The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about popular culture and notable figures from your home country. One common topic is describing a famous musician. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task, focusing on the example of “describe a famous musician from your country.”

Understanding the Task

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand that this topic can appear in any part of the IELTS Speaking test. It’s particularly common in Part 2, where you might be asked to speak for 1-2 minutes about a famous musician. However, related questions can also come up in Parts 1 and 3.

IELTS Speaking Test Preparation

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you might encounter questions like:

1. Do you like listening to music?
2. What kind of music is popular in your country?
3. Have you ever been to a live music concert?

Let’s focus on the second question as an example:

Examiner: What kind of music is popular in your country?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“In Vietnam, various genres of music are popular. Many young people enjoy pop and rock music, while older generations often prefer traditional folk music. K-pop from Korea is also gaining popularity among teenagers.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Vietnam has a diverse music scene that caters to different tastes and age groups. While contemporary pop and rock dominate the charts, there’s been a resurgence of interest in traditional folk music, particularly among the older generation. Interestingly, we’re also seeing a significant influx of K-pop, which has captivated a large portion of the youth demographic. This eclectic mix reflects our country’s openness to both preserving cultural heritage and embracing global trends.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe a famous musician from your country.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What kind of music they perform
• How you first heard about them
• And explain why they are famous

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about Trinh Cong Son, a famous musician from Vietnam. He was a singer-songwriter known for his romantic and philosophical songs. I first heard about him from my parents, who often played his music at home. Trinh Cong Son is famous because his songs touched on deep emotional themes and social issues. Many people consider him one of Vietnam’s most influential musicians.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to introduce you to Trinh Cong Son, a legendary figure in Vietnamese music. Trinh Cong Son was a prolific singer-songwriter whose career spanned several decades, from the 1960s to the early 2000s. He was renowned for his poetic lyrics and melodious compositions that often blended elements of traditional Vietnamese music with more contemporary Western styles.

I first encountered Trinh Cong Son’s music during my childhood. My parents, avid fans of his work, would often play his songs at home, creating a nostalgic backdrop to many of my early memories. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the depth and nuance of his lyrics, which often explored profound themes such as love, war, and the human condition.

Trinh Cong Son’s fame stems from several factors. Firstly, his music transcended generational boundaries, appealing to both young and old. His songs captured the zeitgeist of a turbulent period in Vietnamese history, addressing social issues with a subtlety and sensitivity that resonated with many. Moreover, his ability to bridge cultural divides through his music earned him recognition not just in Vietnam, but internationally as well.

Perhaps most importantly, Trinh Cong Son’s legacy lies in his ability to touch people’s hearts. His songs have become integral to the Vietnamese cultural fabric, often referred to as modern folk songs. Even years after his passing, his music continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians, cementing his status as one of Vietnam’s most iconic and beloved artists.”

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: How has this musician influenced the music scene in Vietnam?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Trinh Cong Son has greatly influenced Vietnamese music. Many current singers still perform his songs, and young songwriters try to emulate his style. His music is taught in schools and is considered an important part of Vietnamese culture.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Trinh Cong Son’s influence on the Vietnamese music scene has been profound and far-reaching. His work has set a benchmark for lyricism and musical innovation that continues to inspire contemporary artists. Many current singers regularly cover his songs, often reinterpreting them for modern audiences, which speaks to the timeless quality of his compositions.

Moreover, Trinh Cong Son’s ability to blend traditional Vietnamese elements with Western influences has paved the way for a more diverse and experimental music scene in Vietnam. His legacy encourages young songwriters to explore deep themes and push creative boundaries.

In education, Trinh Cong Son’s works are often included in literature and music curricula, cementing his status as a cultural icon. This academic recognition ensures that new generations continue to engage with his music, perpetuating his influence on Vietnamese cultural identity.

Perhaps most significantly, Trinh Cong Son’s music has transcended its original context to become a unifying force in Vietnamese society, bridging generational and ideological divides. His songs continue to resonate with people from all walks of life, testament to their universal themes and emotional depth.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to music and famous musicians. For example:

Examiner: Do you think it’s important for a country to have internationally famous musicians? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I think it’s important for a country to have internationally famous musicians. They can help promote the country’s culture abroad and make people interested in learning more about the country. Famous musicians can also inspire young people in their home country to pursue music careers.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that having internationally renowned musicians is tremendously beneficial for a country, for several reasons. Firstly, these artists serve as cultural ambassadors, effectively showcasing their nation’s artistic heritage on a global stage. This exposure can foster cross-cultural understanding and pique international interest in the country’s broader cultural offerings.

Moreover, globally recognized musicians often become sources of national pride, boosting morale and fostering a sense of shared identity among their countrymen. This can be particularly impactful for developing nations or those seeking to redefine their global image.

From an economic standpoint, famous musicians can significantly contribute to their country’s soft power and even its tourism industry. Fans from around the world may be inspired to visit the artist’s homeland, generating revenue and creating opportunities for cultural exchange.

Additionally, the success of these musicians on an international scale can serve as a powerful inspiration to aspiring artists within the country. It demonstrates the viability of a career in music and can encourage investment in arts education and infrastructure.

However, it’s crucial to maintain a balance. While celebrating international success, a country should also ensure support for diverse local artists who may not achieve global fame but contribute significantly to the richness of the national cultural tapestry.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and phrases into your responses. Here are some examples:

1. Prolific (adjective) /prəˈlɪfɪk/ – producing many works
   Example: “Trinh Cong Son was a prolific songwriter, composing hundreds of songs throughout his career.”

2. Transcend (verb) /trænˈsend/ – go beyond normal limits
   Example: “His music transcended generational and cultural boundaries.”

3. Zeitgeist (noun) /ˈzaɪtɡaɪst/ – the defining spirit of a particular period
   Example: “Trinh Cong Son’s songs captured the zeitgeist of Vietnam during a turbulent period.”

4. Nuance (noun) /ˈnjuːɑːns/ – a subtle difference in meaning or opinion
   Example: “As I grew older, I began to appreciate the nuance in his lyrics.”

5. Resurgence (noun) /rɪˈsɜːdʒəns/ – an increase or revival after a period of little activity
   Example: “There’s been a resurgence of interest in traditional music among young people.”

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:

1. Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with common topics and practice speaking about them.

2. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples.

3. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases, but ensure you use them correctly.

4. Work on your fluency: Aim to speak smoothly, without too many hesitations or repetitions.

5. Be confident: Even if you’re not sure about something, maintain a confident tone.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about knowing the answers, but about communicating your ideas effectively and confidently.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to read about describing a famous singer in your country or how international superstars are perceived in different countries.