The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about music and its impact on our emotions. One common topic is describing a song that helps you feel calm. This article will guide you through answering such a question effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask simple questions about music and relaxation. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you often listen to music to relax?
Band 7-8 Answer:
“Yes, I do. I find music to be an incredibly effective way to unwind after a long day. I have a specially curated playlist of soothing tracks that I turn to whenever I need to de-stress or clear my mind. It’s become an essential part of my daily routine, especially before bedtime or during my meditation sessions.”
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 you listen to when you want to feel calm.
You should say:
- What the song is
- Who performs it
- When you first heard it
- And explain why this song makes you feel calmBand 6-7 Sample Answer:
“The song I’d like to talk about is ‘Weightless’ by Marconi Union. It’s an instrumental piece that I first discovered about two years ago when I was searching for relaxation music online.
I remember stumbling upon an article that mentioned this song was scientifically designed to reduce anxiety and induce a state of calmness. Intrigued, I decided to give it a listen, and I was immediately impressed by its soothing effect.
The song has a slow, steady rhythm that feels almost like a gentle heartbeat. It features soft piano notes, ambient sounds, and subtle electronic elements that blend together seamlessly. What’s particularly interesting is that the tempo of the music gradually slows down as the track progresses, which is said to help slow down your heart rate and breathing.
I find this song incredibly calming for several reasons. Firstly, its lack of lyrics allows my mind to quiet down without getting caught up in words or meanings. Secondly, the gentle, repetitive nature of the music creates a sort of meditative atmosphere that helps me focus on the present moment. Lastly, knowing that it’s been scientifically composed for relaxation gives me confidence in its effectiveness, which I think enhances its calming effect on me.
Now, whenever I’m feeling stressed or need to concentrate on a task, I put on ‘Weightless’ and almost instantly feel a sense of tranquility wash over me. It’s become my go-to song for finding calm in the midst of a hectic day.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to share with you a piece of music that never fails to instill a sense of tranquility in me – ‘Clair de Lune’ by Claude Debussy. This exquisite piano composition, which translates to ‘Moonlight’ in English, is a pinnacle of Impressionist music that I first encountered during a classical music appreciation course in my university days.
What strikes me most about this piece is its ethereal quality. Debussy’s masterful use of soft dynamics and flowing arpeggios creates an atmosphere that’s akin to being enveloped in a gentle, moonlit mist. The delicate interplay between the higher and lower registers of the piano evokes a sense of balance and harmony that I find deeply soothing.
The reason this particular piece has such a calming effect on me is multifaceted. Firstly, its slow tempo and rubato style – a technique that allows for flexible rhythm – mirrors the natural ebb and flow of relaxed breathing. This subtly encourages my own breathing to slow down and deepen.
Moreover, the harmonic progression of the piece is fascinating. It doesn’t follow conventional patterns, which keeps my mind engaged enough to prevent wandering thoughts, yet it’s not so complex as to be mentally taxing. This perfect balance allows me to focus solely on the present moment, effectively inducing a meditative state.
Lastly, I find the emotional landscape of ‘Clair de Lune’ to be profoundly moving. It manages to convey a sense of wistful beauty that I find both comforting and cathartic. It’s as if the music gives form to complex emotions that are difficult to express in words, providing a release valve for any pent-up stress or anxiety.
In essence, whenever I need to recenter myself or find a moment of peace amidst chaos, I turn to ‘Clair de Lune’. Its timeless beauty and masterful composition never fail to transport me to a state of serene calmness.”
Follow-up questions:
- How often do you listen to this song?
- Do you think different types of music can affect our moods differently?
Band 7-8 Sample Answers:
-
“I make it a point to listen to this song at least a few times a week, especially during periods of high stress. It’s become something of a ritual for me – I often play it in the evening as I’m winding down from work or when I need to transition into a more relaxed state of mind. I find that consistent exposure to the song has made its calming effect even more pronounced over time.”
-
“Absolutely! I firmly believe that music has a profound impact on our emotional state. For instance, upbeat pop songs can be incredibly energizing and mood-lifting, while melancholic ballads might evoke feelings of nostalgia or sadness. Classical music, like the piece I mentioned, often has a calming effect, while heavy metal or rock might be invigorating or even cathartic for some people. I think it’s fascinating how different musical elements like tempo, rhythm, and harmony can trigger various physiological and psychological responses in us.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think music can be used as a form of therapy?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe music can be therapeutic. Many people use music to relax or improve their mood. There are even professional music therapists who use music to help patients with various conditions. For example, listening to calming music can reduce stress and anxiety. Some studies have shown that music can help with pain management and improve sleep quality. I think it’s a powerful tool that can positively impact our mental and emotional well-being.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely, I’m a firm believer in the therapeutic potential of music. The field of music therapy is gaining increasing recognition in the medical community for its efficacy in treating a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological conditions.
