The topic of describing a recently heard interesting song is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. This subject allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to express personal preferences, describe emotions, and use vocabulary related to music and entertainment.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions such as:
- Do you like listening to music?
- What kind of music do you prefer?
- How often do you listen to music?
- Have you ever been to a live concert?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Examiner: Do you like listening to music?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I really enjoy listening to music. It’s a big part of my daily life. I usually listen to music when I’m commuting or doing chores around the house. It helps me relax and makes boring tasks more enjoyable.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m passionate about music and consider it an integral part of my life. I find that music has the remarkable ability to enhance my mood, boost my productivity, and even serve as a form of emotional therapy. Whether I’m unwinding after a long day or seeking inspiration for a creative project, music is my go-to companion.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe an interesting song you recently heard
You should say:
- What the song was
- Where you heard it
- What it was about
- And explain why you found it interesting
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about an interesting song I heard recently called “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd. I first heard this song while I was shopping in a mall. The catchy beat immediately caught my attention.
The song is about missing someone and wanting to be with them again. It has a nostalgic 80s sound with modern production. The lyrics talk about the singer’s desire to see someone special, even though they know it might not be the best idea.
I found this song interesting because of its unique blend of retro and contemporary styles. The synth-heavy instrumental reminded me of classic 80s pop songs, but the vocals and production felt very current. The contrast between the upbeat music and the somewhat melancholic lyrics also intrigued me.
The song stuck in my head for days after I first heard it, which is usually a sign that I find a song interesting. I ended up looking it up online and adding it to my playlist. Now, whenever I hear it, it reminds me of that day at the mall and how music can unexpectedly capture our attention.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to share my experience with an captivating song I recently encountered, titled “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd. I stumbled upon this musical gem while perusing the aisles of a local shopping mall, and it instantly piqued my interest.
The song’s narrative revolves around the theme of longing and the bittersweet nature of desire. It eloquently expresses the protagonist’s yearning to reunite with a significant other, despite the potential ramifications of such a reunion. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of emotional conflict and nostalgic reminiscence.
What struck me as particularly fascinating about this piece was its masterful fusion of retro and contemporary elements. The song boasts a synth-heavy instrumental that harks back to the iconic sounds of 1980s pop music, yet it’s seamlessly integrated with modern production techniques and The Weeknd’s distinctive vocal style. This juxtaposition creates a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and refreshingly novel.
Moreover, I found the contrast between the upbeat, energetic melody and the somewhat melancholic undertones of the lyrics to be incredibly compelling. This dichotomy adds layers of complexity to the song, inviting listeners to delve deeper into its meaning with each replay.
The song’s ability to linger in my consciousness long after I first heard it is a testament to its magnetic quality. It prompted me to conduct further research into the artist and the song’s background, ultimately leading me to add it to my personal playlist. Now, whenever the familiar notes reach my ears, I’m transported back to that serendipitous moment in the mall, serving as a poignant reminder of music’s power to captivate and inspire us in the most unexpected places.
Examiner: Why do you think some songs become very popular very quickly?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think songs become popular quickly for several reasons. Firstly, if the song has a catchy melody or rhythm, people tend to remember it easily. Also, if the lyrics are relatable, more people will connect with the song. Sometimes, a song becomes popular because it’s sung by a famous artist who already has many fans. Social media and music streaming platforms also play a big role in making songs popular fast by allowing people to share and discover new music easily.
Band 8-9 Answer:
There are multiple factors that contribute to a song’s rapid rise to popularity. Firstly, the musical composition itself plays a crucial role – a memorable melody, infectious rhythm, or innovative sound can captivate listeners and make the song instantly recognizable. Additionally, relatable or thought-provoking lyrics can forge a strong emotional connection with the audience, leading to increased sharing and discussion.
The artist’s reputation and existing fan base can also significantly impact a song’s initial reception and spread. Furthermore, in today’s digital age, the role of social media platforms and music streaming services cannot be overstated. These platforms facilitate the viral spread of music, allowing songs to gain traction rapidly through shares, playlist inclusions, and algorithmic recommendations.
It’s also worth noting that strategic marketing campaigns, well-timed releases, and collaborations with other popular artists can create buzz and amplify a song’s reach. Ultimately, a combination of these elements, along with an element of zeitgeist – capturing the mood or spirit of the time – often conspires to propel a song to swift popularity.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How has technology changed the way we listen to music?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has greatly changed how we listen to music. Now, we can access millions of songs on our phones through streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music. We don’t need to buy CDs or download songs anymore. We can also create our own playlists easily and share them with friends. Another change is that we can listen to music anywhere, anytime, thanks to wireless earphones and portable speakers. Technology has also made it easier for new artists to share their music online without needing a record label.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the way we consume music in numerous profound ways. The advent of digital streaming platforms has transformed music from a physical product into an on-demand service, granting us unprecedented access to vast libraries of songs at our fingertips. This shift has dramatically altered our listening habits, enabling us to explore diverse genres and artists with ease.
The proliferation of smart devices and wireless technology has made music ubiquitous in our daily lives. We can now seamlessly transition from listening on our smartphones during a commute to streaming through smart speakers at home, creating an uninterrupted musical experience.
Furthermore, technology has democratized music production and distribution. Independent artists can now record, produce, and release their music without the need for traditional record labels, leading to a more diverse and vibrant music scene. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms have also begun to play a role in music discovery, curating personalized playlists and recommending new artists based on our listening habits.
However, this technological revolution also presents challenges, such as concerns over artist compensation in the streaming era and the potential for algorithm-driven echo chambers in our musical tastes. Nonetheless, the overall impact of technology on music consumption has been transformative, enhancing accessibility and reshaping the industry landscape.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Captivating (adjective) – /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ – Very attractive and interesting
Example: The captivating melody of the song stayed with me for days. -
Eloquently (adverb) – /ˈeləkwəntli/ – In a fluent or persuasive manner
Example: The lyrics eloquently expressed the singer’s emotions. -
Juxtaposition (noun) – /ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃn/ – The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect
Example: The juxtaposition of upbeat music and melancholic lyrics created an interesting contrast. -
Innovative (adjective) – /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – Featuring new methods; advanced and original
Example: The artist’s innovative use of synthesizers set the song apart from others in the genre. -
Proliferation (noun) – /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ – Rapid increase in numbers
Example: The proliferation of music streaming services has changed how we consume music.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a song:
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Use a wide range of vocabulary related to music and emotions. Don’t just say a song is “good” or “nice” – be specific about what makes it interesting or appealing.
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Practice describing songs in detail, focusing on different aspects like melody, lyrics, mood, and personal impact.
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Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to music, such as its role in society, the music industry, or how technology affects music consumption.
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Use complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions where appropriate, but ensure your speech remains natural and fluent.
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When giving examples or personal experiences, provide specific details to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but also about expressing your ideas clearly, coherently, and confidently.