Music has the power to uplift our spirits and bring joy to our lives. In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe a song that makes you happy. This topic has appeared in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a song that brings you happiness in each part of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about music and happiness. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy listening to music?
- What kind of music makes you happy?
- How often do you listen to music?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I find that upbeat pop songs and energetic dance tracks really lift my mood. There’s something about the catchy melodies and positive lyrics that instantly puts a smile on my face. I particularly enjoy songs with a lively rhythm that make me want to move and dance along. The combination of uplifting music and feel-good lyrics creates a perfect recipe for happiness in my opinion.“
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 a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a song that makes you happy
You should say:
- What the song is
- When you first heard it
- What it is about
- And explain why it makes you happy
Now, let’s look at sample answers for different band scores:
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The song that always makes me happy is ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ by Queen. I first heard it when I was in high school, during a school dance. It’s a really energetic song about feeling unstoppable and having a great time. The lyrics talk about flying through the sky and being a shooting star.
I love this song because it’s so upbeat and positive. Whenever I hear it, I can’t help but smile and want to dance. The fast tempo and Freddie Mercury’s amazing voice just fill me with energy. It reminds me of good times with my friends and always lifts my mood when I’m feeling down.
The song makes me happy because it’s all about enjoying life and feeling confident. It’s impossible to listen to it without feeling more optimistic. Even if I’m having a bad day, this song always cheers me up and makes me feel like I can overcome any challenge.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a song that never fails to brighten my day – ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles. I initially encountered this musical gem during a road trip with my family when I was a teenager. It’s a beautifully crafted piece that metaphorically describes the end of a long, hard winter and the promise of brighter days ahead.
The song’s lilting melody and optimistic lyrics create an irresistible atmosphere of hope and renewal. George Harrison’s gentle voice, combined with the gradual build-up of instruments, perfectly captures the feeling of sunlight slowly warming a cold world. It’s a masterclass in musical storytelling, conveying complex emotions through seemingly simple words and harmonies.
What makes this song particularly special to me is its ability to evoke a sense of universal optimism. Whenever I hear those opening guitar notes, I’m instantly transported to a mental space of positivity and possibility. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult things may seem, there’s always hope for better times.
The song’s timeless quality is truly remarkable. Despite being written decades ago, its message of resilience and hope remains profoundly relevant today. It’s not just the lyrics that resonate with me, but also the overall mood and atmosphere the song creates. It’s like a musical ray of sunshine, cutting through the clouds of any gloomy day.
In essence, ‘Here Comes the Sun’ makes me happy because it embodies the very concept of joy and optimism in musical form. It’s a perfect antidote to life’s challenges, reminding me to look for the light even in the darkest times.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has your taste in music changed over the years?
- Do you think music can influence a person’s mood?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 2:
“Absolutely, I firmly believe that music has a profound impact on our emotional state. Scientific studies have consistently shown that music can trigger the release of dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter in our brains. This physiological response explains why we often experience an immediate mood lift when listening to our favorite tunes.
Moreover, music has the remarkable ability to evoke memories and associated emotions. A particular song can transport us back to a happy moment in our lives, instantly improving our mood. Conversely, melancholic music can help us process and express sadness, which can be cathartic and ultimately mood-improving.
The tempo, rhythm, and harmonic structure of a piece of music can also directly influence our physiological state. Upbeat, fast-paced music can increase heart rate and energy levels, while slower, calming melodies can reduce stress and promote relaxation. This is why many people curate specific playlists for different activities or moods – energetic songs for workouts, soothing tracks for meditation, and so on.
In essence, music serves as a powerful tool for emotional regulation and mood enhancement. Its ability to influence our mood is so significant that it’s even used therapeutically in various contexts, from reducing anxiety in medical settings to managing symptoms of depression. The key lies in choosing music that resonates with our desired emotional state, effectively using it as a form of emotional self-care.”
Describe a time when you felt excited about a song or musical performance can also be a great way to express your enthusiasm for music in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think music affects society?
- Do you think traditional music is important in the modern world?
- How has technology changed the way we listen to music?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Music plays a significant role in shaping society in various ways. Firstly, it serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression and preservation. Traditional music, for instance, helps maintain cultural identity and pass down stories and values from one generation to another.
Moreover, music often reflects and influences social movements. Throughout history, we’ve seen how protest songs have united people and sparked change. Songs about social issues can raise awareness and inspire action on important topics like equality, peace, and environmental conservation.
In addition, music has a unifying effect on communities. Concerts and music festivals bring people together, fostering a sense of shared experience and collective joy. This can strengthen social bonds and promote understanding between different groups.
Furthermore, the music industry itself is a significant part of the economy, providing jobs and driving innovation in technology and entertainment. The global reach of popular music also contributes to cultural exchange and understanding between nations.
However, it’s important to note that music can also have potentially negative impacts, such as promoting harmful stereotypes or encouraging risky behaviors in some genres. Overall, though, I believe music’s positive influence on society far outweighs any negatives, serving as a universal language that connects people across cultural and linguistic barriers.”
What makes you happy ielts is a common theme in IELTS Speaking, and discussing how music contributes to happiness can be a great way to expand on this topic.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing a song that makes you happy, consider using these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
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Euphoric /juːˈfɒrɪk/ (adj): Characterized by or feeling intense excitement and happiness.
Example: “The song’s chorus always leaves me feeling euphoric.” -
Resonates with (phrasal verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
Example: “The lyrics of this song really resonate with my personal experiences.” -
Infectious /ɪnˈfekʃəs/ (adj): (Of a feeling, attitude, or action) likely to spread to and affect others.
Example: “The infectious rhythm of the song makes everyone want to dance.” -
Cathartic /kəˈθɑːtɪk/ (adj): Providing psychological relief through the expression of strong emotions.
Example: “Listening to this song is a cathartic experience, helping me release pent-up emotions.” -
Timeless /ˈtaɪmləs/ (adj): Not affected by the passage of time or changes in fashion.
Example: “Despite being released decades ago, the song has a timeless quality that still appeals to listeners today.” -
Elevate one’s spirits (idiom): To improve one’s mood or emotional state.
Example: “This uplifting melody never fails to elevate my spirits, even on the gloomiest days.” -
Evocative /ɪˈvɒkətɪv/ (adj): Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.
Example: “The evocative lyrics transport me back to cherished moments from my past.”
Describe a time when you attended a music concert can be another excellent opportunity to showcase your vocabulary related to music and emotions.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a song that makes you happy:
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Be specific: Instead of general statements, provide detailed examples and personal anecdotes about why the song makes you happy.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases related to music and emotions to demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Show enthusiasm: Your tone and facial expressions should convey genuine happiness when talking about the song.
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Structure your answer: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all the points mentioned in the cue card.
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Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice can help you achieve this.
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Expand on your ideas: In Part 3, develop your answers with explanations and examples to showcase your ability to discuss abstract concepts.
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Stay on topic: While it’s good to elaborate, make sure your answers remain relevant to the question asked.
Remember, describing a time when you attended a live performance or a special occasion you celebrated with your family where music played a significant role can also be great ways to demonstrate your ability to discuss music and happiness in the IELTS Speaking test.
By following these tips and incorporating the suggested vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss a song that makes you happy in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score and impressing the examiner with your language skills.