IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Practice (Music)

How the drill works

1. Record your answer. You hear the question, start recording on your phone, and answer when the timer starts.
2. Learn useful words for that question, with an example for each.
3. Learn one grammar pattern and make your own sentence with it.
4. Hear two sample answers: an extrovert (a more outgoing speaker) and an introvert.
5. Get one pronunciation tip.
6. Record again and listen to both of your answers.
7. Drill the key words: listen and repeat, shadowing, fill the gap, and say it with the pattern.
8. Take a mock test with the examiner, then check the recap.

Pause the video whenever you see the pause sign. The more you do, the more you’ll improve.

Question 1

Do you like music? Why or why not?

Words: belt out, tune, vibe, chill out

Pattern (sum up your answer): I’d say ___ .

• I’d say music is a big part of my life.
• I’d say I listen to music every day.

Extrovert: “Yes, I absolutely love music. I’m always belting out my favorite tunes in the shower, or when I’m driving. It really changes the vibe of my day. So yeah, I’d say music is a big part of my life.”

Introvert: “Yes, very much. I usually listen to calm tunes while I study. Music helps me chill out, especially when I feel stressed. So I’d say it plays a big role in my routine.”

Pronunciation tip (linking): belt out → “bel-tout” (consonant + vowel = link them).

Question 2

What type of music do you like to listen to when you are alone? Why?

Words: catchy, upbeat, clear my mind

Pattern (say what you choose): I usually go for ___ .

• I usually go for pop music.
• I usually go for something calm.

Extrovert: “When I’m alone, I usually go for upbeat pop, or anything with a catchy tune. It keeps me moving, and puts me in a good mood. Sometimes I even belt out the lyrics!”

Introvert: “I usually go for soft piano music, or gentle beats. It helps me clear my mind. The vibe is peaceful, which is perfect when I need to focus.”

Pronunciation tip (vowel sound): lyrics → “LIR-iks”, not “LIE-riks” (short i, like in sit).

Question 3

Has the music you listen to changed since you were young? Why or why not?

Words: get into, taste, vibe

Pattern (then and now): When I was younger, ___ . Now ___ .

• When I was younger, I liked pop. Now I like jazz.
• When I was younger, I sang a lot. Now I just listen.

Extrovert: “Definitely! When I was younger, I loved catchy boy band songs. Then I got into rap at high school. Now I listen to it every day, and I love the vibe. My taste changed as I met new people.”

Introvert: “Yes, it has changed a bit. When I was younger, I liked fun cartoon tunes. Now I prefer quiet music that helps me think. So I’d say my taste has grown up too.”

Pronunciation tip (past endings): changed → “CHAYNJD”, not “chain-jed” (only 1 syllable).

Question 4

Do you think older and younger generations prefer different types of music? Why or why not?

Words: tune, catchy, grow up with

Pattern (give an example): For example, ___ .

• For example, my dad loves rock music.
• For example, my grandma only listens to the radio.

Extrovert: “Yes, for sure! Older people seem to enjoy slower, classic tunes, while younger people love catchy pop. For example, my parents play old love songs in the car, and I always skip them!”

Introvert: “Yes, I think so. Each generation grew up with different music, so they prefer what they know. For example, my grandparents enjoy traditional music, while I like quiet indie songs.”

Pronunciation tip (word stress): generation → “gen-er-AY-shun”, not “GEN-er-ay-shun” (stress the third syllable).

All 4 questions: words and patterns

Practise it yourself

1. Record yourself answering all four questions without looking at this page.
2. Listen back. Did you use a pattern and at least one new word in each answer?
3. Try this routine with any Part 1 topic: record, learn, drill, and test yourself. Then try the practice question below.