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Music
Lesson
10
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll talk about your music preferences, describe how music affects you, and explain why people enjoy listening to music. You'll also practice expressing opinions clearly.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
song
artist
instrument
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
pop
noun
R&B
noun
calm
adj., verb
rock
noun
Jazz
noun
melody
noun
rap
noun
slow
adjective
lyrics
noun (plural)
classical
adjective
peaceful
adjective
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I usually listen to...
My favorite type of music is...
Music helps me feel...
I listen to music when...
I enjoy songs that...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
I love music since it helps me...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
Usually, I play... when I study or relax.
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
Sometimes, I listen to... when I’m feeling stressed.
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
What kind of music do you enjoy?
Ben
I enjoy pop music the most. I like listening to singers like Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran. Their songs have nice melodies and easy lyrics. I often listen when I’m walking to work or cleaning my room.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
When do you usually listen to music?
Ben
I usually listen to music in the morning when I get ready for my day. It helps me feel more awake and positive. Sometimes I also listen at night before bed to relax. I use my phone and headphones at home or on the bus.
Examiner
Can music affect your emotions?
Ben
Yes, I think music can change how I feel. When I listen to slow songs, I feel calm and peaceful. Fast songs give me more energy, especially when I exercise. Sometimes music also helps me when I feel sad or stressed.
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
Who is your favorite singer or band?
Ben
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
I like her because her voice is very strong and her songs have a lot of feeling. I often listen to her music at night when I want to relax. Her songs help me feel calm and peaceful.
Examiner
Where do you usually listen to music?
Ben
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
It helps me enjoy the time more.
Examiner
Why is music important in people’s lives?
Ben
Music helps people feel better.
____________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
How can music help people in daily life?
Is it better to listen to music alone or with others? Why?
How is live music different from recorded music?
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