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IELTS Speaking Sample Test: Topic 15 - Music and Art

Posted on 03-10-2024 by theylem | 19 views

Part 1 (Introduction)

1. Do you enjoy listening to music?
"Yes, I absolutely love listening to music. It’s a great way to relax and escape from the stresses of daily life. I listen to a variety of genres, depending on my mood, but I especially enjoy jazz and indie pop."

2. What type of music do you prefer?
"I prefer music that has meaningful lyrics and soothing melodies. I often listen to acoustic music, as it’s more calming, but I also enjoy upbeat songs when I need a boost of energy. Music that tells a story or has a personal connection to me tends to resonate the most."

3. Do you think music is important in people’s lives?
"Definitely. Music is a universal language that has the power to connect people and express emotions. It can be uplifting, comforting, or simply entertaining. Many people use music to improve their mood, help them concentrate, or celebrate special moments."

4. Do you like art? What kind?
"I’m not an expert, but I appreciate visual arts like painting and photography. I particularly enjoy visiting art galleries and looking at contemporary art because it often challenges traditional ideas and has unique concepts that make you think."

5. Is there any type of music or art you don’t like?
"I wouldn’t say I dislike any particular type, but some forms of heavy metal music can be a bit too intense for me. Similarly, when it comes to art, I sometimes find it hard to connect with pieces that are overly abstract or that I don’t fully understand."


Part 2 (Long Turn)

Describe a piece of music or a work of art that you really like. You should say:

  • What it is
  • Who created it
  • When you first heard/saw it And explain why you like it.

Response:

"A piece of music that I really like is "Imagine" by John Lennon. This song was released in the early 1970s, and it quickly became an iconic anthem for peace and unity.

I first heard "Imagine" when I was a teenager, and I remember being struck by its simple yet powerful lyrics. The melody is very calming, and the piano accompaniment adds a certain depth to the song. What I appreciate most about "Imagine" is its message — it speaks of a world without boundaries, without war, and where everyone lives in harmony.

To me, it’s a song that inspires hope and makes you reflect on what a better world could look like. Every time I listen to it, I feel a sense of tranquility and inspiration."


Part 3 (Discussion)

1. How can music or art benefit society?
"Music and art play significant roles in society by promoting cultural expression and fostering creativity. They allow people to explore different perspectives, understand various cultures, and communicate ideas in non-verbal ways. Art and music can also be therapeutic; they have the ability to reduce stress, improve mood, and even bring people together for social causes or celebrations."

2. Do you think it’s important for children to learn about music and art?
"Yes, it’s very important for children to be exposed to music and art from an early age. These subjects enhance creativity, imagination, and critical thinking. Learning to play a musical instrument or drawing can also help develop motor skills and emotional expression. Moreover, art and music education can cultivate an appreciation for different cultures and open up opportunities for children to express themselves in diverse ways."

3. How do you think technology has changed the way people create or enjoy music and art?
"Technology has revolutionized both the creation and consumption of music and art. It has made it easier for artists to produce and distribute their work to a global audience through platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram. People can now create digital art or compose music using software on their computers or even their phones. Technology has also made art and music more accessible to everyone, as they can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime."


Key Vocabulary and Pronunciation

Vocabulary Pronunciation (IPA) Meaning Example Sentence
Acoustic /əˈkuːstɪk/ Relating to sound or music that is produced without electronic amplification "I enjoy acoustic versions of popular songs."
Uplifting /ʌpˈlɪftɪŋ/ Making you feel happier or more hopeful "The song's uplifting message brightened my day."
Resonate /ˈrɛzəˌneɪt/ To produce an emotional effect or connection "The lyrics of the song resonate with me deeply."
Contemporary art /kənˈtɛmpəˌrɛri ɑrt/ Art produced in the present or recent times "Contemporary art often explores modern-day themes."
Tranquility /træŋˈkwɪlɪti/ A state of peace and calmness "The melody of the song brings a sense of tranquility."
Cultural expression /ˈkʌlʧərəl ɪkˈsprɛʃən/ The way a culture shows its ideas, values, and creativity "Music is a form of cultural expression that unites people."
Therapeutic /ˌθɛrəˈpjuːtɪk/ Having a healing or calming effect "Listening to music can be very therapeutic."
Critical thinking /ˈkrɪtɪkəl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ The ability to analyze and evaluate information "Art education encourages critical thinking."
Motor skills /ˈmoʊtər skɪlz/ The abilities required to control movements of the body "Playing a musical instrument improves motor skills."
Fostering creativity /ˈfɑːstərɪŋ kriˈeɪtɪvɪti/ Encouraging or nurturing the development of creative ideas "Art classes are essential for fostering creativity in children."
Anthem /ˈænθəm/ A song that represents the values or feelings of a group "The song 'Imagine' became an anthem for peace."
Visual arts /ˈvɪʒuəl ɑrts/ Forms of art like painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography "She has a deep appreciation for visual arts."
Abstract /ˈæbstrækt/ Art that uses shapes, colors, and forms to create meaning rather than representing reality directly "Some people find abstract art hard to understand."
Soothing /ˈsuːðɪŋ/ Having a calming or relaxing effect "The soothing melody of the song helped me relax."
Express emotions /ɪkˈsprɛs ɪˈmoʊʃənz/ To show or convey feelings "Art allows people to express emotions in a creative way."
Iconic /aɪˈkɑːnɪk/ Widely recognized and well-established "'Imagine' is an iconic song that promotes peace."
Upbeat /ˈʌpˌbiːt/ Full of energy, positivity, and cheerfulness "An upbeat song is perfect for lifting your mood."
Universal language /ˌjuːnɪˈvɜːrsəl ˈlæŋɡwɪʤ/ A form of communication understood globally "Music is often called a universal language."
Revolutionize /ˌrɛvəˈluːʃənaɪz/ To completely change something, usually for the better "Technology has revolutionized how we listen to music."
Lyrical content /ˈlɪrɪkəl ˈkɒntɛnt/ The words or meaning of a song's lyrics "The lyrical content of a song can carry a deep message."