Unlock Your Inner Zen: How to Eloquently Describe Relaxing Music in IELTS Speaking

Music has the power to soothe our souls and calm our minds. In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe a piece of music that makes you feel relaxed. This topic has appeared in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and maximize your score.

Describe a place where you go to relax after a long day can be closely related to discussing relaxing music, as both topics focus on methods of unwinding and reducing stress.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. Do you enjoy listening to music?
2. What type of music do you find relaxing?
3. How often do you listen to music to relax?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I find instrumental classical music particularly soothing. The gentle melodies and harmonious orchestrations of composers like Debussy or Mozart have a calming effect on my nerves. The absence of lyrics allows my mind to wander freely, which I find incredibly relaxing after a stressful day.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a potential cue card for this topic:

Describe a piece of music that makes you feel relaxed.
You should say:

• What the music is
• When you first heard it
• How it makes you feel
• And explain why you find it relaxing

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a piece of music that really helps me relax. It’s called ‘River Flows in You’ by Yiruma, a Korean pianist. I first heard this song when I was in high school, during a stressful exam period. A friend recommended it to me as a way to calm down.

The music is a solo piano piece with a gentle, flowing melody. When I listen to it, I feel like I’m floating on a peaceful river. It’s very soothing and helps me forget about my worries. The slow tempo and soft notes make me feel calm and peaceful.

I find this music relaxing because it has a simple, repeating pattern that’s easy to follow. There are no sudden changes or loud noises, so it doesn’t startle me. Also, the melody reminds me of nature, like a gentle stream, which always helps me relax. Whenever I feel stressed, I put on this song and it helps me unwind.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe a profoundly relaxing piece of music that has become my go-to for stress relief: ‘Clair de Lune’ by Claude Debussy. I first encountered this mesmerizing composition during a music appreciation class in my first year of university, and it has since become an integral part of my relaxation routine.

This piece is a masterful piano solo that paints an auditory picture of moonlight shimmering on water. Its delicate arpeggios and subtle dynamic shifts create a dreamlike atmosphere that instantly transports me to a state of tranquility. When I listen to ‘Clair de Lune’, I experience a profound sense of peace washing over me, as if all my tensions are gently dissolving into the music.

What makes this piece particularly relaxing for me is its exquisite balance between structure and fluidity. The composition follows a clear musical form, yet it feels effortlessly organic, much like the natural world it evokes. The way Debussy uses impressionistic harmonies creates a sense of timelessness and weightlessness that I find incredibly soothing. Moreover, the piece’s gradual build and release of tension mirrors the process of deep breathing, further enhancing its calming effect.

In essence, ‘Clair de Lune’ offers a musical sanctuary where I can retreat from the chaos of daily life and find a moment of pure serenity.”

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. Do you think different types of music can affect our mood?
2. How has technology changed the way we listen to music?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:

“Absolutely, I believe music has a profound impact on our emotional state. Various genres and compositions can elicit a wide range of responses, from exhilaration to melancholy. For instance, upbeat pop songs with catchy rhythms can boost our energy and mood, making them perfect for workouts or parties. On the other hand, slow, melodic pieces like the one I described earlier can induce relaxation and calmness.

Scientific studies have corroborated this phenomenon, showing that music can influence our brain chemistry, affecting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This explains why we often turn to specific playlists when we want to alter our mood or emotional state. Personally, I find that classical music enhances my focus when studying, while jazz improves my creativity during brainstorming sessions. It’s fascinating how different musical elements like tempo, pitch, and harmony can interact with our psyche to produce such varied emotional responses.”

Relaxing music for IELTS Speaking

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to music and relaxation:

1. How does music affect society as a whole?
2. Do you think the type of music people enjoy reflects their personality?
3. In what ways can music be used therapeutically?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Music can be used in therapy in different ways. It can help people with mental health problems feel better. For example, playing instruments can help people express their feelings. Listening to calming music can reduce stress and anxiety. Music therapy is also used for people with physical problems, like stroke patients, to help them recover movement. Some hospitals use music to help patients relax before and after surgery. Overall, music therapy can improve people’s mood and health.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Music therapy is an increasingly recognized field with a wide range of therapeutic applications. It harnesses the power of music to address physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of individuals. In mental health settings, music therapy can be instrumental in emotional regulation and self-expression. For instance, composing or improvising music can provide a non-verbal outlet for processing complex emotions, particularly beneficial for those who struggle with traditional talk therapy.

In physical rehabilitation, rhythm-based interventions can aid in motor control and coordination. This is particularly effective in neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, where rhythmic auditory stimulation can improve gait and movement. Moreover, music’s ability to modulate the autonomic nervous system makes it valuable in pain management and stress reduction.

Cognitive benefits of music therapy are also noteworthy. It can enhance memory recall in dementia patients and improve attention span in individuals with ADHD. In palliative care, music therapy offers comfort and emotional support, often facilitating meaningful connections between patients and their loved ones during end-of-life care.

The versatility and non-invasive nature of music therapy make it a valuable complement to traditional medical treatments, offering a holistic approach to healing that addresses not just symptoms, but the overall well-being of the individual.”

Music therapy session in progress

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Soothing /suːðɪŋ/ (adjective): Having a gently calming effect.
   Example: “The soothing sounds of the ocean help me relax.”

2. Melodious /məˈləʊdiəs/ (adjective): Pleasant sounding; tuneful.
   Example: “The melodious chirping of birds woke me up gently.”

3. Tranquil /ˈtræŋkwɪl/ (adjective): Free from disturbance; calm.
   Example: “The tranquil atmosphere of the garden was perfect for meditation.”

4. Harmonious /hɑːˈməʊniəs/ (adjective): Forming a pleasing or consistent whole.
   Example: “The harmonious blend of instruments created a beautiful symphony.”

5. To unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (verb): To relax after a period of work or tension.
   Example: “I like to unwind by listening to soft jazz in the evening.”

Describe a person who has a unique sense of style might seem unrelated to discussing relaxing music, but both topics require descriptive language and personal anecdotes, skills that are valuable across various IELTS Speaking tasks.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing relaxing music:

1. Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to vividly portray the music and its effects.
2. Incorporate personal anecdotes to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
3. Practice speaking about different genres of music and their impacts on mood and relaxation.
4. Develop your vocabulary related to music, emotions, and stress relief.
5. Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to music’s role in society and personal well-being.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural rhythm in your speech, much like the relaxing music you’re describing.

Describe a place where you go to get work done could provide an interesting contrast to discussing relaxing music, as it focuses on productivity rather than relaxation. This comparison could be valuable in demonstrating your ability to discuss diverse topics in the IELTS Speaking test.

IELTS Speaking practice session

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to eloquently describe relaxing music and tackle similar topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!