Five great film scenes that can help improve your English

Steffanie Zazulak
A woman sat on a sofa with a tv controller
Reading time: 3 minutes

Watching films can be a great way for people to learn English. We all have our favourite movie moments and, even as passive viewers, they're probably teaching you more than you realise. Here's a selection of our favourite scenes, along with the reasons why they're educational as well as entertaining.

 

Jaws
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

1. Jaws (1975)

We'll start with one of the most famous – and quoted – speeches in cinema. Here, intrepid shark hunter Quint explains that his hatred of sharks stems from experiencing the sinking of the USS Indianapolis warship during World War II, and witnessing his fellow survivors being picked off by sharks. 

The scene is based on real events, and the story of its creation is as fascinating as the dialogue itself. Originally conceived by uncredited writer Harold Sackler, the scene was later expanded to 10 pages by director Steven Spielberg’s friend John Milius – before Robert Shaw, the actor playing Quint, did an edit that took the speech down to five pages.

This highlights how impactful language can be even with – and sometimes due to – fewer words, while the story of its creation shows how important it is to review and edit what we write to make it more effective.

SKYFALL | 007 Meets Silva – Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem | James Bond
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

2. Skyfall (2012)

This scene is interesting for two reasons: firstly, it illustrates how tone can dictate the context of speech. The villain, Raoul Silva, introduces himself to James Bond with a story about how, as a child, he used to stay with his grandmother on an island, which he recalls as “a paradise”.

As his speech progresses, however, it takes a more sinister turn as he describes how the island became infested by rats, which he and his grandmother trapped in a barrel. The starving rats resorted to eating each other to survive. The two surviving rats, he suggests, are him and Bond – two men that have been forged by violent lives – effectively demonstrating the illustrative power of metaphors.

Secondly, the scene is notable because Silva's actor, Javier Bardem, is Spanish. Despite having a successful career in Spain, Javier learnt English and soon became a Hollywood star via films like Skyfall and No Country for Old Men. For that reason, he’s definitely an English learning role model.

Matrix architect scene
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

3. The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

This notoriously wordy scene – in which the film’s hero, Neo, meets The Architect of The Matrix – is both an illustration of advanced English and an example of how using complicated words can make your message harder to understand. Using simple language helps ensure clarity and accessibility and reduces misunderstandings.

You may even want to watch the scene with a pad and pen and write down any of the words you don’t understand, so that you can look up their meanings later. Even advanced speakers might not know the meaning of words like "concordantly", "inherent", "eventuality", "anomaly" and "assiduously".

Blade Runner - Roy Batty's monologue
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree Pearson can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

5. Blade Runner (1982)

We end with another monologue that, like Jaws', is among the most powerful in film history. It’s also a great example of how beautifully the English language can conjure up mental imagery. In the scene, Roy Batty – a dying bioengineered "replicant" – tells Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) about the things he has experienced in his life.

These include “attack ships on fire off the Shoulder of Orion” and “C-beams glitter in the dark near Tannhäuser Gate”. And though we never see the places he’s describing, the dialogue evokes some powerful imagery. Additionally, the scene ends with a line that shows how poetic the English language can be: “All these moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.”

As with Jaws, the scene was the subject of numerous re-writes, including one by the Dutch actor who played Roy Batty, Rutger Hauer. Rutger – like Javier Bardem – learned English as a foreign language and therefore is another English learning role model.

Read our post 'Translating sayings into English – with some funny results'.

Learn a new language with Mondly by Pearson

More blogs from Pearson

  • Man working in office looking at papers
    How the Slate and PTE partnership is streamlining admissions for greater efficiency
    By Alice Bazzi
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Admissions teams today are under increasing pressure to ensure the application process is done quickly, fairly and at scale, without compromising integrity or student experience. As international applicant volumes increase and digital processes become the norm, efficiency across admissions workflows has never been more critical. 

    That is why the recent partnership between Slate and PTE aims to simplify the process of receiving, reviewing and trusting English language test results. 

    A shared focus on admissions efficiency 

    Slate is widely used by higher education institutions across the United States to manage the full student lifecycle, from initial inquiry through enrollment. Admissions teams rely on Slate to centralize data, reduce manual processes and support informed decision-making at speed.

    Through the Slate and PTE partnership, PTE scores are integrated directly into admissions workflows, reducing friction for admissions officers and eliminating unnecessary administrative steps. Rather than navigating multiple systems or manually verifying results, admissions teams can access PTE scores while decisions are already being made.

    Reducing manual work and administrative burden

    One of the biggest challenges admissions teams face is losing time to manual processes, such as downloading score reports, checking authentication, uploading files or reconciling data across platforms.

    By integrating PTE into Slate:

    • English test results are received directly within the admissions platform
    • Manual entry and document handling are reduced
    • Verification becomes simpler and more reliable
    • Processing time per application is shortened

    This directly supports admissions teams who are managing high application volumes with limited resources, enabling them to focus less on administration and more on applicant evaluation. 

