✦ IELTS Topic: Music – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Live performance
   e.g., There’s nothing like the energy of a live performance at a concert.

2. Catchy tune
   e.g., That song has such a catchy tune—I can’t get it out of my head!

3. Music to my ears
   e.g., When I heard I’d passed the IELTS exam, it was music to my ears.

4. Tone-deaf
   e.g., I enjoy singing, but honestly, I’m completely tone-deaf.

5. Play by ear
   e.g., I can’t read music, but I can play by ear quite well.

6. A strong beat
   e.g., I love songs with a strong beat—they make me want to dance.

7. Soothing melodies
   e.g., I listen to soothing melodies when I need to relax or study.

8. Background music
   e.g., I like soft background music while I’m working or reading.

9. Go viral
   e.g., Her music video went viral overnight and made her famous.

10. A mix of genres
    e.g., My playlist has a mix of genres—from jazz and classical to hip-hop.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice Test – Music

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you like listening to music?

2. What kind of music do you enjoy?

3. When do you usually listen to music?

4. Can you play any musical instruments?

5. Is music important in your culture?

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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.

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✦ 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.

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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.

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✦ 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?

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✦ Answer Key

1. The atmosphere and energy are exciting and real.

2. It’s memorable and sticks in their head.

3. It was great news or something very pleasing.

4. They’re bad at singing or can’t stay in tune.

5. By listening and copying the sound, not reading notes.

6. Upbeat and rhythmic music.

7. When relaxing or studying.

8. Quiet, calm music that doesn’t distract.

9. It became extremely popular very quickly.

10. They enjoy different types of music.

 

🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 9: A Secret Friend

The next day, Mary went to see Colin again.

He was sitting up in bed, looking better than before. His eyes were brighter, and there was a little color in his pale cheeks.

“I’ve been thinking about the garden all night,” he said as soon as she entered. “I dreamed about trees and flowers. Can I really go there?”

“Not yet,” Mary said. “You must get stronger first. And we have to keep it a secret.”

Colin nodded. “I won’t tell anyone. Not even the servants.”

Mary brought stories of the garden each day. She described the green leaves, the soft grass, the smell of flowers. Colin listened with wonder.

Then one afternoon, she said, “Would you like to meet someone else who knows the garden?”

“Who?” he asked.

“Dickon,” she smiled. “Martha’s brother. He helped me make the garden come alive.”

“Is he kind?” Colin asked.

“The kindest,” Mary replied. “He talks to animals and makes the flowers grow faster.”

Colin laughed softly. “Then yes, I want to meet him.”

The next morning, Mary told Dickon everything. He was surprised, but happy.

“We’ll help the lad,” he said. “He just needs fresh air and joy.”

Later that week, when the servants were busy, Mary and Dickon came into Colin’s room. The boy was sitting in a big chair, covered with blankets.

Dickon smiled and held a baby lamb in his arms. “Thought you might want to meet some friends.”

Colin’s eyes lit up. “A lamb! Is it really yours?”

“No one owns a lamb,” Dickon said kindly. “It just likes being with me.”

The fox, too, followed behind Dickon and sat quietly near the chair.

Colin laughed. “This is the strangest day of my life. And the best.”

They talked for hours. Dickon told stories about the moor, about animals, and about growing things. Colin listened like a thirsty flower drinking water.

“I want to go outside,” Colin said at last. “I want to breathe the fresh air. I want to walk.”

Mary and Dickon looked at each other.

“You will,” Dickon said. “We’ll help you.”

That night, Colin told Mary, “I believe the garden has magic. I believe it can make me better.”

Mary nodded. “It made me better. And now it will help you.”

For the first time in his life, Colin believed something wonderful could happen.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Servants	People who work in a large house
Blankets	Warm covers used on a bed or chair
Thirsty flower	A metaphor for someone needing attention or care
Fresh air	Clean outdoor air
Magic	A special power that brings change or wonder

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. How does Colin look when Mary visits him again?

2. What does Colin ask about the garden?

3. Who does Mary want him to meet?

4. What animals does Dickon bring to Colin’s room?

5. How does Colin react to the visit?

6. What does Colin say he wants to do?

7. What does Colin begin to believe about the garden?

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✅ Answers

1. He looks better—his eyes are brighter and he has more color.

2. If he can go there one day.

3. Dickon, her friend who helps with the garden.

4. A baby lamb and a fox.

5. He is surprised and very happy.

6. He wants to go outside and walk.

7. That the garden has magic and can help him get better.

 

✦ 10 Phrases to Describe Places (IELTS Ready)

1. Bustling with activity
   e.g., The city centre is always bustling with activity, especially on weekends.

2. Off the beaten track
   e.g., We found a tiny café off the beaten track, far from the tourist crowds.

3. Breathtaking scenery
   e.g., The mountain range offered breathtaking scenery I’ll never forget.

4. Rich in history
   e.g., The old town is rich in history, with ancient architecture and cobblestone streets.

5. A hidden gem
   e.g., The village was a hidden gem, unknown to most tourists.

6. Peaceful and tranquil
   e.g., I love spending time in the countryside because it’s so peaceful and tranquil.

7. A vibrant atmosphere
   e.g., The market had a vibrant atmosphere, full of colour and local music.

8. Run-down but charming
   e.g., Some parts of the district are run-down but charming in a nostalgic way.

9. Picturesque views
   e.g., We stayed at a cottage with picturesque views of the lake.

10. Teeming with wildlife
    e.g., The national park was teeming with wildlife, from monkeys to exotic birds.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Describing Places

Instructions:

Read each sentence and answer the question that follows.

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1. "The city centre is always bustling with activity, especially on weekends."
Q1. What is the city centre like during weekends?

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2. "We found a tiny café off the beaten track, far from the tourist crowds."
Q2. Where is the café located?

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3. "The mountain range offered breathtaking scenery I’ll never forget."
Q3. How does the speaker feel about the mountain scenery?

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4. "The old town is rich in history, with ancient architecture and cobblestone streets."
Q4. What makes the old town special?

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5. "The village was a hidden gem, unknown to most tourists."
Q5. What does "hidden gem" suggest about the village?

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6. "I love spending time in the countryside because it’s so peaceful and tranquil."
Q6. Why does the speaker enjoy the countryside?

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7. "The market had a vibrant atmosphere, full of colour and local music."
Q7. How would you describe the mood of the market?

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8. "Some parts of the district are run-down but charming in a nostalgic way."
Q8. How does the speaker feel about the run-down areas?

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9. "We stayed at a cottage with picturesque views of the lake."
Q9. What kind of views did the cottage have?

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10. "The national park was teeming with wildlife, from monkeys to exotic birds."
Q10. What can you find in the national park?

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✦ Answer Key

A1. It’s very lively and busy.
A2. In a quiet, less-visited area.
A3. The view was incredibly beautiful and unforgettable.
A4. Its historical features and old buildings.
A5. It’s beautiful and special but not well-known.
A6. Because it is quiet and relaxing.
A7. Energetic, colourful, and lively.
A8. They’re old or neglected but still have charm.
A9. Beautiful, scenic views.
A10. Many animals and birds.