Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Eloquently Describe a Piece of Music You Enjoy

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal preferences and experiences, with music being a popular topic. Examiners frequently ask candidates to describe a piece of music they enjoy, as it allows them to assess various aspects of language proficiency. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your score.

Describe a song that makes you happy is a related topic that candidates may encounter in the IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for such questions can help you perform better in the exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about music to warm you up. Here are some common questions and suggested answers:

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

Let’s focus on answering the first question:

Examiner: Do you like listening to music?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about music and find it to be an integral part of my daily life. I particularly enjoy how music can evoke various emotions and enhance different experiences, whether I’m working, exercising, or simply relaxing at home.”

Key points: Use of enthusiastic language, varied vocabulary, and explanation of personal connection to music.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:

Describe a piece of music that you enjoy
You should say:
- What type of music it is
- When you first heard it
- How it makes you feel
And explain why you enjoy listening to it

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a classical piece that I absolutely adore – ‘Clair de Lune’ by Claude Debussy. It’s a solo piano composition that falls under the category of Impressionist music, known for its dreamy and evocative qualities.

I first encountered this mesmerizing piece during a music appreciation class in high school. Our teacher played it as an example of early 20th-century French music, and I was instantly captivated by its ethereal beauty.

Whenever I listen to ‘Clair de Lune’, it evokes a profound sense of tranquility and introspection. The gentle, flowing melody seems to paint a vivid picture of moonlight shimmering on water, which is actually what the title translates to in English – ‘Moonlight’. The piece has an almost hypnotic quality that helps me unwind after a stressful day.

I particularly enjoy listening to this composition because of its emotional depth and complexity. Despite its apparent simplicity, there are layers of nuance in the harmonies and dynamics that reveal themselves with each listen. It’s a piece that I can return to time and time again, always discovering something new.

Moreover, ‘Clair de Lune’ holds a special place in my heart as it reminds me of peaceful summer evenings spent stargazing with friends. The music seems to perfectly capture the serene atmosphere of those moments, making it a powerful trigger for fond memories.

In essence, this piece of music resonates with me on multiple levels – aesthetically, emotionally, and nostalgically. It’s a testament to the enduring power of classical music to move and inspire listeners across generations.”

Key points: Specific details about the piece, personal connection, vivid descriptions of emotions, varied vocabulary, and complex sentence structures.

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. How has your taste in music changed over time?
2. Do you think music can influence a person’s mood?

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

“My musical preferences have certainly evolved over the years. As a teenager, I was drawn to more energetic and rebellious genres like rock and punk, which resonated with my youthful spirit. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve developed a greater appreciation for a wider range of styles, including classical, jazz, and world music. This shift reflects my growing curiosity about different cultures and musical traditions, as well as a desire for more nuanced and complex compositions. That said, I still enjoy revisiting the music of my youth occasionally, as it evokes nostalgic memories and reminds me of how my tastes have developed.”

Key points: Clear explanation of change, specific examples, reflection on personal growth, complex vocabulary and sentence structures.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to music. Here’s an example:

Examiner: How do you think music affects society?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Music plays a multifaceted role in shaping society, influencing everything from individual emotions to large-scale cultural movements. On a personal level, music can be a powerful mood regulator, helping people cope with stress, express their feelings, or simply find joy in their daily lives. This emotional impact can have broader societal effects, as shared musical experiences often foster a sense of community and belonging.

Moreover, music has historically been a vehicle for social change. Protest songs, for instance, have galvanized movements and raised awareness about important issues. Artists like Bob Dylan or Fela Kuti have used their music to comment on societal problems and inspire action.

In terms of cultural identity, music often serves as a repository of traditions and values. Folk music, for example, can preserve linguistic heritage and historical narratives. At the same time, the globalization of music through digital platforms has led to increased cultural exchange and fusion, potentially breaking down barriers between different societies.

Additionally, the music industry itself has a significant economic impact, providing livelihoods for countless individuals and contributing to national economies. The rise of streaming services and digital distribution has dramatically altered this landscape, democratizing music creation and distribution while also raising questions about fair compensation for artists.

In essence, music’s influence on society is profound and multidimensional, touching on emotional, cultural, political, and economic spheres. Its power to unite, inspire, and provoke thought makes it an integral part of human experience and social dynamics.”

Key points: Comprehensive answer covering multiple aspects, use of specific examples, complex vocabulary and sentence structures, clear organization of ideas.

Describe a piece of music that makes you feel relaxed is another potential topic that could come up in the IELTS Speaking test. Being able to discuss various aspects of music can help you perform well across different question types.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing music, consider using these advanced words and phrases:

1. Evocative /ɪˈvɒkətɪv/ (adj): bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind
   Example: “The evocative melody transported me back to my childhood.”

2. Resonant /ˈrezənənt/ (adj): (of sound) deep, clear, and continuing to sound or ring
   Example: “The singer’s resonant voice filled the concert hall.”

3. Timbre /ˈtæmbər/ (n): the character or quality of a musical sound or voice
   Example: “I love the rich timbre of a cello.”

4. Crescendo /krəˈʃendəʊ/ (n): a gradual increase in loudness in a piece of music
   Example: “The piece reaches its emotional climax with a powerful crescendo.”

5. Nuanced /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ (adj): characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
   Example: “Her interpretation of the sonata was beautifully nuanced.”

6. Cathartic /kəˈθɑːtɪk/ (adj): providing psychological relief through the expression of strong emotions
   Example: “Listening to that song was a cathartic experience after a difficult day.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing music:

1. Use specific and varied vocabulary related to music and emotions.
2. Provide personal anecdotes and experiences to support your points.
3. Discuss not just what you like, but why you like it, demonstrating critical thinking.
4. Practice describing different genres and pieces of music to improve fluency.
5. Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to music, such as its impact on society or culture.
6. Use a range of tenses and complex sentence structures to showcase your language skills.
7. Speak clearly and confidently, using appropriate intonation to convey enthusiasm about the topic.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about music, but being able to articulate your thoughts and feelings about it eloquently and engagingly.

Describe an interesting song you recently heard is another topic that could help you prepare for discussing music in the IELTS Speaking test. Practicing with various music-related topics will enhance your ability to speak fluently and confidently about this subject.