IELTS Speaking Part 1

IELTS Speaking Part 1: Music questions and answers

IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions are short and personal: the examiner asks three to five on two or three everyday topics in the first four to five minutes. These are the 12 questions about music in the BandLadder test bank, with Band 8 sample answers for the most frequent ones and useful vocabulary. Aim for two or three sentences each: answer, reason, one detail.
  • 12 questions
  • 6 Band 8 answers
  • 4 to 5 minutes

6 answers

Music questions with sample answers

1

What kinds of music do you like to listen to?

I am particularly drawn to acoustic folk music because it has a soothing quality that helps me unwind. I often find that the raw, stripped-back sound of an acoustic guitar combined with soulful lyrics creates a peaceful atmosphere, which is perfect for decompressing after a long day at work.

2

What types of music do you like to listen to?

Jazz is definitely at the top of my list, especially instrumental pieces that feature complex improvisations. There is something incredibly sophisticated about the way different brass instruments interact, and I enjoy discovering new artists who experiment with traditional rhythms to create a more contemporary, urban sound.

3

What's your favorite kind of music?

My absolute favourite genre has to be classical music, specifically compositions from the Romantic era. I find the emotional depth and the sweeping melodies of orchestral arrangements truly captivating, and listening to a full symphony allows me to completely lose myself in the beauty of the soundscapes.

4

At what times of day do you like to listen to music?

Most mornings, I prefer listening to upbeat electronic music to help me wake up and get motivated for the day ahead. Conversely, in the evenings, I tend to switch to something much more mellow and low-tempo to signal to my brain that it is time to relax.

5

How often do you listen to that type of music?

I listen to my favourite playlists almost daily, usually while I am commuting or performing household chores. It has become a bit of a ritual for me, as integrating music into these mundane activities makes the time pass much faster and significantly improves my overall mood throughout the day.

6

Did you learn to play a musical instrument when you were a child?

Actually, I took piano lessons for several years when I was in primary school. Although I found the theory quite challenging at the time, I am grateful that my parents encouraged me to stick with it, as it provided me with a fundamental understanding of musical composition.

Details are invented. Use the shape, not the sentences: examiners mark memorised answers down.

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6 questions

More music questions to practise

  1. 1Do you think all children should learn to play a musical instrument?
  2. 2How much time do you spend listening to music every day?
  3. 3Do you often like to listen to music?
  4. 4When do you listen to music?
  5. 5Do you prefer listening to music with or without headphones?
  6. 6How do you feel when you listen to it?

6 words

Useful vocabulary and tips

  • stripped-back

    simple and basic without any unnecessary extra features

  • improvisations

    music created spontaneously during a live performance

  • soundscapes

    a complex collection of sounds that create atmosphere

  • low-tempo

    music played at a slow and relaxed speed

  • mundane

    lacking interest or excitement; very dull and ordinary

  • composition

    the process of writing a piece of music

  • →Provide a direct answer followed by a reason to extend your response naturally.
  • →Use a range of adjectives to describe how music makes you feel.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are in IELTS Speaking Part 1?+

Usually about ten to twelve, over four to five minutes: a few on your work, study or home, then three or four short questions on each of two everyday topics.

How long should a Part 1 answer be?+

Two or three sentences, about 15 to 20 seconds: a direct answer, a reason and one detail. One-word answers cost fluency marks, and long speeches eat into the examiner's time.

Keep practising

More Part 1 topics

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