Questions and sample answers
What kind of music do you like?
I mostly listen to pop and some classical music. Pop is energetic, and classical music helps me concentrate when I study.
When do you usually listen to music?
On my way to university and while I exercise. It makes long journeys feel shorter and gives me extra energy at the gym.
Can you play a musical instrument?
Not really. I had piano lessons as a child but stopped after a couple of years. I would like to start again when I have more free time.
Has your taste in music changed since you were younger?
Yes, a lot. As a teenager I only liked loud rock music, but now I enjoy calmer songs with meaningful lyrics.
Do you prefer live music or recorded music?
Live music, definitely. The atmosphere at a concert is hard to describe, and you feel connected to the performers and the audience.
Is music important in your culture?
Very much. Traditional songs and dances are part of weddings and festivals, and many families still pass down folk music through generations.
Useful vocabulary
- catchy — easy to remember and enjoyable
- lyrics — the words of a song
- upbeat — positive and lively
- soothing — calming
- live performance — music played in front of an audience
- folk music — traditional music of a region
- on repeat — played again and again
Tips for this topic
- You do not need to name artists. Describe the feeling and the situation.
- Link music to emotion: “It cheers me up.”
- Give a contrast: “Although I like pop, I find classical music more relaxing.”
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.