Music is a universal language that connects people across cultures. In IELTS Speaking, describing someone who enjoys music is a common topic that allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary and fluency. This article will guide you through answering questions about music enthusiasts, providing sample responses for different band scores.
describe a person who thinks music is important
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about music. Here are some common questions with a sample answer:
Q: Do you like listening to music?
A: (Band 7-8) Absolutely. Music is an integral part of my daily life. I find it incredibly soothing and often use it to unwind after a long day or to boost my productivity while working.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who enjoys music
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of music they like
- How you know about their interest in music
- And explain why you think they enjoy music so much
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is a huge music enthusiast. She’s been my classmate since high school, and I’ve known her for about five years now.
Sarah is particularly fond of indie rock and alternative music. She often listens to bands like Arctic Monkeys, The Strokes, and Tame Impala. I became aware of her passion for music when I noticed she always had her headphones on between classes and during breaks.
What stands out about Sarah’s love for music is how deeply it affects her. She often talks about how certain songs can completely change her mood or help her express emotions she finds difficult to put into words. I think she enjoys music so much because it serves as an emotional outlet for her and helps her connect with her feelings on a deeper level.
Music also seems to be a way for Sarah to bond with others. She’s always eager to share new songs she’s discovered or discuss the meaning behind lyrics. It’s clear that music is not just a hobby for her, but a significant part of her identity.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to delve into the musical passion of my colleague, Alex, who is an ardent music aficionado. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside him in a marketing firm for the past three years, during which his love for music has been abundantly clear.
Alex’s musical tastes are remarkably eclectic, spanning a wide range of genres from classical to contemporary. He has a particular affinity for jazz and world music, often waxing lyrical about artists like Miles Davis and Buena Vista Social Club. His encyclopedic knowledge of these genres never fails to impress me.
I first became aware of Alex’s profound interest in music during a company event where he volunteered to DJ. The way he meticulously curated the playlist, seamlessly blending different styles and eras, was truly awe-inspiring. Since then, our conversations have often gravitated towards music, revealing the depth of his passion.
I believe Alex’s fervent enjoyment of music stems from its ability to transcend language barriers and evoke powerful emotions. He often speaks about how music serves as a universal communicator, bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding between people from diverse backgrounds. For Alex, music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a fundamental aspect of human expression and a catalyst for personal growth.
Moreover, Alex views music as a form of storytelling and a window into different cultures. He’s constantly seeking out new artists and genres, expanding his musical horizons with each discovery. This insatiable curiosity and openness to new experiences are, in my opinion, the driving forces behind his enduring love for music.
describe a performance you enjoyed watching
Follow-up Questions
Q: How do you think music influences people’s emotions?
A: (Band 8-9) Music has a profound impact on our emotional state. It can evoke a wide spectrum of feelings, from joy and excitement to melancholy and nostalgia. Certain melodies or rhythms can trigger memories or associations, instantly transporting us to different times or places in our lives. Moreover, music has the power to alter our mood, serving as a form of emotional therapy. It can uplift our spirits when we’re feeling low or provide solace during difficult times. The lyrical content of songs can also resonate deeply with listeners, offering comfort or inspiration by articulating emotions that they might struggle to express themselves.
Q: Do you think music can help people work more efficiently?
A: (Band 7-8) Absolutely. Music can be a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and focus. Many people find that listening to certain types of music, particularly instrumental or ambient genres, can help them concentrate better on tasks. It can create a conducive environment for work by blocking out distractions and providing a rhythmic backdrop that aids in maintaining a steady work pace. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of music in improving work efficiency can vary from person to person. Some individuals might find music distracting, while others consider it essential for their workflow.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How has technology changed the way we consume music?
A: (Band 8-9) Technology has revolutionized music consumption in numerous ways. Streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have made an vast array of music instantly accessible, allowing listeners to explore diverse genres and artists with unprecedented ease. This has led to a more democratized music landscape, where independent artists can reach global audiences without the need for traditional record labels.
Moreover, algorithms and personalized playlists have transformed how we discover new music, often tailoring recommendations to our individual tastes. The portability of music has also increased dramatically, with smartphones enabling us to carry entire music libraries in our pockets.
However, this technological shift has also altered our listening habits. The abundance of choice can sometimes lead to shorter attention spans and a tendency to skip tracks more frequently. Additionally, the emphasis on singles and playlists over full albums has changed how artists approach music creation and release strategies.
describe a subject you found difficult to study
Q: Do you think traditional musical instruments will disappear in the future?
A: (Band 7-8) While technology has certainly transformed the music industry, I don’t believe traditional instruments will completely disappear. They hold cultural and historical significance that goes beyond just producing sound. Many musicians and listeners still value the authenticity and unique tonal qualities of traditional instruments.
That said, we might see a shift in how these instruments are used. Digital versions and synthesized sounds might become more prevalent in mainstream music production due to their convenience and versatility. However, there will likely always be a niche for traditional instruments, especially in genres like classical music, folk, and jazz.
Additionally, hybrid instruments that combine traditional designs with modern technology might become more common, bridging the gap between the old and the new. This could lead to innovative musical expressions while preserving the essence of traditional instruments.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Ardent (adjective) /ˈɑːrdnt/ – Very enthusiastic or passionate
Example: He’s an ardent supporter of classical music.Aficionado (noun) /əˌfɪʃəˈnɑːdoʊ/ – A person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity, subject, or pastime
Example: As a jazz aficionado, he attends every concert in town.Eclectic (adjective) /ɪˈklektɪk/ – Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources
Example: Her music collection is quite eclectic, ranging from hip-hop to opera.Wax lyrical (phrase) – To speak with enthusiasm and at length about something
Example: He could wax lyrical about his favorite bands for hours.Meticulously (adverb) /məˈtɪkjələsli/ – In a way that shows great attention to detail; very carefully and precisely
Example: She meticulously organizes her vinyl collection by genre and release date.
describe a place in nature you go to for peace and relaxation
Music enthusiast enjoying music with headphones at a concert
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who enjoys music:
- Use a variety of descriptive vocabulary related to music and emotions.
- Structure your answer clearly, addressing all parts of the question.
- Provide specific examples to support your points.
- Use idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Practice describing different aspects of music and its impact on people to improve fluency.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for natural, fluent speech with a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures.