Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a musical instrument you know how to play - Cue Card # 622
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a musical instrument you know how to play.
You should say:
- what it is
- how someone can play it
- how long you have been playing it
and explain why you like this particular musical instrument.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Sample Answer 1:
When I learned to play the violin, a stringed musical instrument of Italian origin, at the very tender age of 8, little did I know back then that it had such a widespread use which ranges from symphony orchestras to jazz ensembles as well as film scores to Indian “ragas”. Now, that I look back, I sure am glad that I learned to play this “perfect” musical instrument.
Playing the violin can be “self-learned”, or it can be learned by taking lessons from a teacher. After playing this great musical instrument for more than 20 years, I have learned that posture is very important in order to enhance the sound quality of a violin.
To play the violin, all you need is a bow stick, a firm shoulder for your violin to rest on, Rosin (a sticky “resin” that helps the bow make the sound when it comes in contact with a violin string), a good musical piece with which you feel attuned with, and of course a violin. First, put the violin on your shoulder while also touching it with your “chin”. Then, draw the bow stick up and down on violin strings while regulating the sounding length of the strings with the fingers of the left hand by stopping them against the fingerboard in order to produce different notes.
One may be tempted to believe that the violin can be learned easily, but in fact, it can take some time and effort to learn to play this musical instrument.
I like playing the violin because it carries the perfect sound of melody which helps express a musician's “emotion” just so perfectly! I also like the violin because it can create several kinds of tones and music of my liking. Besides, the violin is versatile as it offers options to play anything from classical music to a mournful gipsy strain. Finally, I like it because of its “portability” as I can carry and play it anywhere.
Model Answer 2:
Thank you, Sir/Madam, for this great topic. I am a big fan of music, but when it comes to singing or playing a musical instrument, I am just a novice. The guitar is perhaps the only musical instrument I know how to play (but I'm not an expert), and I would like to talk about it.
The guitar is a stringed instrument, and it has six strings of unequal thickness strung tightly side-by-side across a fretboard. Musical notes of different pitches are produced by plucking the strings while pressing the attached strings against the fretboard or fingerboard. The guitar is capable of producing more than 130 different types of musical notes, and someone needs years of dedicated practice to master the skill of playing this amazing instrument.
An expert guitarist can produce a variety of music from it. The guitar is perhaps one of the most widely used musical instruments in the world. If you ask me how long I have been playing it, I will be in trouble to answer that! Maybe I should explain why! Though I owned a guitar in my teenage, I never really learned to play it (I mean playing it without embarrassing myself) until I got admitted to college. Afterwards, I have sometimes practised it and often left it untouched for several consecutive weeks. But I always believed someday I would learn to play this instrument. Since I am a hobbyist guitarist, I cannot claim that I have been playing it for a particular number of years - you know what I mean.
But if you ask me whether I like the guitar - the answer is ‘yes, absolutely’. This is an incredible musical instrument that has the ability to produce surreal music and enchant audiences. It is a genuinely versatile and convenient musical instrument loved by millions around the world. A great song without the use of a guitar is almost impossible, at least in my country.
Model Answer 3:
I love music. But unfortunately, I do not have a great voice to sing in front of audiences. But when it comes to musical instruments, I know how to play a guitar and flute to some extent. For this great topic, I would like to thank you and talk about my little skill in playing the flute.
As you know, the flute is a wind instrument that produces sound by blowing air across the mouthpiece while simultaneously pressing keys to change the pitch. It may sound easy, but it takes a great deal of skill to play it to captivate others.
Playing the flute requires proper breath control, finger coordination, and embouchure technique, and I have learned about them while trying to enhance my skill in playing it. To produce different notes, one must control the speed and force of the air stream while manipulating the keys with precise finger movements.
I've been playing the flute for over a decade now, starting from my early teens. Initially, it was a hobby, but over time, it became a passion that I dedicated significant time and effort to hone my skills.
There are several reasons why I'm drawn to the flute. Firstly, its melodious and soothing sound captivates me. The flute has a unique ability to convey emotions and moods, making it a versatile instrument for various musical genres, from classical to contemporary. Additionally, playing the flute allows me to express myself creatively. I find joy in exploring different musical pieces, experimenting with phrasing and dynamics, and adding my personal touch to performances.
Furthermore, the flute's portability is another aspect that I appreciate. Unlike larger instruments, such as pianos or cellos, the flute is compact and lightweight, making it convenient to carry and play in different settings, whether it's practising at home, performing on stage, or playing outdoors.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic invites you to describe a musical instrument that you can play. Your answer should include the name of the instrument, how it is played, how long you have been playing it, and your reasons for liking this particular instrument. A good response will mention when and how you learned it, the style or genre of music you prefer to play on it, and how playing it makes you feel. Here are a few ideas to help you craft a detailed and engaging answer. Hope you will find these helpful.
1. Acoustic guitar:
I have been playing the acoustic guitar for almost six years. It’s a string instrument that is played by strumming or plucking the strings with fingers or a pick. I learned it through online tutorials and practice during my school days. I like it because it’s versatile - you can play soft melodies or energetic rhythms, and it sounds great even when played solo.
