Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a song or a piece of music you like - Cue Card # 150
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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 song or a piece of music you like.
You should say:
- what the song or music is
- what kind of song or music it is
- where you first heard it
and explain why you like it.
[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.]
Model Answer 1:
Introduction:
Music is an essential part of our daily life. It can be therapeutic and helps to relax our mind. One of my favourite songs is "Don't Stop Believin" by Journey. I first heard it when I was a teenager, and it quickly became one of my all-time favourites.
What the song or music is:
"Don't Stop Believin" is a classic rock song that was released in 1981 by the American rock band Journey. It's a high-energy song that features a driving beat and a catchy melody. The song is known for its inspiring lyrics and powerful vocals, which make it a favourite of many people.
What kind of song or music it is:
"Don't Stop Believin" is a rock song that falls into the category of arena rock. It has a strong, anthemic quality that makes it perfect for live performances in front of large crowds. The song has become a classic of the genre and has been covered by many different artists over the years.
Where you first heard it:
I first heard "Don't Stop Believin" when I was watching the TV series "Glee." The show featured a cover of the song in one of its episodes, and I immediately fell in love with it. I was struck by the powerful vocals and the inspiring message of the lyrics. After hearing the song on the show, I went online to listen to the original version by Journey and have been a fan ever since.
And explain why you like it:
I like "Don't Stop Believin" for several reasons. Firstly, the song has a positive message about never giving up on your dreams and persevering through tough times. This message is one that I find inspiring and motivational. Secondly, the song has a great melody and is very catchy, which makes it fun to sing along to. Finally, the song has a nostalgic quality that reminds me of my teenage years and brings back happy memories.
Model Answer 2:
Music is good for our souls. So, like everybody else, I also like to listen to different kinds of music, depending on my mood and situation. However, today, I would like to talk about a piece of music I wish I could listen to always.
The title of this music is “Confide in Me” which is a song recorded by Australian singer Kylie Minogue and taken from her fifth, self-titled studio album (1994). It was released as the album's lead single on 29 August 1994.
Incorporating elements of indie music, trip-hop, and Middle Eastern instrumentation, such as strings and percussion, this top-class pop song has experienced success in regions like Australia, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Ireland, France, and New Zealand. It also became Minogue's only charting single in the US during the ’90s, having peaked at 39 on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.
Having listened to this song in the year 2001 for the first time, I felt like, I finally found a piece of music that I could listen to for the rest of my life. In fact, since that year, I can’t really remember a week, which passed by without listening to it or enjoying it at least a few times. Of course, there are a number of reasons for which, I like this music. To begin with, it is considered one of the most iconic and innovative singles from the 1990s era as it successfully combined the appeal of “trip-hop” (a new musical genre from the 1990s) with Middle Eastern musical instruments like strings and percussion.
I think it is a great piece of music, mainly because, no matter how many times I listen to it, it never seems to get old. This music has a very sweet and soft melody. Besides, its lyrics seem to perfectly match the general appeal (related to the power of seduction) of this music. Finally, this is a great piece of music also because it refreshes the mind and mood of its audience, no matter what time of the day they listen to it.
Sample Answer 3:
Introduction:
Music has the ability to touch our hearts and evoke strong emotions within us. The song that I want to talk about is a beautiful Hindi song called "Pehla Nasha", which has been one of my favourite songs for a long time. Thank you very much for allowing me the time to talk about this song that I really love.
What the song or music is:
"Pehla Nasha" is a romantic Hindi song from the Bollywood movie "Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar" which was released in 1992. It is a duet song, sung by Udit Narayan and Sadhana Sargam, with music composed by Jatin-Lalit.
What kind of song or music it is:
It is a soft, romantic song that captures the essence of falling in love for the first time. The melody of the song is simple yet powerful, and the lyrics are beautifully written, expressing the feeling of being swept away by the magic of love.
Where you first heard it:
I first heard this song when I was a teenager. My friend introduced me to the movie and the song, and I instantly fell in love with it. Since then, it has been one of my go-to songs whenever I feel like listening to some soulful music.
