Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe Your Favorite Uplifting Music

Music has the power to uplift our spirits and evoke strong emotions. In IELTS Speaking tests, questions about favorite music are increasingly common, reflecting the universal appeal of this topic. Let’s explore how to effectively describe a piece of music that makes you feel good, a subject likely to appear in future IELTS exams.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. Do you often listen to music?
2. What kind of music do you enjoy?
3. How does music make you feel?

Here’s a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you often listen to music?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I listen to music quite frequently, especially when I’m commuting or doing household chores. It helps me relax and makes time pass more quickly.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. Music is an integral part of my daily routine. I find myself constantly immersed in melodies, whether I’m navigating through rush hour traffic or tackling mundane tasks at home. It serves as a soundtrack to my life, not only enhancing my mood but also boosting my productivity in various situations.

Describe a room in your house where you feel comfortable – Much like a favorite piece of music, a comfortable room can significantly impact our mood and well-being.

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe a favorite piece of music that makes you feel good

You should say:
- What the music is
- When you first heard it
- How it makes you feel
- And explain why you like it so much

Band 6-7 Answer:
The piece of music I want to talk about is “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. I first heard it when I was a teenager, browsing through my dad’s old vinyl collection. This song always puts me in a good mood. The upbeat melody and positive lyrics make me feel hopeful and optimistic. I like it so much because it reminds me of sunny days and happy times with my family. The guitar riff is catchy and easy to remember, which makes it fun to hum along to.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The piece of music that never fails to elevate my spirits is “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy. I first encountered this mesmerizing composition during a pivotal moment in my life – my high school graduation ceremony. The gentle, flowing melody immediately captivated me, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and reflection.

This masterpiece has a profound effect on my emotional state. As the delicate piano notes unfurl, I feel a sense of serenity washing over me, as if I’m being transported to a moonlit garden. The subtle shifts in tempo and dynamics seem to mirror the ebb and flow of life itself, bringing a feeling of acceptance and inner peace.

What makes “Clair de Lune” particularly special to me is its ability to evoke a range of emotions. It’s not simply a happy or sad piece; rather, it encapsulates the complexity of human experience. The haunting beauty of the melody often leaves me with a bittersweet sensation – a mixture of nostalgia for the past and hope for the future. Furthermore, the intricate composition showcases Debussy’s innovative approach to harmony, which I find intellectually stimulating as well as emotionally satisfying.

IELTS Speaking: Describing favorite uplifting music

Follow-up questions:

1. Has your taste in music changed over time?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, it has changed a bit. When I was younger, I mostly listened to pop music, but now I enjoy a wider variety of genres, including classical and jazz.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, my musical palette has undergone a significant evolution. In my formative years, I was primarily drawn to mainstream pop and rock, perhaps due to their accessibility and popularity among my peers. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve developed a more eclectic taste. I now find myself gravitating towards more complex genres like jazz, classical, and world music. This shift reflects not only my broadening horizons but also my growing appreciation for the intricacies of musical composition and cultural influences in different styles.

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

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe music can have a big impact on how we feel. Upbeat songs can make us happy, while slower ones might make us feel calm or even sad.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Without a doubt, music wields a powerful influence over our emotional states. It’s fascinating how a particular melody or rhythm can instantly alter our mood, acting as a kind of emotional catalyst. Uplifting tunes can infuse us with energy and optimism, while melancholic pieces might evoke introspection or nostalgia. This psychological impact of music is so profound that it’s utilized in various therapeutic settings to manage stress, anxiety, and even physical pain. The way music interacts with our brain chemistry, triggering the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, is a testament to its potent mood-altering capabilities.

Describe a unique piece of clothing you like to wear – Just as music can express our personality, so too can our choice of clothing.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made music more accessible. We can now listen to any song we want on our phones or computers. Streaming services like Spotify have made it easy to discover new music. Also, we can carry thousands of songs in our pockets, which wasn’t possible before.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized our relationship with music in multifaceted ways. The advent of digital streaming platforms has democratized access to an vast array of music, allowing listeners to explore diverse genres and artists from across the globe with unprecedented ease. This has fostered a more eclectic musical landscape and challenged traditional industry models.

