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✦ IELTS Topic: Music – 10 Useful Phrases

Live performance
e.g., There’s nothing like the energy of a live performance at a concert.
Catchy tune
e.g., That song has such a catchy tune—I can’t get it out of my head!
Music to my ears
e.g., When I heard I’d passed the IELTS exam, it was music to my ears.
Tone-deaf
e.g., I enjoy singing, but honestly, I’m completely tone-deaf.
Play by ear
e.g., I can’t read music, but I can play by ear quite well.
A strong beat
e.g., I love songs with a strong beat—they make me want to dance.
Soothing melodies
e.g., I listen to soothing melodies when I need to relax or study.
Background music
e.g., I like soft background music while I’m working or reading.
Go viral
e.g., Her music video went viral overnight and made her famous.
A mix of genres
e.g., My playlist has a mix of genres—from jazz and classical to hip-hop.

✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Music

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Do you like listening to music?
What kind of music do you enjoy?
When do you usually listen to music?
Can you play any musical instruments?
Is music important in your culture?

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a piece of music or a song you enjoy.
You should say:

what the song is
when you first heard it
what it’s about
and explain why you enjoy it.

✦ Sample Answers Using the Music Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I listen to music almost every day—it’s like background music in my life.
2. I enjoy anything with a strong beat, especially electronic and hip-hop.
3. I usually listen to soothing melodies in the evening to help me unwind.
4. I can’t play an instrument, but I admire people who can play by ear.
5. Definitely—music plays a big role in festivals and family events.

Part 2 Sample Answer

One of my favourite songs is “Imagine” by John Lennon. It’s a classic with a simple melody and powerful message about peace and unity.

I first heard it in school, during a music class. The lyrics really stuck with me, and it’s one of those catchy tunes that stays in your head for days.

What I love about it is the combination of a calm rhythm and thoughtful words. It’s not flashy, but it has such soothing melodies that make you reflect. I often play it as background music when I study or read.

It’s truly music to my ears, and even though it’s decades old, it still feels relevant today.

✦ Comprehension Test: Music Phrases

1. "There’s nothing like the energy of a live performance at a concert."
Q: What makes a live performance special?

2. "That song has such a catchy tune—I can’t get it out of my head!"
Q: How does the speaker feel about the song?

3. "When I heard I’d passed the IELTS exam, it was music to my ears."
Q: What does “music to my ears” mean here?

4. "I enjoy singing, but honestly, I’m completely tone-deaf."
Q: What does the speaker say about their singing ability?

5. "I can’t read music, but I can play by ear quite well."
Q: How does the speaker play music?

6. "I love songs with a strong beat—they make me want to dance."
Q: What kind of music does the speaker enjoy?

7. "I listen to soothing melodies when I need to relax or study."
Q: When does the speaker listen to soothing melodies?

8. "I like soft background music while I’m working or reading."
Q: What kind of music does the speaker prefer while working?

9. "Her music video went viral overnight and made her famous."
Q: What happened to her video?

10. "My playlist has a mix of genres—from jazz and classical to hip-hop."
Q: What does the speaker say about their music preferences?

✦ Answer Key

The atmosphere and energy are exciting and real.
It’s memorable and sticks in their head.
It was great news or something very pleasing.
They’re bad at singing or can’t stay in tune.
By listening and copying the sound, not reading notes.
Upbeat and rhythmic music.
When relaxing or studying.
Quiet, calm music that doesn’t distract.
It became extremely popular very quickly.
They enjoy different types of music.