As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked by students how to tackle the “favorite” questions that pop up in the IELTS Speaking test. One common example is “Who is your favorite singer?”. While it seems simple, this question can actually be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your English skills. Let’s explore how to make the most of it.
Why the Examiner Asks About Your Favorite Singer
The IELTS Speaking test isn’t just about vocabulary; it’s about communication. When the examiner asks about your favorite singer, they’re not actually looking for a list of your top Spotify tracks. They want to see:
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak naturally and smoothly without long pauses?
- Lexical Resource: Do you have a wide range of vocabulary to describe your favorite singer and their music?
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Can you use different grammatical structures correctly?
- Pronunciation: Can you be easily understood?
How to Structure Your Answer
Instead of just saying the name of your favorite singer, think about telling a story. Here’s a simple structure:
1. Introduction: Briefly introduce your favorite singer and mention how long you’ve been a fan.
- Example: “My favorite singer actually changes quite often, but right now I’m really into Adele. I’ve been a fan since her first album.”
2. Describe their music: What genre do they sing? What makes their voice or music special?
- Example: “She’s got an amazing voice, incredibly soulful. Her songs are usually about love and loss, and she has a way of making those emotions feel so raw and real.”
3. Personal connection: Why do you like this singer? Do their lyrics resonate with you? Did their music help you through a tough time? This is where you add depth and personality.
- Example: “I think a lot of people can relate to her lyrics, especially the ones about heartbreak. I know I certainly can!”
4. Conclusion: A short and sweet way to wrap up your answer.
- Example: “I’ve been to one of her concerts, and it was unforgettable! I’m really looking forward to hearing more of her music in the future.”
Adele Singing on Stage
Example Answer using Adele
“My favorite singer currently is Adele. I’ve been a fan since her debut album. She’s got such a powerful and soulful voice, and her songs are incredibly moving. I think a lot of people connect with her lyrics, especially the ones about love and heartbreak. There’s just something about the way she delivers her music that really resonates with me. I’ve even had the chance to see her live in concert, which was an absolutely incredible experience. I’m always excited to hear what she releases next.”
Tips to Achieve a Higher Score
- Be Prepared: Have a few favorite singers in mind and think about how you would describe them.
- Don’t Memorize: It’s important to sound natural. The examiner will be able to tell if you’ve memorized your answer.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Instead of repeating the same adjectives like “good” or “nice,” think of more descriptive words like “powerful,” “soulful,” “uplifting,” “melancholy,” etc.
- Be Specific: Instead of just saying you like their music, explain why you like it.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Record yourself answering the question and listen back. This will help you identify areas where you can improve your fluency, vocabulary, and grammar.
Conclusion
Remember, the “favorite singer” question is an opportunity for you to shine. By using a clear structure, showcasing your vocabulary, and speaking with passion and enthusiasm, you can impress the examiner and achieve your desired band score.