In this lesson on the theme of Entertainment, you will learn how to express likes, dislikes and preferences, and how to recommend or review a film, song or show in natural spoken and written English.
Expressing Likes, Dislikes and Preferences
Use these expressions to talk about what kind of entertainment you enjoy or avoid.
- I’m really into … — I’m really into K-pop music these days.
- I can’t stand … — I can’t stand horror films; they give me nightmares.
- I’d rather … than … — I’d rather watch a comedy than an action film.
- I’m a big fan of … — I’m a big fan of Moroccan cinema.
- … isn’t really my thing — Reality TV isn’t really my thing.
- What I enjoy most about … is … — What I enjoy most about concerts is the live atmosphere.
Recommending and Reviewing
These expressions are useful when you want to recommend a film or show, or give your opinion of one.
- You should definitely watch/listen to … — You should definitely watch this documentary; it’s fascinating.
- I highly recommend … — I highly recommend the new season; the acting is brilliant.
- If you like …, you’ll love … — If you like mystery novels, you’ll love this thriller series.
- In my opinion, the best part is … — In my opinion, the best part is the soundtrack.
- I wouldn’t bother watching … — I wouldn’t bother watching the sequel; it’s disappointing.
Practice Exercises
Exercise 1 — Rewrite the sentence using an expression of preference: ‘I like comedies more than dramas.’ (Use ‘I’d rather…’)
Exercise 2 — Complete the dialogue: A: Have you seen the new Moroccan film? B: Yes, I’m a big ______ of it. The story was gripping.
Exercise 3 — Choose the correct expression to recommend a show to a friend: a) I can’t stand it, b) I highly recommend it, c) It isn’t my thing.
Exercise 4 — Write one sentence expressing a dislike about a type of entertainment, using ‘can’t stand’.
Exercise 5 — Match the function to the expression: 1) expressing preference, 2) recommending, 3) expressing dislike — a) ‘You should definitely watch it’, b) ‘It isn’t really my thing’, c) ‘I’d rather listen to pop than rock’.
Exercise 6 — Write a short two-line dialogue in which one person recommends a film to another, using at least one expression from this lesson.
Answer Key
Answer 1 — I’d rather watch comedies than dramas.
Answer 2 — fan
Answer 3 — b) I highly recommend it
Answer 4 — Answers will vary. Example: I can’t stand reality TV shows.
Answer 5 — 1-c, 2-a, 3-b
Answer 6 — Answers will vary. Example: A: Have you watched the new series yet? B: Not yet, but I highly recommend it if you like thrillers!
