The topic of describing a favorite song or piece of music is a common and engaging subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing something personal and often emotionally significant. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universality and ability to elicit varied responses.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions to warm up the candidate and introduce the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you enjoy listening to music?
2. What type of music do you prefer?
3. How often do you listen to music?
4. Do you play any musical instruments?

Let’s focus on answering the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy listening to music?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I really like listening to music. It’s a big part of my daily life. I usually listen to music when I’m traveling or doing housework. It helps me relax and makes boring tasks more enjoyable.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’m passionate about music. It plays a pivotal role in my life, serving as both a source of inspiration and a means of emotional expression. I find myself constantly immersed in various genres, from classical to contemporary, depending on my mood and activities. Music has this remarkable ability to enhance my productivity, alleviate stress, and even spark creativity in my work and personal projects.

Woman enjoying music with headphones

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:
Describe A Favorite Song Or Piece Of Music. You should say:

• What the song or piece of music is
• When you first heard it
• What type of music it is
• And explain why it is special to you

Band 6-7 Answer:
The song I want to talk about is “Imagine” by John Lennon. I first heard it when I was in high school during a music class. It’s a pop song with a peaceful melody. This song is special to me because it has a powerful message about unity and peace. The lyrics make me think about a better world without conflicts. I like how simple yet meaningful the words are. Whenever I listen to it, I feel calm and hopeful. It reminds me to be kind to others and to think positively about the future.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The piece of music I’d like to describe is “The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi, specifically the “Spring” concerto. I first encountered this masterpiece during a live orchestra performance I attended with my family when I was about 12 years old. It’s a classical composition, falling under the Baroque period of music.

What makes this piece truly special to me is its remarkable ability to evoke vivid imagery through sound alone. Vivaldi’s genius lies in his capacity to musically depict the essence of spring – from the gentle awakening of nature in the first movement to the jubilant bird songs in the third. The intricate interplay between the solo violin and the orchestra creates a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that never fails to captivate me.

Moreover, this piece holds sentimental value as it reminds me of that first concert experience with my family. It sparked my interest in classical music and inspired me to take up the violin. Even now, years later, listening to “Spring” transports me back to that moment of wonder and discovery. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of music to transcend time and connect us to our memories and emotions.

The technical brilliance of the composition, combined with its emotional resonance, makes “Spring” from “The Four Seasons” a timeless masterpiece that continues to enchant me with each listening.

Vivaldi's Four Seasons sheet music

Follow-up Questions:

1. Has your taste in music changed over time?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, my taste in music has definitely changed. When I was younger, I mostly listened to pop music that was popular among my friends. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve started to appreciate different genres like jazz and classical music. I think it’s because I’ve been exposed to more types of music and I’ve learned to appreciate the skill involved in different styles.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, my musical preferences have undergone a significant evolution over the years. In my youth, I was primarily drawn to mainstream pop and rock, largely influenced by peer preferences and media exposure. However, as I’ve matured, my musical palette has expanded considerably. I’ve developed a deep appreciation for classical compositions, jazz improvisations, and even experimental electronic music.

This shift is largely attributed to my conscious efforts to broaden my horizons and expose myself to diverse musical traditions from around the world. I’ve found that each genre offers unique insights into different cultures and historical periods, enriching my understanding of music as an art form. Moreover, I’ve noticed that my emotional responses to various styles have become more nuanced, allowing me to connect with music on a more profound level than I did in my younger years.

2. Do you think music can influence a person’s mood?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I definitely think music can influence a person’s mood. For example, when I listen to upbeat songs, I usually feel happier and more energetic. On the other hand, slow, calm music can help me relax when I’m feeling stressed. I’ve noticed that the music played in shops or restaurants can also affect how I feel while I’m there. So, I believe music has a strong impact on our emotions.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m convinced that music wields a profound influence on our emotional states. The power of music to modulate mood is not just anecdotal but has been substantiated by numerous scientific studies. Music has the remarkable ability to trigger the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are closely linked to our emotional responses.

The impact of music on mood is multifaceted and can be observed in various contexts. For instance, uplifting melodies and rhythms can induce feelings of joy and motivation, making them ideal for workout playlists or to boost productivity. Conversely, slower, more melancholic pieces might evoke introspection or even catharsis, allowing listeners to process complex emotions.

Moreover, music’s influence extends beyond individual experiences to shape collective moods in social settings. The carefully curated playlists in retail environments or the strategic use of music in film scores demonstrate how music can be leveraged to elicit specific emotional responses from audiences.