2. Piano:
I learned to play the piano when I was in middle school, and I still enjoy it to this day. The piano is played by pressing keys that produce musical notes. I took formal lessons for a few years, and now I play classical and pop tunes on it. I love how expressive and elegant it sounds, and it helps me relax after a busy day.
3. Tabla:
I learned to play the tabla, a traditional Indian percussion instrument, during my early teens. It is played by striking different parts of the two drums with fingers and palms to produce rhythmic patterns. I enjoy the complexity and cultural richness it brings, and I often accompany classical singers during local events.
4. Violin:
The violin is a bowed string instrument, and I started learning it at a music school five years ago. It’s played by drawing a bow across the strings while pressing them with fingers. Though it took time to master the correct posture and sound, I enjoy playing it in orchestras and solo performances due to its emotional depth.
5. Ukulele:
I started playing the ukulele during the pandemic lockdown. It’s a small, four-stringed instrument similar to a guitar but much easier to learn. I like it because of its cheerful sound and portability. I often play it during group outings or small gatherings, and it always brings smiles to people’s faces.
6. Drum set:
I’ve been playing the drums since high school. The drum set includes a combination of bass drum, snare, cymbals, and toms. It requires coordination between hands and feet to maintain rhythm. I love playing drums in a band setting because it energises me and keeps everyone in sync during live performances.
7. Flute:
The flute is a wind instrument, and I learned to play it from a family friend who was a music teacher. It produces a soothing sound when air is blown across the mouthpiece while fingering holes. I love how calming and soulful it sounds, especially when playing slow, melodious tunes.
8. Harmonica:
I picked up the harmonica during a trip when I bought one from a local market. It’s played by blowing and drawing air through holes to produce notes. Though small in size, it has a rich sound, and I like how easily I can carry it and play blues or folk music anywhere.
9. Djembe:
I learned to play the djembe, a West African hand drum, from a community music group. It’s played with bare hands by striking different parts of the drum head. I enjoy the communal and energetic vibe it creates, especially during group performances and cultural celebrations.
10. Keyboard:
The keyboard is an electronic instrument that mimics the piano but includes many sound effects and instruments. I started playing it in high school, and it allowed me to experiment with different music styles. I enjoy composing background scores and recording my own tunes using it.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a musical instrument you know how to play, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey its characteristics, playing technique, your journey with it, and your personal connection. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate your passion and the joy it brings, making your response both informative and expressive. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
String instrument: – A musical instrument that produces sound by means of vibrating strings, such as a guitar, violin, or piano.
Example: I've played the guitar, which is a versatile string instrument, for many years.
Wind instrument: – A musical instrument in which sound is produced by the vibration of a column of air, typically by the player blowing into or over a mouthpiece.
Example: The flute, a beautiful wind instrument, produces a clear, melodious sound.
Percussion instrument: – A musical instrument that is sounded by being struck or scraped by a beater or by being struck, rubbed, or shaken by hand or by other means.
Example: Drums are powerful percussion instruments that drive the rhythm of a piece.
Keyboard instrument: – A musical instrument played using a keyboard, such as a piano, organ, or harpsichord.
Example: The piano is a complex keyboard instrument, offering a vast range of musical expression.
Plectrum/Pick: – A thin flat piece of plastic, bone, or metal, used to pluck the strings of a guitar or other stringed instrument.
Example: You can play it with a plectrum for a sharper sound or use your fingers.
Fingering: – The act or technique of using the fingers to play a musical instrument.
Example: Proper fingering is crucial for clear and rapid execution on the instrument.
Chords: – A group of (typically three or more) notes sounded together, as a basis of harmony.
Example: I started by learning basic chords and then progressed to more complex arrangements.
Scales: – A sequence of musical notes in ascending or descending order of pitch.
Example: Daily practice of scales is fundamental for developing dexterity.
Rhythm: – A strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
Example: Understanding rhythm is just as important as knowing the notes.
Melody: – A sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying; a tune.
Example: I love playing popular melodies on my guitar.
Dexterity: – Skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands.
Example: Playing the violin requires immense finger dexterity.
Coordination: – The ability to use different parts of the body together smoothly and efficiently.
Example: Drumming significantly improves hand-eye coordination.
Practice regimen: – A systematic plan or routine of practice.
Example: I've maintained a consistent practice regimen for over a decade.
Self-taught: – Having gained knowledge or skill by oneself rather than through formal teaching.
Example: I am largely self-taught, learning through online tutorials and dedication.
Outlet for expression: – A means of expressing one's feelings or ideas.
Example: Playing music is a wonderful outlet for expression and creativity.
Therapeutic: – Relating to the healing of disease; providing a good effect on the body or mind.
Example: I find playing the piano incredibly therapeutic after a long day.
Passion: – Strong and barely controllable emotion; a very strong feeling about a person or thing.
Example: My passion for this instrument has only grown stronger over the years.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a musical instrument you know how to play", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a musical instrument you would like to be able to play.
2) Describe something you have always wanted to do but have not done yet.
3) Describe something that you want to learn more about.
4) Describe something you plan/want to learn in the future.
5) Describe something you tried to do but were not very successful.
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