IELTS Topic: Music
VOCABULARY & EXPRESSIONS
Go over the following vocabulary and expressions with your tutor. Read the word/expression and definition out loud, and your tutor will go over anything you do not understand. Practice creating a sentence or two to make sure you know how to use the word/expression properly
Vocabulary/ Expressions
to download tracks:(verb phrase)
to obtain music from the Internet
I downloaded this new track from the internet, it is really great.
to go on tour: (verb phrase)
to go on a planned series of performances around a region or country
My favorite band will be going on tour next week.
a huge following: (noun)
a large number of fans
The rock star has a huge following of fans.
to be/sing out of tune: (verb phrase)
to not be in harmony/to sing the wrong notes
My brother always sings out of tune.
a piece of music: (noun)
an item of music
This is a beautiful piece of classical music.
to read music: (verb phrase)
to understand and follow written musical notes
I learned to read music in music class.
a sing-song: (noun)
to sing informally, often with other people
My family always joins in a sing-song on special occasions.
taste in music: (noun)
the music someone likes
My taste in music is different from my parents, as they like country, and I like pop.
to take up a musical instrument: (verb phrase)
to begin learning a musical instrument
I never had the opportunity to take up a musical instrument when I was in school.
Chill out: (phrasal verb)
to relax
Sometimes we need to chill out after a hard day at work.
To keep updated: (verb)
Frequently hearing about or reading news about someone or a particular situation or story.
Please keep me updated on our latest stock results.
PART 1 QUESTIONS
Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes)
Here are possible questions that might come up during the test. Go over them with your tutor.
In the first part, the examiner will ask you a number of general questions
Do you often (like to) listen to music? Or Do you like listening to music?
When do you listen to music?
How much time do you spend listening to music every day?
What kinds of music do you like to listen to? Or What’s your favorite kind of music?
Have you ever been to a concert before? Or Have you ever been to a musical performance?
Do you like to listen to live music?
How do you feel when you listen to this music?
Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument?
Should music be treated as an important subject at school in your country?
Did you often listen to music when you were a child? (If yes give details.)
What kinds of music are (most) popular in your country?
Do you like traditional songs?
Has the music that you listen to changed since you were young?
PART 2 QUESTIONS
Individual long turn (3-4 minutes)
Here are possible questions that might come up during the test. Go over them with your tutor.
You will have 1 minute to prepare to speak, and then you will talk for 2 minutes, during which the examiner will not speak.
Part 2 – sample task card
Sample A
Describe a band you enjoy listening to.
You should say:
How did you find them
What kind of music do they play
When do you listen to them
And say why you like them so much
Sample B
Describe the role that music plays in your life.
You should say:
What type of music or musical activities you enjoy
How often you listen to music or play music
What effect music has on you
And explain why music is important or unimportant to you
Sample C
Describe a musical event in your country.
You should say
What the event is
Where it takes place
What kind of music is played
And explain why you enjoy it.
PART 3 QUESTIONS
Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes)
Here are possible questions that might come up during the test. Go over them with your tutor.
In the last part, you will talk with the examiner about issues related to the topic on the card.