And explain why you like it:
I like this song because the melody is so soothing and has a calming effect on my mind. It helps me relax and unwind after a long day. Besides, the lyrics of the song are very romantic and remind me of the feeling of falling in love for the first time. Lastly, the voices of the singers are beautiful and blend perfectly with the music, creating a magical experience for the listener. All these factors combine to make this song a timeless classic that I can never get tired of listening to.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Music is an integral part of our lives, and everyone has different tastes and reasons for liking particular songs or musical pieces. Here are some diverse examples of songs and music that you might find helpful when discussing this cue card topic:
1. "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen:
This is a classic rock song famous for its unique style, combining rock with operatic elements. I first heard it on a music streaming app and was immediately fascinated by its complexity. I like it because it evokes strong emotions and showcases outstanding musical creativity.
2. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9:
This classical piece is a symphony renowned worldwide for its powerful finale, "Ode to Joy". I first encountered it during a music appreciation class in college. I appreciate this symphony for its emotional depth, rich orchestration, and inspiring message of universal brotherhood.
3. "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran:
This is a catchy pop song with upbeat rhythms and relatable lyrics. I first heard it playing at a friend's party. I enjoy it because of its energetic vibe and the memorable melody that makes it great for casual listening.
4. National Anthem:
My country’s national anthem is an inspiring piece of music that represents our history and identity. I first learned it in primary school, and it continues to evoke feelings of pride and unity. I like it because it deeply connects me to my heritage and national identity.
5. "Clair de Lune" by Claude Debussy:
This classical piano piece is gentle, soothing, and exceptionally beautiful. I discovered it while watching a movie that featured it in its soundtrack. I love this composition for its calming effect and emotional subtlety, ideal for relaxation and reflection.
6. "Imagine" by John Lennon:
This is a classic song in the soft rock genre with profound lyrics promoting peace and unity. I first heard it from my parents' music collection. I appreciate this song because of its timeless message of hope, peace, and a harmonious future.
7. "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi:
This is a popular Latin pop song known for its infectious rhythm and upbeat tempo. I first heard it on the radio during a road trip with friends. I enjoy it because of its energetic vibe and the way it instantly boosts the mood, making people want to dance.
8. "Thriller" by Michael Jackson:
A pop masterpiece known for its distinctive rhythm and engaging storytelling. I heard it first in a music video online. I like this song because of its creativity, powerful performance, and unique choreography that became iconic worldwide.
9. "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran:
A romantic ballad that falls into the pop genre, known for its heartfelt lyrics. I first listened to it at a friend's wedding. I like it because it beautifully expresses deep emotions, making it ideal for special occasions or relaxing evenings.
10. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem:
This is a hip-hop song celebrated for its powerful lyrics and motivating message. I first encountered it while watching the film "8 Mile". It resonates with me because it highlights determination, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
11. "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd:
This iconic progressive rock track is celebrated for its captivating guitar solos and deeply emotional lyrics. I first heard it through my father's classic rock playlist. I admire this song because of its profound exploration of human feelings and exceptional musical arrangement.
12. "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd:
A timeless classic by Pink Floyd, this song features thoughtful lyrics and a gentle acoustic melody. I discovered it while listening to a radio programme dedicated to legendary rock bands. I love this track for its reflective mood, emotional depth, and memorable tune.
Model Answer 4:
Introduction:
Music has been an important part of human culture since ancient times. It has the power to evoke emotions and transport people to another place and time. In this topic, I would like to talk about one of my favourite songs, which is "Summer of '69" by Bryan Adams.
What the song is:
"Summer of '69" is a rock song that was released in 1984 by Canadian musician Bryan Adams. It tells the story of his youth, particularly the summer of 1969 when he was a teenager. The song has a catchy beat and memorable lyrics that make it a classic rock anthem.
What kind of song or music it is:
"Summer of '69" is a fast-paced rock song that features a driving guitar riff and a strong drum beat. It is a nostalgic song that celebrates the carefree spirit of youth and the joy of music.