    Faster, more confident decision-making

    Speed matters, but confidence matters just as much. Admissions teams need to trust the data they’re working with, especially when making conditional offers or final decisions.

    Having PTE results embedded within Slate allows admissions officers to:

    • Review scores quickly and consistently
    • Make faster decisions without leaving their workflow
    • Reduce delays caused by missing or manually-uploaded documentation
    • Maintain consistency across admissions teams and cycles

    The result is a smoother review experience that supports both operational efficiency and institutional standards.

    A better experience for admissions teams and students

    Streamlined admissions workflows don’t just benefit institutions; they improve the experience for students too.

    When systems work together:

    • Applicants face fewer delays and follow‑ups
    • Admissions communication becomes clearer and more timely
    • Offer turnaround times are reduced
    • Institutions present a more modern, efficient admissions experience

    This joined‑up approach helps institutions remain competitive, responsive and student‑focused,  particularly when engaging international applicants navigating complex admissions requirements. 

    Supporting innovation in admissions operations

    Beyond efficiency gains, the Slate and PTE partnership reflects a broader commitment to innovation in admissions operations.

    By integrating trusted English proficiency data into established institutional workflows, the partnership supports:

    • Scalable admissions processes
    • Greater consistency across decision‑making
    • Reduced operational risk
    • Long‑term efficiency as application volumes grow

    For admissions teams, this means future‑ready systems designed to evolve with changing recruitment and enrolment needs. 

    Streamlining admissions with Slate and PTE

    The partnership between Slate and PTE is built on a shared understanding of what admissions teams need most: clarity, efficiency, and confidence.

    By bringing English test scores directly into admissions workflows, institutions can reduce complexity, streamline operations and deliver faster, more reliable outcomes, all while maintaining the integrity and trust that admissions decisions demand.

  • People looking at a laptop discussing what they see
    Preparing your learners for university study abroad
    By Charlotte Guest
    Reading time: 5 minutes

    Studying abroad offers an exciting opportunity for students to explore new cultures, enhance their language skills and pursue further education. However, preparing for university abroad can be stressful and overwhelming, particularly for those leaving home for the first time.

    Educators are crucial in ensuring students feel ready, confident and equipped for international study. They support learners through academic guidance and emotional encouragement, helping build the skills necessary for success abroad.

    Why preparing students for study abroad matters

    Many learners focus mainly on getting accepted into a university. However, success abroad requires much more than good grades. Students must also adapt to a new education system, manage independent living and communicate in a different cultural environment.

    Without preparation, students may struggle with:

    • Culture shock
    • Homesickness
    • Academic pressure
    • Budgeting and financial management
    • Language barriers
    • Time management

    Providing support before students leave can improve confidence and help learners settle into university life more quickly.

  • Students walking together outside talking
    So you want to study in the USA? Here’s what to expect
    By Abi Fordham
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    When I talk to students planning to study in the USA, I always notice a mix of excitement and nerves. Before giving any advice, I begin by sharing a small personal truth.

    I didn’t study in the USA myself. I spent my university years in Leeds, England, running between lectures in the rain, squeezing into crowded cafés, feeling like my whole world lived inside that one brilliant, chaotic city. And I loved it.

    However, since I've worked in international education, it's broadened my perspective. Listening to students discuss the opportunities they’re pursuing in the US, including internships, campus experiences – and seeing the confidence they develop – has made me wonder if I might have chosen differently if I could go back in time.

    So now, when a student has questions about studying in the USA, I answer them based on everything I’ve learned from being closely involved in their journey. Let’s get into it.

    “Is studying in the USA actually worth it?”

    Absolutely, not just academically, but personally.  You get access to:

    • World-leading industries
    • Diverse, ambitious communities
    • New perspectives you can’t find at home
    • A degree that's recognized globally

    It’s one of the fastest ways to grow into the most confident version of yourself.

    “Will I fit in?”

    Yes. US campuses are remarkably diverse and host many international students. You’ll quickly find people who share your background, interests and ambitions. Simply join a club, attend a welcome event or try one new activity. That’s all it takes to get started.

    “The application process seems overwhelming.”

    It looks overwhelming until you break it down into manageable tasks:

    1. Shortlist universities
    2. Understand their timelines
    3. Organize your documents
    4. Choose an English test that actually supports your plans

    Which brings us to asking…

    “Which English test should I take?”

    If you want global options, then choose PTE Academic, which gives access to worldwide opportunities.

    If you’re set on the USA, then choose PTE Express. It's quick, online, flexible and specifically designed for studying in the US. It helps your application process run more smoothly and ensures you’re using a test that meets American university standards.

    “What is life in the USA actually like?”

    Think big campuses, huge energy, endless clubs and opportunities everywhere. But also think:

    • Independence
    • Cultural discovery
    • New friendships
    • Internships that shape your future

    Most students say they grow more in their first year abroad than in all their years of school before it.

    My perspective

    Studying in the USA is about more than just earning a degree. It can change how you see yourself. While my own path was different, I love helping students experience it and seeing where it takes them.