When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about personal experiences and emotions. One such topic that has appeared in recent exams and is likely to continue being relevant is describing a song you listen to when feeling sad. This question not only tests your language skills but also your ability to express emotions and personal preferences.
Describe a time when you felt very nervous about something is another common topic in IELTS Speaking, which requires similar skills in expressing emotions and personal experiences. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a song you listen to when feeling sad, providing sample responses for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about music and emotions. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you often listen to music when you’re feeling down?
A: Yes, I frequently turn to music when I’m feeling blue. I find that certain songs have a cathartic effect, allowing me to process my emotions more effectively. Music has this incredible power to resonate with our innermost feelings, and I often find solace in melodies that match my mood.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe A Song You Listen To When You Feel Sad
You should say:
- What the song is
- Who sings it
- What it is about
- Why you listen to it when you’re sad
And explain how this song makes you feel.
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
The song I’d like to talk about is “Someone Like You” by Adele. It’s a popular ballad that was released in 2011. The song is about heartbreak and moving on after a difficult breakup. Adele’s powerful voice really brings out the emotional depth of the lyrics.
I listen to this song when I’m sad because it helps me connect with my feelings. The lyrics talk about accepting that a relationship is over but still wishing the best for the other person. This resonates with me when I’m feeling down about my own relationships or life situations.
When I listen to this song, it makes me feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, it makes me feel melancholic and nostalgic, reminding me of past experiences. But on the other hand, it also gives me a sense of comfort and hope. Hearing Adele’s strong voice singing about overcoming heartbreak makes me feel like I can also get through tough times.
The melody of the song is quite soothing, which helps calm me down when I’m upset. The piano accompaniment creates a peaceful atmosphere that allows me to reflect on my feelings. Overall, this song provides a cathartic experience, helping me process my emotions and eventually feel better.
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
The song I invariably turn to in moments of melancholy is “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, although I particularly favor Jeff Buckley’s haunting rendition. This timeless masterpiece is a complex tapestry of biblical allusions and personal reflections on love, loss, and the human condition.
I find myself drawn to this song during periods of sadness due to its profound lyrical depth and soul-stirring melody. Cohen’s poetic verses, coupled with Buckley’s ethereal vocals, create an atmosphere that is at once introspective and cathartic. The song’s ability to juxtapose joy and sorrow, strength and vulnerability, resonates deeply with my own emotional landscape during challenging times.
When I immerse myself in “Hallelujah,” I experience a kaleidoscope of emotions. The song’s melancholic undertones initially amplify my sadness, allowing me to fully acknowledge and embrace my feelings. However, as the familiar chords progress and the powerful chorus unfolds, I find myself experiencing a gradual emotional shift.
The repeated refrain of “Hallelujah” serves as a mantra-like affirmation, instilling a sense of resilience and acceptance. This musical journey often leads me to a state of bittersweet catharsis, where my sadness is transformed into a more contemplative and peaceful state of mind.
Moreover, the song’s universal themes remind me of the shared human experience of suffering and redemption. This realization fosters a sense of connection and empathy, alleviating feelings of isolation that often accompany sadness. Ultimately, “Hallelujah” acts as a sonic sanctuary, providing solace and facilitating emotional processing in a profoundly moving way.
IELTS Speaking: Describing a sad song
Follow-up questions:
Q: How does music affect your mood in general?
A (Band 6-7): Music has a big impact on my mood. When I listen to upbeat songs, I feel more energetic and happy. Slow songs can make me feel calm or sometimes sad. I think music is like a mood enhancer, it can make whatever I’m feeling stronger.
A (Band 8-9): Music plays a pivotal role in modulating my emotional state. It possesses an almost alchemical ability to transmute my mood, elevating my spirits with vibrant melodies or providing a cathartic outlet through more somber tunes. I find that music acts as an emotional amplifier, intensifying my current state while simultaneously offering new perspectives on my feelings.
Q: Do you think sad songs can help people feel better?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I believe sad songs can help people feel better. They allow us to express our emotions and feel understood. Sometimes, hearing someone else sing about similar experiences makes us feel less alone. It’s like a way of processing our feelings through music.
