As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless students who get nervous when faced with the seemingly simple question, “What kind of music do you like?” in their IELTS Speaking test. It might seem straightforward, but this question is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your vocabulary and fluency in English.
This article will guide you on how to confidently tackle this common IELTS topic and impress your examiner.
Understanding the Question’s Purpose
The examiner isn’t just curious about your musical taste. They want to assess:
- Vocabulary range: Can you go beyond basic terms like “good” and “bad”?
- Fluency and coherence: Can you speak smoothly and logically about your preferences?
- Grammatical accuracy: Can you use a variety of sentence structures correctly?
- Pronunciation: Can you be easily understood?
Discussing Your Musical Preferences
Here’s how to structure your response to showcase your English abilities:
1. State Your Preference Clearly
Start by directly stating your preferred genre(s). Instead of just saying “I like pop music,” try:
- “I’m particularly drawn to pop music.”
- “I’m a big fan of classical music, especially the Baroque period.”
- “I have a diverse taste in music, but I often find myself listening to jazz.”
2. Elaborate and Explain
Don’t stop at just stating your preference. Explain why you enjoy it. Use descriptive language and provide specific examples:
- Genre: “I find jazz music incredibly soothing. I appreciate the improvisation and the complex harmonies.”
- Artists: “I’m a huge admirer of Adele. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics really resonate with me.”
- Instruments: “The sound of the violin in classical music always gives me goosebumps. It’s such a powerful and emotive instrument.”
3. Connect to Experiences and Emotions
Take the opportunity to personalize your response:
- “Growing up, my parents always played classical music at home, so it evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort for me.”
- “When I’m feeling stressed, I turn to upbeat pop music to lift my spirits.”
- “Listening to live jazz music in a small club is an incredibly immersive experience.”
4. Demonstrate Vocabulary Range
Use a variety of adjectives and adverbs to describe music:
- Tempo: Upbeat, mellow, energetic, tranquil, lively
- Mood: Cheerful, melancholic, romantic, nostalgic, empowering
- Instruments: Acoustic, electric, string, wind, percussion
- Vocals: Soulful, powerful, raw, soothing, operatic
Woman Listening to Music with Headphones
Sample Answer
“I have a rather eclectic taste in music, but I’m particularly fond of classical music. I find it incredibly calming and therapeutic, especially the works of composers like Beethoven and Mozart. Their music is so complex and nuanced, and I always discover something new with each listen. I also enjoy attending live orchestral performances; there’s nothing quite like the feeling of being surrounded by such powerful and emotive music.”
Tips for Success
- Practice regularly: Talk about music in English as much as possible.
- Expand your vocabulary: Learn synonyms for common words related to music.
- Listen to a variety of music: This will help you discuss different genres and artists.
- Record yourself speaking: This will help you identify areas for improvement.
Remember, confidence is key! By preparing thoroughly and practicing your speaking skills, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the examiner and achieve your desired IELTS score.