Where you first heard it:
I first heard "Summer of '69" when I was in high school. It was played on the radio all the time, and it quickly became one of my favourite songs. I remember feeling energized and inspired every time I heard it. Even today, whenever I hear the opening guitar riff, it takes me back to that time.
And explain why you like it:
I like "Summer of '69" because it has a timeless quality that makes it appealing to people of all ages. The lyrics capture the excitement and optimism of youth, and the music is upbeat and catchy. The song has a universal appeal that makes it easy to sing along to and dance to. Every time I hear it, it brings back fond memories of my own youth, and it reminds me to enjoy life and to never lose my sense of happening.
Sample Answer 5:
The legendary music work "Annie's Song" by John Denver is a song that I really like. It is inspirational and one of the best songs I have ever listened to. I like this song so much that I can listen to it over and over again without getting bored. I would like to thank you for giving me a chance here to talk about this piece of classic work.
This is a song that always stimulates me - no matter the mood or time. Besides, I like the lyrics and the music that was used in this song. John Denver and his music band Beatles have always been favourites to me, and many of their songs have remained on my favourite list for a long. The ‘Annie’s Song’ is a piece of work that the world will revere for a long, I believe. This is one of the most-rated songs in the history of music and I like it for the magical tone it has.
I listen to music almost every day whenever I hit the road and drive my car. I am not too sure when I first heard this piece of masterpiece, but my best guess is - it would be around my junior high school period.
This particular song was sung by a gifted singer, and the lyrics of it is pretty impressive. The music, lyrics, and singing style were just perfect to make it a legendary song. I love it because this particular piece of music has been interwoven with my young age and many lovely memories of that time. So whenever I listen to it, it seems like I time travel to the past. This song is such powerful and I love it so much.
Part 3 - Two-way Discussion:
Discussion topics: Music and young people.
Q. What kinds of music are popular with young people in your culture?
Q. What do you think influences a young person’s taste in music?
Q. How has technology affected the kinds of music popular with young people?
Discussion Topic: Music and society.
Q. Tell me about any traditional music in your culture.
Q. How important is it for a culture to have musical traditions?
Q. Why do you think countries have national anthems or songs?
Click here for the Part -3 question answers:
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Talking about music gives you the chance to express your tastes, emotions, and memories. Below is a list of useful vocabulary and expressions related to music, musical genres, how songs affect your feelings, and how to describe your preferences more effectively.
Genre – A category of music, such as pop, classical, jazz, or rock.
Melody – A sequence of musical notes that is pleasant to listen to.
Instrumental – A piece of music without lyrics or singing.
Classical music – A genre known for its rich orchestration and complexity, often performed in concert halls.
Soundtrack – Music that accompanies a film, TV show, or video game.
Catchy tune – A song that is easy to remember and sticks in your mind.
Soothing – Music that is calming and relaxing.
Upbeat – Music that is lively, cheerful, and energetic.
Nostalgic – A song that brings back memories of the past.
Emotionally moving – Music that deeply affects your feelings.
Harmonious – Pleasing to the ear because of a good combination of notes and instruments.
Anthemic – A powerful, memorable song that stirs emotions or unity, like a national anthem.
Musical arrangement – How instruments and voices are organized in a song.
Live performance – A musical show performed in front of an audience.
Background music – Music that plays quietly while doing other activities.
Be fond of – To have a strong liking or affection for something.
Be passionate about – To have a deep enthusiasm or love for something.
Have a soft spot for – To feel particularly affectionate or sentimental towards something.
Be drawn to – To feel naturally attracted or interested in something.
Similar Cue Card Topics
Your ability to talk about this Cue Card Topic would enable you to talk about the following Cue Card Topics as well:
1. Describe your favourite song.
2. Describe a famous singer you know about.
3. Describe a song that you often listen to.
4. Describe a singer who you really like.
5. Describe a piece of music that you like very much.
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