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Video games/Computer games (Part 3 IELTS Speaking)

- Video games/Computer games (Part 1--IELTS Speaking)


Video games are games that 
1. have audio-visual elements (sound and picture) 2. are played on a screen (television, mobile phone, computer, etc.)

Computer games are video games that are played on a computer. 
So, all computer games are video games but all video games are not computer games.

However, the two phrases (computer games and video games) are often used interchangeably in our day-to-day conversations. Therefore, during your IELTS speaking, it would be acceptable if you do so.

Questions with sample answers:

What kind of video games do people play in your country?
Sample Answer
Quite a variety, actually. There are sports games--there are games of everything from FIFA to NBA. Also, there are brainy games such as puzzles. I, however, am a big fan of action games and I think they are the most popular too.
My all-time favourite is the Grand Theft Auto series, usually referred to as GTA. It has an open world map and one can do all kinds of crimes, obviously only virtually, in a simulated environment.

Should there be an age rating for video games?
Sample answer
Certainly, there should be and for most games, it already exists. A trending game these days is PUBG--again an action game. The age rating for it, if memory serves me right, is 16 plus.
But the worrisome thing is that such age restrictions are super-easy to skirt or bypass.

Why do people enjoy playing computer games?
Sample answer
Well, for one, it is an escape from daily life tension. It is also the perfect activity when you are hanging out with friends at home.
Obviously, to play with friends, you need to play on a big screen. Video game consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation are perfect for that.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing video games?
Sample answer
As I just said, they are great stress-busters. Also, even if you are playing alone, you can feel connected to others through online games. So, for the duration of the game, you are engaged and overjoyed.
But, there are certainly quite a few negatives too. One is the possible adverse impact on one's health. Eyesight issues, etc.
And it happens often that people get too caught up in online games and then they end up being lonelier than ever because you do need to meet and interact with people often enough. Just virtual contact can lead to huge issues.


Basic concepts and vocabulary (to talk about video games)
  • A few types of video games: action (PUBG), adventure (Minecraft), role-playing (The Witcher), simulation (Grand Prix), puzzle (Solitaire, Sudoku)
  • Video game console: A video game system that can be connected to a screen (e.g., TV). E.g., PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Wii.
  • An open world map in a video game means that the player can choose to explore the map (the different places and objectives) in the game whenever they want and in whichever order they want. 
  • Simulated environment: a copy of the real world
  • Arcade games: usually coin-operated video game machine installed in public places such as malls.
  • Graphics: The visual representation of the game (the overall look and design of the game)
  • Multiplayer: A game that allows multiple players to participate in a game simultaneously
  • Single-player: A game where only one player can play at one time

Words & phrases you can use when talking about video games
  • Gameplay: The way in which a video game is played.
    Example sentence: The gameplay of the video game is really engaging and immersive which keeps me hooked for hours on end.
  • Engaging: Interesting; Something that can attract attention and hold it
  • Immersive: An experience that completely surrounds and involves someone. If someone is completely engaged and engrossed in doing something, we can say that that thing is 'immersive'.
  • Challenging: Difficult; Something that requires great skill or effort
  • Hooked: Addicted; Strongly attracted/attached to something. If someone is very fond of a video game or TV show, we can say that they are hooked to it.
  • For hours on end (idiomatic expression): Continuously for a long period of time, without stopping or taking a break
  • Online community: A group of people who interact with each other through the internet. Such groups are, usually, based on shared interests or hobbies.
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