Speaking about music and personal preferences is a common topic in IELTS examinations, particularly when discussing songs that hold special meaning. This topic frequently appears in Part 1 and Part 2 of the Speaking test, making it essential to prepare thoughtful and articulate responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions in this section include:
- Do you often listen to music?
- What kind of music do you prefer?
- Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
- Do you like singing?
Similar to describe a piece of music that makes you feel happy, here’s a sample answer for “What kind of music do you prefer?”:
Band 8-9 Response:
“I’m particularly drawn to alternative rock because of its compelling blend of melodic elements and meaningful lyrics. I find that bands like Coldplay and The National have this remarkable ability to create music that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a favorite song and explain why it is special to you
You should say:
- What the song is
- When you first heard it
- What it is about
- And explain why it is special to you
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran. I first heard this song at my friend’s wedding in 2017. It’s a romantic ballad about finding true love and wanting to spend your life with someone special. The song became important to me because it reminds me of that beautiful celebration and the genuine emotions everyone shared that day. The melody is gentle and the lyrics are heartfelt, which makes it perfect for both happy and quiet moments.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to share my thoughts about ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ by Queen, which has profoundly influenced my appreciation for musical artistry. I first encountered this masterpiece during a pivotal moment in my life – my first year of university. This revolutionary composition seamlessly blends multiple genres, from opera to hard rock, creating a theatrical masterpiece that tells a complex story of confession, conflict, and redemption. What makes it particularly special to me is its audacious defiance of conventional song structure and its ability to evoke intense emotions through its dramatic transitions and powerful vocal harmonies.”
As discussed in describe a piece of music that makes you feel calm, the emotional connection to music can significantly enhance your response.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- How has music changed over the past few decades?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Music has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades, primarily due to technological advances. We’ve seen a significant shift from analog to digital formats, and streaming platforms have revolutionized how we consume music. Moreover, the integration of artificial intelligence in music production has led to more sophisticated production techniques, though some argue this has come at the cost of authentic musicianship.”
- Why do different generations prefer different types of music?
Similar to how people have varying preferences for describe a concert you want to attend in the future, generations differ in their musical tastes.
Band 8-9 Response:
“Each generation’s musical preferences are intrinsically linked to their shared experiences and cultural context. The music we grow up with tends to shape our emotional connections and musical sensibilities. Furthermore, each generation experiences unique social and technological changes that influence their artistic expression and appreciation. This creates a distinct musical identity that reflects their collective experiences and values.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Melodic elements /məˈlɒdɪk ˈelɪmənts/ (adj. + n.) – components of melody
- Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (adj. + n.) – deep, significant effect
- Revolutionary composition /ˌrevəˈluːʃənəri ˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃən/ (adj. + n.) – groundbreaking musical piece
- Evoke emotions /ɪˈvəʊk ɪˈməʊʃənz/ (v. + n.) – bring forth feelings
- Musical sensibilities /ˈmjuːzɪkəl ˌsensəˈbɪlətiz/ (adj. + n.) – awareness and appreciation of music
Remember to practice these responses while maintaining natural speech patterns and authentic emotional connection to the subject matter.