Music has been shown to have remarkable neurological effects. It can stimulate the release of dopamine, our brain’s ‘feel-good’ chemical, and reduce the production of cortisol, the stress hormone. This biochemical impact translates into tangible benefits for patients suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even certain neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Moreover, music’s ability to evoke memories and emotions makes it a powerful tool in treating conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. It can help patients reconnect with their past and stimulate cognitive function.
In pain management, music has been found to be an effective non-pharmacological intervention. It can distract from pain, reduce muscle tension, and even alter pain perception pathways in the brain.
What’s particularly fascinating is how personalized music therapy can be. The most effective music for therapy often depends on the individual’s personal preferences and cultural background, making it a highly adaptable form of treatment.
Given the non-invasive nature and cost-effectiveness of music therapy, coupled with its wide-ranging benefits, I believe we’ll see it becoming an increasingly integral part of holistic healthcare approaches in the future.”
Examiner: In what ways do you think the music we listen to reflects our personality?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think our music preferences can say a lot about our personality. For example, people who enjoy upbeat, energetic music might be more outgoing and sociable. Those who prefer classical or jazz might be more introspective or intellectual. Our taste in music can also reflect our cultural background and life experiences. However, it’s important not to make too many assumptions based solely on someone’s playlist, as musical taste can be quite complex and personal.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The relationship between music preferences and personality is a fascinating area of study that has garnered significant attention in psychological research. Our choice in music can indeed be a window into our psyche, reflecting various aspects of our personality, values, and even cognitive styles.
Research has shown some intriguing correlations. For instance, individuals who gravitate towards complex, instrumental music like jazz or classical often score higher on measures of openness to experience and intellectual curiosity. They tend to appreciate aesthetic experiences and have a penchant for abstract thinking.
On the other hand, those who prefer upbeat, conventional pop music often exhibit higher levels of extraversion and agreeableness. They tend to be sociable, cheerful, and place high value on conformity and fitting in with social norms.
Interestingly, a preference for intense, rebellious music like heavy metal or punk has been associated with higher scores in openness to experience but lower scores in conscientiousness. These individuals often value independence and non-conformity.
However, it’s crucial to approach these correlations with nuance. Music taste is influenced by a complex interplay of factors including cultural background, personal experiences, and even our current emotional state. Moreover, many people enjoy a wide variety of genres, which could indicate a multifaceted personality.
Additionally, our relationship with music often goes beyond mere preference. The way we engage with music – whether we use it for emotional regulation, as a social tool, or for intellectual stimulation – can be equally revealing about our personality and cognitive processes.
In essence, while our playlist can offer intriguing insights into our personality, it’s just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The true beauty of music lies in its universality and its power to connect us, regardless of our individual differences.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:
-
Soothing /suːðɪŋ/ (adj): Having a gently calming effect.
Example: The soothing melody helped me relax after a stressful day. -
Ethereal /ɪˈθɪəriəl/ (adj): Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems not to be of this world.
Example: The song has an ethereal quality that transports me to another place. -
Cathartic /kəˈθɑːtɪk/ (adj): Providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions.
Example: Listening to this song is a cathartic experience for me. -
Evoke /ɪˈvəʊk/ (verb): Bring or recall to the conscious mind.
Example: The music evokes memories of my childhood. -
Ambiance /ˈæmbiəns/ (noun): The character and atmosphere of a place.
Example: The song creates a peaceful ambiance in my room.
Describe a person who taught you the importance of perseverance can be an interesting topic to explore in relation to how music influences our emotions and motivation. Just as a calming song can help us persevere through stressful times, a person’s guidance can inspire us to keep going in the face of challenges.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a calming song:
- Use descriptive language: Paint a vivid picture of the song and its effect on you.
- Show personal connection: Explain why this particular song is meaningful to you.
- Demonstrate range: Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
- Stay relevant: Keep your answers focused on the question at hand.
- Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without too many pauses or hesitations.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about expressing your ideas clearly and coherently. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
Describe a person who you think is very inspiring could be a great topic to practice after mastering how to describe a calming song. It allows you to apply similar descriptive techniques to a different subject matter, further enhancing your speaking skills.
By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about music and its emotional impact in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity in your responses is key – speak from your personal experience and let your passion for music shine through.
Describe a time when you felt proud of a friend is another excellent topic to practice. It can help you transition from describing abstract concepts like music to narrating concrete experiences, which is a crucial skill in the IELTS Speaking test.