As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students who find the IELTS Speaking test a bit daunting. Many worry about being caught off guard by unexpected questions. While it’s impossible to predict everything the examiner might ask, there are common topics that frequently appear. One such topic is music, often phrased as “What kind of music do you like listening to?” This seemingly simple question is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your English skills and impress the examiner.
Why Does This Question Matter in the IELTS Speaking Test?
This question assesses your ability to:
- Vocabulary Range: Use a variety of words related to music genres, artists, and musical experiences.
- Fluency and Coherence: Speak smoothly and connect your ideas logically.
- Grammar Accuracy: Use correct grammar structures.
- Pronunciation: Speak clearly and understandably.
Music Genres
How to Talk About Your Musical Tastes
1. Go Beyond “I Like…”
While there’s nothing wrong with simply stating your preferred genres (e.g., “I like pop music”), elaborating on your answers will help you showcase your language abilities. Consider using:
- Adjectives to describe the music: upbeat, relaxing, soulful, intense, catchy, melodic
- Reasons for liking it: “I find classical music very calming, especially after a long day.”
- Specific artists or bands you enjoy: “I’m a big fan of Coldplay; their lyrics are very meaningful to me.”
- How the music makes you feel: “Listening to jazz music makes me feel sophisticated and transports me back in time.”
- When and where you listen: “I often listen to electronic music while I’m working out; it gives me energy.”
2. Discuss Changes in Your Musical Taste
Talking about how your musical preferences have evolved demonstrates your ability to use different tenses and discuss the past. For example:
- “When I was younger, I was really into heavy metal, but these days, I find myself gravitating more towards folk music. It’s much more mellow.”
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Mention Music from Your Culture
Sharing your cultural background through music is a great way to make your answer more personal and interesting.
- “Traditional music from my country plays a significant role in my life. We often have live musicians at family gatherings.”
Example IELTS Speaking Test Response
Examiner: What kind of music do you like listening to?
Candidate: Well, I’m quite eclectic in my music taste. I enjoy a variety of genres, but I’m particularly drawn to indie rock. I find it incredibly creative and the lyrics are often very thought-provoking. There’s a local band called “The Sunset Riders” that I’ve been following for a while; their music is a real blend of indie rock with some folk influences. It’s the kind of music I can relax to at home or listen to on a road trip.
Top Tips to Ace This Question
- Practice speaking about music in English. The more you practice, the more confident and fluent you’ll become.
- Build your vocabulary. Learn a range of words to describe different music genres, instruments, and moods.
- Think about your own experiences with music. Prepare some personal anecdotes to make your answers more engaging.
- Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be genuine about your musical tastes. The examiner is more interested in your language skills than your musical knowledge.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is a conversation, not an interrogation. Relax, be yourself, and let your personality shine through! Good luck!
