Unlocking Memories: How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Task on Describing a Meaningful Song

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and memories, with topics like describing a meaningful song being particularly common. This subject allows candidates to showcase their language skills while reflecting on emotional connections to music. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about music and songs. Here are some typical questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy listening to music?
2. What kind of music do you usually listen to?
3. How often do you listen to music?
4. Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy listening to music?

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): Absolutely, I’m quite passionate about music. It’s an integral part of my daily life, and I find it incredibly therapeutic. Whether I’m commuting, working out, or just relaxing at home, I always have some tunes playing in the background. Music has this remarkable ability to uplift my mood and help me focus, making it an indispensable companion throughout my day.

Describe a song that makes you happy can be a great way to express positive emotions and memories associated with music, which is closely related to our main topic.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe A Song That Brings Back Memories
You should say:

• What the song is
• When you first heard it
• What memory it is associated with
• And explain why this song is memorable for you

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

The song that instantly transports me back in time is “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. I vividly recall first hearing this iconic tune during a family road trip when I was about ten years old. It was a bright summer morning, and we were driving along the coast, windows down, with the warm breeze rustling through our hair.

This song is inextricably linked to a cherished memory of my entire family singing along, slightly off-key but filled with pure joy. My father, who’s usually quite reserved, was belting out the lyrics with surprising enthusiasm, which made us all laugh. The infectious melody and uplifting lyrics perfectly captured the essence of that carefree moment – the sun breaking through the clouds, both literally and metaphorically in our lives.

What makes this song truly memorable for me is how it encapsulates the feeling of optimism and new beginnings. Whenever I hear it now, it instantly evokes that sense of familial warmth and unbridled happiness we shared on that trip. It serves as a powerful reminder of the simple pleasures in life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones.

The song’s timeless quality also plays a significant role in its impact on me. Despite the years that have passed, its message of hope and renewal remains as relevant and touching as ever. It’s become a sort of personal anthem for me, lifting my spirits during challenging times and reinforcing positive memories when life feels particularly good.

IELTS Speaking interview on meaningful song

Follow-up questions:

1. Has your taste in music changed over the years?
2. Do you think music can influence people’s emotions?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

Absolutely, my musical preferences have evolved significantly over the years. As a teenager, I was drawn to whatever was popular at the time, mostly mainstream pop and rock. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for a wider range of genres. Now, I find myself gravitating towards jazz, classical, and world music. This shift reflects my growing interest in the technical aspects of music composition and the cultural contexts behind different musical styles. I believe this evolution in taste is quite common as people broaden their horizons and expose themselves to diverse musical experiences.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think music affects our memories?

Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): Music has a profound impact on our memories, often serving as a powerful mnemonic device. When we hear a particular song, it can instantly trigger specific memories, transporting us back to the time and place we associate with that music. This phenomenon is due to the strong emotional connections we form with songs and the way our brains process and store these auditory experiences.

Neurologically speaking, music activates multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, including those responsible for memory, emotion, and sensory processing. This multi-faceted engagement creates a rich, contextual memory that’s easily recalled when we hear the song again. It’s why a piece of music can evoke not just the memory itself, but also the emotions, smells, and even physical sensations associated with that memory.

Moreover, music often soundtracks significant life events – be it a wedding, a graduation, or even a difficult period in our lives. These songs become indelibly linked with those experiences, acting as a sort of emotional time capsule. In this way, our personal musical libraries become intertwined with our life stories, each song holding the potential to unlock a wealth of memories and feelings.

This powerful connection between music and memory has even been harnessed in therapeutic settings. For instance, music therapy has shown promising results in helping patients with dementia access memories that seemed lost, highlighting the deep-rooted nature of musical memories in our cognitive processes.

Music and memory connection in brain activity

Describe a concert you attended can provide another perspective on how music creates lasting memories and emotional connections, further expanding on the theme of music’s impact on our lives.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Evocative (adj.) /ɪˈvɒkətɪv/ – bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind
   Example: The song’s evocative lyrics transported me back to my childhood.

2. Nostalgia (n.) /nɒˈstældʒə/ – a sentimental longing for the past
   Example: Listening to that old playlist filled me with a wave of nostalgia.

3. Resonate (v.) /ˈrezəneɪt/ – to evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions
   Example: The melody of that song really resonates with my personal experiences.

4. Soundtrack (n.) /ˈsaʊndtræk/ – the background music or sounds accompanying a scene or event
   Example: That song became the soundtrack to our summer vacation.

5. Timeless (adj.) /ˈtaɪmləs/ – not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion
   Example: The Beatles’ music remains timeless, appealing to generations of listeners.

Describe a piece of music that has special meaning to you offers an opportunity to use these vocabulary items in context, enhancing your ability to express the emotional significance of music.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing songs and memories:

1. Practice describing emotions: Work on expressing feelings associated with music using varied vocabulary.

2. Develop personal anecdotes: Prepare stories about meaningful songs, focusing on specific details and your emotional connection.

3. Expand your musical vocabulary: Learn terms related to music genres, instruments, and composition to discuss songs more precisely.

4. Link music to broader themes: Practice connecting songs to larger topics like culture, history, or social issues for Part 3 discussions.

5. Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate relevant idioms about music and memory to showcase language proficiency.

Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to use advanced vocabulary and structures, ensure your responses remain natural and true to your experiences. This balance will help you talk about a memorable event you attended in IELTS Speaking with confidence and fluency, whether it’s a concert, a music festival, or any other music-related experience.

By following these strategies and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss songs that bring back memories in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score and impressing the examiner with your language skills.