In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about personal experiences and preferences. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a piece of music that holds special meaning. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, helping you showcase your English language skills and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about music. Here are a few examples:
- Do you enjoy listening to music?
- What type of music do you prefer?
- How often do you listen to music?
- Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy listening to music?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy listening to music. It’s a big part of my daily life. I usually listen to music when I’m commuting or doing chores around the house. It helps me relax and puts me in a good mood.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I’m passionate about music. It plays a vital role in my life, serving as a constant companion throughout my day. Whether I’m commuting to work, engaging in household tasks, or simply unwinding after a long day, music is always there to elevate my mood and provide a soundtrack to my experiences. I find it incredibly therapeutic and a powerful means of self-expression.
Describe a recent film you watched at home and you’ll notice how personal experiences can be effectively communicated in IELTS Speaking responses.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s an example related to our theme:
Describe A Piece Of Music That Has Special Meaning To You.
You should say:
- What the music is
- When you first heard it
- How it makes you feel
- And explain why it is special to you
Band 6-7 Answer:
The piece of music that has special meaning to me is “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. I first heard it when I was a teenager, probably around 15 years old. My dad played it in the car during a family road trip, and I was immediately captivated by its unique structure and powerful vocals.
This song makes me feel a mix of emotions. It starts off melancholic, then becomes energetic and exciting, and finally ends on a somber note. I always feel a rush of energy when the rock section kicks in.
It’s special to me because it reminds me of that road trip with my family. Whenever I hear it, I’m transported back to that time, sitting in the car with my parents and siblings, all of us singing along. It’s also a song that showcases incredible musical talent and creativity, which I really admire.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The piece of music that holds profound significance for me is Claude Debussy’s “Clair de Lune”. I first encountered this masterpiece during my formative years, at the age of 12, when I stumbled upon it while exploring classical music on a streaming platform.
From the very first notes, this composition evokes a deep sense of tranquility and introspection. The delicate piano melodies paint a vivid picture of moonlight shimmering on water, transporting me to a realm of serenity. As the piece progresses, I find myself experiencing a gamut of emotions – from wistful nostalgia to quiet joy.
What makes “Clair de Lune” truly special is its ability to transcend time and space. Regardless of my current state of mind or circumstances, this piece invariably brings me solace. It has been a constant companion through various life stages – providing comfort during challenging times and enhancing moments of joy. Moreover, it sparked my interest in classical music, leading me to explore and appreciate this rich genre more deeply.
The nuanced dynamics and exquisite phrasing of the piece never fail to captivate me, revealing new subtleties with each listen. It’s not just a piece of music; it’s a profound emotional journey that resonates with my soul and serves as a touchstone for my appreciation of art and beauty.
IELTS candidate describing meaningful music
Follow-up questions:
- Has your taste in music changed over time?
- Do you think music can influence a person’s mood or behavior?
Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
Yes, my taste in music has definitely changed over time. 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 diverse styles of music and my preferences have evolved.
Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
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 my peer group and what was dominating the airwaves. However, as I’ve matured, my musical palette has expanded considerably. I’ve developed a profound appreciation for genres like jazz, classical, and world music. This shift can be attributed to several factors: increased exposure to diverse musical styles, a growing interest in the cultural and historical contexts of different music forms, and perhaps a natural progression in my ability to appreciate more complex musical structures. It’s been a fascinating journey of musical discovery, one that has enriched my life immensely and broadened my cultural horizons.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: How do you think music affects society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think music has a big impact on society. It can bring people together, especially at concerts or festivals where people share experiences. Music also reflects the culture and values of a society. Sometimes, songs can even influence people’s opinions on social or political issues. Additionally, music is a form of entertainment that helps people relax and enjoy themselves.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Music, in my opinion, plays a pivotal role in shaping and reflecting society. It serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression, often encapsulating the zeitgeist of a particular era or community. On a social level, music has an unparalleled ability to unite people, transcending barriers of language, ethnicity, and social status. This is evident in the way musical events foster a sense of collective identity and shared experience.
Moreover, music has historically been a catalyst for social change. Many groundbreaking movements have been accompanied by anthems that galvanized public opinion and spurred action. In the realm of politics, music can be a potent tool for disseminating ideas and challenging the status quo.
From an individual perspective, music profoundly influences personal development and well-being. It’s widely recognized for its therapeutic properties, helping to alleviate stress, improve mental health, and even aid in cognitive development.
In the digital age, music’s impact on society has been amplified exponentially. The democratization of music production and distribution has led to an unprecedented diversity of voices and styles, further enriching our cultural tapestry.
In essence, music is not just a form of entertainment, but a dynamic force that shapes our collective consciousness, drives cultural evolution, and contributes significantly to the human experience.
IELTS examiner and candidate discussing music's impact on society
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Profound significance (adj. + n.) – deep or intense importance
Example: The anthem holds profound significance for the country’s citizens. -
Evoke (v.) – to bring a feeling, memory, or image to mind
Example: The melody evokes memories of my childhood. -
Transcend (v.) – to go beyond the usual limits of something
Example: Great music can transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. -
Nuanced (adj.) – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
Example: The composer’s work is known for its nuanced emotional range. -
Zeitgeist (n.) – the defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history
Example: Hip-hop music often reflects the zeitgeist of urban youth culture. -
Galvanize (v.) – to shock or excite someone into taking action
Example: The protest song galvanized the crowd into action. -
Catalyst (n.) – a person or thing that precipitates an event or change
Example: Music has often been a catalyst for social movements. -
Democratization (n.) – the process of making something accessible to everyone
Example: The internet has led to the democratization of music production.
Describe a person who has a unique hobby and you’ll see how these advanced vocabulary items can be applied in various contexts.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing music:
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate music-specific terms and advanced vocabulary to demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Provide detailed responses: Elaborate on your answers, giving specific examples and personal experiences to support your points.
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Show enthusiasm: Convey your passion for music through your tone and expression, as this can positively impact your fluency score.
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Structure your answer: In Part 2, organize your response logically, addressing all points on the cue card.
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Practice speaking about abstract concepts: For Part 3, prepare to discuss broader themes related to music and society.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate natural-sounding phrases to enhance your language use score.
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Maintain fluency: Aim for smooth delivery, using fillers appropriately if you need time to think.
Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Consider recording yourself or practicing with a partner to refine your responses.
Describe a place where you go to enjoy traditional music to further enhance your ability to discuss music-related topics in the IELTS Speaking test.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in describing music that has special meaning to you in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity in your responses combined with strong language skills is the key to achieving a high band score.
