic vocabulary, clear narration, environmental topics
Why It Works: David Attenborough's British inflection is well-known for his sophisticated vocabulary about nature which is often discussed in the IELTS reading and writing sections, so his narration is extremely helpful.
Study tips: Practice paraphrasing since these segment, which is relevant for both the reading and writing parts of the test, require this essential skill.
- Sherlock (British Crime Drama)
IELTS Benefits: British slang, advanced vocabulary, fast-paced dialogue
Why It Works: Sherlock is great for listening practice for upper-intermediate and advanced learners due to the rapid exchanges of complex sentences and challenging British English, making it great for developing advanced listening comprehension skills.
Study tips: Put your British English understanding to the ultimate test by viewing without subtitles to see how much you can understand of fast-paced conversations and check your comprehension.
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine (American Comedy)
IELTS Benefits: Humour, diverse accents, and workplace vocabulary are integrated during the show, making it an interesting sitcom.
Why It Works: This comedy helps widen professional vocabulary as the featured character's background and accents are diverse, making it an interesting sitcom.
Study tips: Study how humor works in English, cultural jokes can make a difference in your comprehension in cases you didn't expect on the test.
- The Great British Bake Off (Reality Competition)
IELTS Benefits: British idioms, instructional language, technical vocabulary
Why It Works: The blending of banter and formal baking language ensures that learners can absorb procedural language and British expressions.
Study Tip: Focus on describing the processes of baking since it is ideal preparation for Task 1 process diagrams in process charts.
- News Programs (BBC World News, CNN International)
IELTS Benefits: Formal vocabulary, current affairs knowledge, professional speaking
Why It Works: These shows address newsworthy events in a formal manner, which is necessary for IELTS reading and listening sections.
Study Tip: Watching global news for 10 to 15 minutes regularly enhances a learner's understanding of current global issues that are often discussed in IELTS tasks.
Conclusion:
TV shows and movies can enhance your IELTS preparation quite effectively as they combine enjoyment with learning. By using the methods described in this guide, you will acquire English skills in a more natural way while developing the competencies required for success in IELTS.
Make sure that consistency becomes part of your routine. An active TV watching session of just 20-30 minutes a day over an extended time will yield significant improvement. Choose shows appropriate to your current level, and as you improve, increase the complexity of the content.
Begin your TV-enhanced IELTS preparation today and change your study routine from monotonous drills to real-life language immersion.
FAQ
How sooner should I engage in watching TV shows in English before the test?
It is best to incorporate TV shows at least 3 to 6 months prior to the exam date to ensure ample time for listening and vocabulary skills.
Isn't watching TV supposed to aid in improving one's overall average, specifically in writing?
Indeed, with the correct approach, shows can improve your written work standard with exposure to unique styles of sentences and varied expressions. Note down the different methods of presenting ideas and include them in your practice essays.
Is it necessary to learn phrases from movies or TV Shows?
It is better to understand the speech rather than learning phrases in movies and shows. Memorization is not useful, rather knowing patterns and formulas that can be modified in response in the IELTS exam.
What do you think the most developed skill from watching TV is: reading, writing, speaking or listening?
Currently, listening is the most developed skill. However, TV watching done in a structured way can enhance all skills. Speaking is improved with imitation, writing with expression capturing, and reading with subtitle monitoring.
What if I do not understand everything?
That's part of the process, so don't worry. Try to get the general idea first before paying too much attention to the finer details. With time and regular exposure, comprehension will improve.