A (Band 8-9): Indeed, I firmly believe in the therapeutic potential of melancholic music. Paradoxically, these somber melodies can serve as a conduit for emotional release, facilitating a process of catharsis and introspection. By resonating with our inner turmoil, sad songs can validate our experiences, fostering a sense of shared human vulnerability. This musical empathy can be profoundly comforting, ultimately guiding us towards emotional resolution and renewed resilience.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think music preferences differ across generations?
A (Band 6-7): I think music preferences can be quite different across generations. Older people often prefer classic songs from their youth, while younger generations might be more into modern genres like hip-hop or electronic music. This is probably because we tend to connect with the music that was popular when we were growing up. Also, new technologies have changed how we listen to music, which affects preferences too.
A (Band 8-9): Music preferences across generations are shaped by a complex interplay of cultural, technological, and personal factors. Each generation tends to form a strong emotional attachment to the music that defined their formative years, creating a sense of nostalgia and shared cultural identity. However, it’s important to note that these preferences are not monolithic. We’re seeing an increasing cross-generational appreciation of various musical styles, facilitated by digital platforms that provide unprecedented access to diverse genres. Moreover, the rapid evolution of music production technologies has led to the emergence of new genres and hybrid forms, continually reshaping the musical landscape and influencing preferences across age groups.
Generational differences in music preferences
Q: In what ways do you think music can influence society?
A (Band 6-7): Music can influence society in many ways. It often reflects social issues and can raise awareness about important topics. Popular songs can shape fashion trends and even influence how people speak. Music also brings people together, like at concerts or festivals, creating a sense of community. Sometimes, musicians use their platform to promote causes they believe in, which can impact their fans’ views.
A (Band 8-9): Music wields a profound and multifaceted influence on society, acting as both a mirror and a catalyst for social change. It serves as a powerful medium for cultural expression, often articulating the zeitgeist and giving voice to marginalized communities. Historically, music has been instrumental in galvanizing social movements, from civil rights to environmental awareness, by distilling complex issues into emotionally resonant forms. Moreover, music possesses the unique ability to transcend linguistic and cultural barriers, fostering cross-cultural understanding and empathy. In the digital age, the democratization of music production and distribution has amplified its societal impact, enabling a more diverse range of voices to reach global audiences and challenge established norms. Additionally, the music industry’s economic influence shapes consumer behavior and technological innovation, further underscoring its pervasive societal role.
Describe a recent purchase you made is another topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test, requiring you to describe personal experiences and preferences much like discussing a song you listen to when sad.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing this topic, consider using some of these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Cathartic (adjective) /kəˈθɑːtɪk/ – providing psychological relief through the open expression of strong emotions
Example: “Listening to this song provides a cathartic experience, allowing me to release pent-up emotions.”Melancholic (adjective) /ˌmelənˈkɒlɪk/ – feeling or expressing pensive sadness
Example: “The melancholic tone of the song perfectly matches my mood when I’m feeling down.”Resonates (verb) /ˈrezəneɪts/ – evokes or suggests images, memories, and emotions
Example: “The lyrics of this song really resonate with my personal experiences.”Introspective (adjective) /ˌɪntrəˈspektɪv/ – characterized by examination of one’s own mental and emotional processes
Example: “This song always puts me in an introspective mood, encouraging self-reflection.”Poignant (adjective) /ˈpɔɪnjənt/ – evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
Example: “The poignant melody of this song never fails to stir my emotions.”
Describe an old friend you reconnected with is another topic that might require you to express emotions and personal experiences, similar to discussing a song that makes you feel sad.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing emotive topics like sad songs:
- Practice expressing emotions in English. Use a range of adjectives to describe feelings beyond just “happy” or “sad”.
- Develop your ability to explain why you feel certain emotions. This demonstrates deeper thinking and language skills.
- Use personal anecdotes to illustrate your points. This makes your answers more engaging and authentic.
- Work on your pronunciation and intonation to convey emotions effectively through your voice.
- Expand your vocabulary related to music and emotions. This will allow you to express yourself more precisely.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, ideally with a native speaker or a qualified teacher, to refine your skills and build confidence.
Describe a time when you felt nervous but stayed calm is another topic that tests your ability to discuss emotions and personal experiences, much like describing a song you listen to when feeling sad.
