Like describe a time when you felt very relaxed and peaceful, questions about relaxing music frequently appear in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their vocabulary range while discussing personal experiences with music.
IELTS Speaking Test Environment with Examiner and Candidate
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you often listen to music?
- What kind of music helps you relax?
- When do you usually listen to music?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I make it a point to listen to music daily, especially classical pieces that help me unwind after a hectic day. I find that instrumental compositions, particularly those by Mozart, have a therapeutic effect on my mind.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a piece of music that you find relaxing
You should say:
- What kind of music it is
- When you first heard it
- How it makes you feel
And explain why you find it relaxing
Similar to describe an area in your home where you like to relax, this response requires detailed description and personal connection.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about ‘River Flows in You’ by Yiruma, a mesmerizing piano composition that never fails to transport me to a state of tranquility. I first encountered this piece during a particularly stressful period in college, when I was burning the midnight oil preparing for finals.
The piece features gentle piano melodies that ebb and flow like water, creating a serene atmosphere that helps me decompress. What makes it especially captivating is how the notes cascade like raindrops, creating a harmonious blend that soothes my nerves.
The reason I find it so relaxing is its perfect balance between simplicity and complexity. The recurring motifs remind me of peaceful moments spent by the ocean, and the gentle progression of the melody helps me clear my mind of any stress or anxiety.”
Piano Keys with Sheet Music Showing Relaxing Melody
Part 3: Discussion Questions
When discussing music and relaxation, like describe a restaurant you enjoy, candidates should express broader perspectives.
Q: How has technology changed the way people listen to music?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized music consumption through streaming platforms that offer unprecedented access to vast libraries. This has transformed how we discover and enjoy music, making it more personalized and convenient. However, this convenience might have diminished the ceremonial aspect of music listening that existed in the vinyl era.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Therapeutic effect /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk ɪˈfekt/ (adj.+n.): healing or beneficial influence
- Mesmerizing /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/ (adj.): captivating, spellbinding
- Harmonious blend /hɑːˈməʊniəs blend/ (adj.+n.): pleasing combination of elements
- Decompress /ˌdiːkəmˈpres/ (v.): relax and release pressure
- Clear one’s mind (phrase): remove distracting thoughts
Examiner’s Tips
- Focus on detailed description using sensory language
- Include personal emotional responses
- Structure your response with clear introduction, body, and conclusion
- Use varied vocabulary to describe music and feelings
- Practice speaking for exactly 2 minutes for Part 2
Remember to maintain good eye contact and natural speaking rhythm while incorporating these sophisticated vocabulary items and structures naturally into your responses.
