IELTS Speaking Topic: Music Part 1 2 3 – Vocabulary and Sample Answers

Music may seem like an easy topic, but it can be surprisingly challenging for many IELTS candidates. Though it is a familiar theme, the related vocabulary is often quite specific and rarely used in everyday conversations. That is why mastering key vocabulary and using accurate grammar is essential to score high in the IELTS Speaking test.

In this article, IDP will help you strengthen your vocabulary on the topic of Music and provide model answers to help you become familiar with the test structure and gain ideas to impress the examiner.

Question: What kinds of music do you like to listen to

I have a diverse taste in music. I enjoy classical, jazz, and pop. For me, music is not just about the melody or lyrics; it is about the emotional connection it creates. That is why I gravitate toward songs with strong and meaningful messages, such as protest songs or emotional ballads about love and loss.

Vocabulary highlights:

• diverse taste in music: varied music preferences

• melody: tune or music line

• lyrics: song words

• gravitate towards: be drawn to

• ballads: emotional or romantic songs

Question: If you could learn a musical instrument, what would it be

If I had the chance, I would love to learn the piano. I think it is a versatile and beautiful instrument that can express a wide range of emotions. Learning to play it would also help me develop both creativity and self-expression through technical skill and artistic interpretation.

Vocabulary highlights:

• versatile: flexible and useful in many ways

• a range of emotions: variety of feelings

• technical proficiency: technical skill

• artistic interpretation: creative expression

Question: Has the music you listen to changed since you were young

Yes, definitely. As I grew up, my music preferences changed. I began to explore different genres and styles. When I was younger, I used to listen to angst-filled rock music that expressed rebellion and frustration. Now I prefer more uplifting songs that focus on joy and positivity in life.

Vocabulary highlights:

• music preferences: music choices

• angst-ridden: full of emotion or frustration

• rebellion: resistance or protest

• disillusionment: loss of belief

• uplifting: inspiring and positive

Cue Card: Describe a song that you like

There are many songs I play on repeat, but if I had to pick one, it would be Born This Way by Lady Gaga. It is a pop song from her second album of the same name. It quickly hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and received positive feedback from both the public and critics.

Though it is pure pop, Gaga being the composer makes it more special. She once mentioned in an interview that she wrote the song in just two minutes. I first heard it 11 years ago while watching the Grammy Awards after school. From the first 15 seconds, I was completely hooked.

What makes this song special to me is the catchy rhythm, upbeat melody, and empowering lyrics. Her performance was stunning with creative choreography, amazing lighting, and gorgeous outfits. Despite dancing non-stop, she still delivered perfect vocals. The lyrics really touched my heart by encouraging self-love and equality regardless of gender, age, or race.

To me, this song is timeless and a key part of contemporary pop culture.

Vocabulary highlights:

• put on repeat: listen repeatedly

• positive feedback: favorable response

• hooked: fascinated

• catchy: easy to remember

• choreography: dance routine

• light effects: lighting design

• touched my heart: deeply moved me

• treated fairly: receive equal respect

• contemporary pop culture: modern popular culture

Cue Card: Describe an interesting song

As a music aficionado, I enjoy many genres, but one of my all-time favorite songs is Haru Haru by Big Bang.

I first heard this song in high school when it was released in 2008. It helped solidify Big Bang as K-pop leaders and introduced them to global fame. The title Haru Haru translates to Day by Day in English.

The song mixes hip-hop influences with nostalgic piano ballads. Its emotional power lies in the dramatic raps and intense lyrics. It became one of South Korea’s biggest hits that year and an anthem for fans.

What draws me to the song is the emotional message in the lyrics, which speak of heartbreak and longing. These themes are universal, and anyone can relate to them regardless of culture or language. I often wonder if the lyrics reflect the personal story of G-Dragon, the group's leader.

To me, Haru Haru shows that K-pop is more than just catchy music – it can be meaningful and deeply artistic.

Vocabulary highlights:

• music aficionado: music lover

• music genre: style of music

• all-time favorite: forever favorite

• solidify the quintet: strengthen the group’s image

• launch the route to: start the path to

• worldwide superstardom: global fame

• nostalgic: emotional about the past

• evocative nature: emotionally moving

• anthem for lovers: song that speaks to fans

• partial to something: have a strong liking

• agony and heartbreak: sadness and emotional pain

• keep someone hooked: keep someone engaged

Question: What kind of music is popular in your country now and in the future In Vietnam, pop music is currently the most prevalent. It is easy to listen to and has catchy melodies that appeal to a wide audience. Recently, Vietnamese rap has become hugely popular, especially thanks to the show Rap Viet, which brought rap music and artists to national television and helped challenge stereotypes.

Vocabulary highlights:

• prevalent: widely popular

• take the country by storm: become very popular

• national television: public broadcasting

• challenge prejudices: overcome bias

Question: What do old people like to listen to

Older people usually enjoy folk songs with meaningful lyrics. They appreciate songs that tell stories or reflect their homeland’s culture and values. Songs about rivers, villages, or traditional food often bring back fond memories. They also enjoy patriotic songs that express national pride.

Vocabulary highlights:

• folk songs: traditional music

• meaningful lyrics: expressive lyrics

• not their cup of tea: not their preference

• patriotic songs: songs about national pride

Question: What influences a young person’s music taste

Young people are mostly influenced by their environment. If they grow up in a traditional family, they might prefer folk music. They are also influenced by their friends and social trends. Sometimes, they start listening to certain songs just to fit in. In other cases, they like music that matches their personal feelings or life experiences.

Vocabulary highlights:

• source of inspiration: motivation

• traditional family: culturally rooted family

• are subjected to: are affected by

• trendy songs: popular new songs

• genre of music: type of music

Music Genres

Describing Music

Phrases

• sweep the world: become globally popular

• sing along to something: sing together with

• be tone deaf: unable to hear pitch differences

• take up a musical instrument: start learning an instrument

• to be released: be published

• all-time favorite song: favorite song of all time

• keep oneself updated with: stay current with

• be or sing out of tune: sing off-key

• touch someone’s heart: deeply move someone

• uplift my energy: boost my mood

Idioms

• for a song: very cheaply

• dance to someone’s tune: follow someone’s lead

• jam session: informal music performance

Master the Music Topic in IELTS Speaking with IDP

The above guide has provided you with topic-specific vocabulary and sample answers for Music in the IELTS Speaking test. Along with learning vocabulary, try practicing English through songs or watching movies with English subtitles. You can also explore more vocabulary on other topics directly from IDP's website.

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