Moreover, the rise of portable devices has transformed music into a constant companion in our daily lives. We’re no longer tethered to physical media or stationary players; instead, we carry entire music libraries in our pockets, ready to soundtrack any moment of our day.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have also dramatically altered our music discovery process. These technologies analyze our listening habits to curate personalized playlists and recommendations, often introducing us to artists we might never have encountered otherwise. This algorithmic curation is reshaping not only consumer behavior but also influencing music production trends.

Furthermore, technology has democratized music creation and distribution. Home recording software and online platforms have empowered independent artists to produce and share their music globally, bypassing traditional gatekeepers. This has led to an explosion of creativity and niche genres, further diversifying the musical ecosystem.

Technology's impact on music listening

Examiner: Do you think music education should be compulsory in schools?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think music education is important. It helps students develop creativity and can improve their concentration. Learning an instrument can also teach discipline and teamwork. However, it might be difficult to make it compulsory for all students due to budget constraints and varying interests.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that music education should be an integral part of the school curriculum. The benefits of musical training extend far beyond the realm of arts and culture. Research has consistently demonstrated that music education enhances cognitive abilities, particularly in areas such as spatial reasoning, language development, and mathematical skills. Moreover, learning music fosters creativity, discipline, and emotional intelligence – all crucial attributes in our increasingly complex world.

Incorporating music into the core curriculum also promotes cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity. It provides students with a unique lens through which to explore history, social studies, and even physics through the study of acoustics and sound waves.

However, implementing compulsory music education does present certain challenges. Resource allocation, including funding for instruments and qualified instructors, can be a significant hurdle, especially in underfunded school districts. Additionally, there’s the question of how to assess musical aptitude in a standardized education system.

A balanced approach might involve integrating music appreciation and basic theory into existing subjects, while offering more intensive instrumental or vocal training as electives. This would ensure all students gain exposure to the benefits of music education while allowing those with a deeper interest to pursue it further.

Ultimately, the value of music education in developing well-rounded, culturally aware individuals far outweighs the challenges of implementation. It’s an investment in our children’s cognitive, emotional, and cultural development that will pay dividends throughout their lives.

Describe an item of clothing that you like – Like music, our choice of clothing can be a form of self-expression and can greatly impact our mood.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Evoke /ɪˈvəʊk/ (verb): To bring a feeling, memory, or image into the mind.
   Example: The song evokes memories of my childhood summers.

2. Mesmerizing /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/ (adjective): Capturing one’s complete attention as if by magic.
   Example: The mesmerizing melody transported me to another world.

3. Captivate /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ (verb): To attract and hold the interest and attention of.
   Example: The intricate guitar solo captivated the entire audience.

4. Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Very great or intense.
   Example: The music had a profound effect on my emotional state.

5. Eclectic /ɪˈklektɪk/ (adjective): Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
   Example: My music collection is quite eclectic, ranging from classical to electronic.

Describe a place in nature you go to for peace and relaxation – Just as music can provide relaxation, so too can natural environments.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing your favorite music:

1. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate descriptive words and phrases to vividly express your emotions and the music’s characteristics.

2. Provide specific details: Mention the artist, genre, or specific elements of the music that appeal to you.

3. Connect personally: Explain why the music resonates with you, perhaps linking it to personal experiences or memories.

4. Discuss broader impacts: Consider how the music influences your mood, productivity, or worldview.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice with a variety of music-related topics can help.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how articulate and confident you are in expressing your thoughts and opinions.

IELTS Speaking: Discussing music confidently

Describe a song that makes you happy – This topic closely relates to describing a favorite piece of music, allowing you to further explore the emotional impact of music.