It’s fascinating to consider how this emotional malleability through music can be harnessed in therapeutic settings, such as in music therapy for mental health conditions or in managing stress and anxiety. The universal language of music thus serves as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and expression, underscoring its significant role in influencing our moods and overall well-being.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How has technology changed the way we listen to music?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has greatly changed how we listen to music. Nowadays, we can easily access millions of songs on our smartphones through streaming apps like Spotify or Apple Music. This is very different from the past when we had to buy CDs or cassettes. Also, we can now create our own playlists and share them with friends online. Another change is that we can listen to music anywhere, anytime, which wasn’t possible before. I think these changes have made music more accessible to everyone.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized our relationship with music in myriad ways, fundamentally altering both access and consumption patterns. The advent of digital streaming platforms has democratized music access on an unprecedented scale, allowing listeners to explore vast libraries of songs from diverse genres and cultures at their fingertips. This shift from physical media to digital formats has not only enhanced convenience but also fostered a culture of musical discovery and experimentation.

Moreover, algorithmic recommendations on these platforms have introduced an element of AI-curated personalization to our listening experiences, often exposing us to artists and genres we might not have encountered otherwise. The rise of portable devices and high-quality wireless headphones has transformed music into a constant companion, seamlessly integrated into our daily routines.

Social media integration has also added a new dimension to music consumption, enabling real-time sharing of musical experiences and fostering online communities around specific artists or genres. Additionally, technology has empowered independent artists, providing them with tools for production, distribution, and direct fan engagement, thereby reshaping the music industry’s landscape.

However, it’s worth noting that this technological revolution also presents challenges, such as concerns over artist compensation in the streaming era and the potential for algorithm-driven echo chambers in musical tastes. Nevertheless, the overall impact of technology on music listening has been transformative, offering unprecedented access and personalization while continually evolving the way we discover, share, and experience music.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Pivotal role /ˈpɪvətl roʊl/ (adjective + noun): Crucially important.
   Example: Music plays a pivotal role in shaping cultural identities.

2. Source of inspiration /sɔːrs əv ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃn/ (noun phrase): Something that stimulates creative ideas.
   Example: Nature has always been a rich source of inspiration for composers.

3. Alleviate stress /əˈliːvieɪt stres/ (verb phrase): To make stress less severe.
   Example: Listening to calming music can help alleviate stress after a long day.

4. Evoke vivid imagery /ɪˈvoʊk ˈvɪvɪd ˈɪmɪdʒəri/ (verb phrase): To bring strong, clear images to mind.
   Example: Debussy’s “La Mer” evokes vivid imagery of the sea in all its moods.

5. Intricate interplay /ˈɪntrɪkət ˈɪntərpleɪ/ (adjective + noun): Complex interaction between elements.
   Example: Jazz is known for its intricate interplay between different instruments.

6. Captivate /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ (verb): To attract and hold the interest of.
   Example: The violinist’s virtuoso performance captivated the entire audience.

7. Sentimental value /ˌsentɪˈmentl ˈvæljuː/ (noun phrase): Importance based on emotional association.
   Example: This old record has great sentimental value to me as it was my grandfather’s favorite.

8. Transcend time /trænˈsend taɪm/ (verb phrase): To go beyond the limits of time.
   Example: Classical masterpieces often transcend time, remaining relevant across centuries.

9. Emotional resonance /ɪˈmoʊʃənl ˈrezənəns/ (noun phrase): The power to evoke or suggest shared emotions.
   Example: The emotional resonance of Adele’s ballads contributes to their widespread appeal.

10. Nuanced /ˈnuːɑːnst/ (adjective): Characterized by subtle differences.
    Example: As we mature, our appreciation of music often becomes more nuanced.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing music:

1. Develop a diverse vocabulary related to music genres, instruments, and emotions. This will allow you to express your thoughts more precisely and eloquently.

2. Practice describing your favorite music in detail, focusing on explaining why you like it and how it makes you feel. This helps in developing your ability to express personal opinions clearly.

3. Stay informed about current music trends and be prepared to discuss how technology is changing the music industry. This demonstrates your awareness of broader issues related to the topic.

4. Use idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures when appropriate, but ensure they’re used correctly and naturally.

5. Reflect on how your musical tastes have evolved over time and be ready to discuss this. It shows maturity and self-awareness in your responses.

6. Consider the cultural significance of different types of music and how music relates to society. This can help you provide more in-depth answers, especially in Part 3 discussions.

7. Practice linking your ideas coherently, using appropriate transition phrases to move smoothly between points.

8. Engage with the examiner by elaborating on your answers and providing relevant examples from your personal experiences with music.

By incorporating these elements into your responses, you’ll be better equipped to describe a person who is passionate about music or describe a live concert you attended, demonstrating the range and depth of your language skills in the IELTS Speaking test.