When discussing personal preferences in IELTS Speaking, [describe a song that holds special meaning for you] is a frequently tested topic. Let’s explore how to deliver a compelling response that showcases your English proficiency.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you often listen to music?
- What kind of music do you prefer?
- When do you usually listen to music?
- Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m quite passionate about music and listen to it religiously. I particularly gravitate towards indie rock and alternative genres as they tend to be more introspective and thought-provoking. Music is an integral part of my daily routine, especially when I’m commuting or working out.”
Student discussing music preferences during IELTS speaking test
Part 2: Cue Card
You should talk about:
- What the song is
- When you first heard it
- Why it is special to you
- How it makes you feel
Similar to how [describe a family tradition that you value] requires personal reflection, this topic demands emotional connection and detailed explanation.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay, which holds immense sentimental value for me. I first encountered this masterpiece during my final year of high school, a particularly challenging period in my life. What makes it extraordinarily special is how it resonated with my personal experiences of dealing with loss and acceptance.
The song’s melancholic piano intro immediately captures the essence of reflection and introspection. Its lyrics, particularly the line ‘nobody said it was easy,’ perfectly encapsulated my struggles with major life decisions. Whenever I listen to it, I experience a profound sense of nostalgia mixed with hope.
The song has become synonymous with personal growth for me, serving as a constant reminder that challenges are part of life’s journey. It invariably evokes a mixture of emotions – from gentle melancholy to quiet determination.”
Student expressing emotional connection to music in IELTS test
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about a song called ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay. I heard it first when I was in high school. It’s special because it helped me during a difficult time. The song makes me feel both sad and hopeful. I like the piano in the song and the meaningful lyrics. When I listen to it, I remember my past experiences and feel better.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has music streaming changed the way people consume music?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Music streaming has revolutionized the industry by making music infinitely more accessible. This shift has fundamentally altered our listening habits, as we now have the luxury of curating personalized playlists. However, this convenience might have diminished our appreciation for complete albums as artistic works.”
Similar to how [what does family mean to you ielts] explores personal values, discussing music preferences can reveal cultural insights and emotional depth.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Resonante with (phrasal verb) – to affect someone emotionally
- Profound impact (collocation) – deep, significant influence
- Evoke emotions (verb phrase) – to bring forth feelings
- Therapeutic effect (noun phrase) – healing or beneficial influence
- Musical sensibility (noun phrase) – understanding and appreciation of music
Examiner’s Tips
- Use personal experiences to make your answer authentic
- Include specific details about the song’s features
- Demonstrate a range of emotional vocabulary
- Structure your response logically
- Practice speaking for the full 2 minutes in Part 2
[describe a recent birthday celebration you enjoyed] can help you understand how to structure personal narratives effectively in IELTS Speaking, much like describing a meaningful song.
[describe a place in your country where you go for a weekend getaway] teaches similar narrative techniques that can be applied when describing emotional connections to music.
