IELTS SPEAKING CUECARD
[PART 2]
AN EVENT YOU ATTENDED
IN WHICH YOU DIDN’T
LIKE THE MUSIC
PLAYED
Describe an event you attended in which you didn’t like the music played
You should say:
- What the event was
- Where you were
- What the music was like
And explain why you did not enjoy the music
A N S W E R
Well, our company holds a year-end party every year as a way to express our CEO’s gratitude to us all workers, who spend time working harder for the entire year to achieve our yearly target. So, every third week of December, before we take our Christmas and New Year’s Day break, we always have a whale of a time enjoying the once-a-year office party.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
A whale of a time [noun phrase] – a great time
Office party [noun] – a party held for workers
TIP
i.) The speaker developed his introduction by giving a backstory so the examiner would get an idea of what’s his story about. He immediately mentioned the event which he attended that helped him progress his story smoothly.
Actually, our party is usually held in our office since it’s more convenient for all of us and because it’s really spacious. However, last year was really different, our company decided to hold the party in one of the function rooms of the most popular hotel in our city. The place was really elegant and everyone looked fantastic in their best dress and suit most especially because it was a cocktail party. The ambiance was really cozy, although it was too formal for us, knowing that we got used to holding the party only in the office. Also, chill-out music played in the background made us feel relaxed. So you can imagine how lovely it was.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Cocktail party [noun] – a formal party with alcoholic drinks usually in the early evening
Ambiance [noun] – the character and the atmosphere of the place
Cozy [adj.] – comfortable
Chill-out music [noun] – a form of popular music characterized by slow tempos and relaxed moods
TIP
ii.) The speaker provided details of the party which he attended and described the situation clearly. Then he started talking about music, which is like his preparation to start talking about the main idea of his story. He made sure to organize his ideas which is really good as it helped the examiner understand better.
However, a few hours later, after we enjoyed our sumptuous dinner, the mood completely changed – the DJ played disco music. Well, I have nothing against that kind of music though, I love disco, but unfortunately during that party, the sound system was terrible when they started playing disco music. The bass was just too loud that I could feel the thumping beat of my heart suddenly. I felt ill at ease and a little panicky because my memory flashed back to the time when I had an asthma attack many years ago.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Sumptuous [adj.] – splendid; expensive
Bass [noun] – the lowest part of the musical scale
Thumping [adj.] – pounding or throbbing in a heavy and continuous way
Ill at ease [phrase] – uncomfortable; uneasy
Flash back to [phrasal verb] – to suddenly remember something that happened in the past
TIP
iii.) In this part, the speaker started detailing the main idea of his story. He described what the music was like by talking about the technicalities of the music. After that, he clearly explained the main reason why that music made him feel uncomfortable. Notice the topic vocabulary and the collocations he used, those surely helped him boost his mark in the criterion, Lexical Resource.
To make myself comfortable, I got out of the function room and went to the comfort room straightaway. I spent a few minutes there just to make myself better. I told no one about how I felt at that time as I didn’t want to be misinterpreted. I just can’t bear loud music, I think I’m a highly sensitive person as I easily get triggered. Anyway, despite my experience, I was still able to enjoy that party with my co-workers and I learned that self-care is necessary.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Straightaway [adv as used in the answer] – immediately
Get triggered [phrasal verb] – to have an intense emotional reaction
TIP
iv.) Here, he added supplemental details of his story before giving his realization as a way to end his story. Doing this helped him speak at length which is very important in the IELTS Speaking exam.
PART 3
Why do many young people spend a lot of money on music concerts?
Well, I don’t exactly know the reason behind it, however, I guess it’s one good way for them to reward themselves, let’s say for working harder or for studying diligently. As you know, music is the food of the soul, it promotes feelings or emotions, so by attending music concerts, people will be re-energized and inspired which surely helps them feel better again.
Aside from that, they will meet new people which is a very good chance to forge new relationships. Considering all these things, young people never mind splurging on music concert tickets as they bring a positive impact on their respective lives.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Diligently [adv.] – in a way that shows care in one’s work Forge [verb] – create; build
Splurge [verb] – spend extravagantly
TIP
i.) The speaker started answering by acknowledging the fact that he didn’t know the exact reason why a lot of young people splurge on music concerts. Then, he transitioned to talking about his assumption. Take note, it’s alright if you don’t know the answer, you can always give your assumption, just for you to speak. And that’s the only way for you to save yourself from having ‘dead air’ which is one of the main factors of not getting a good mark in the IELTS Speaking exam.
Do you think older people like the same music as young people?
Generally not and based on my observation, mostly the old generation cannot keep up with the music that the younger generation is enjoying. It’s natural that old people love listening to the music that’s popular during their younger days and there’s a psychology behind it. I read one article online about the reason why older people thought that the current music was unbearable for them and what I learned is that most people stop exploring new music entirely when they turn 33 years old and if a song was released during their younger days, that song is likely to remain popular among their age group throughout their life.
So basically, that explains why the old generation sticks to listening to the music in their generation and doesn’t usually give the new music a chance.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Keep up [phrasal verb] – to do whatever is necessary to stay level or equal with someone
Unbearable [adj.] – unsupportable
Stick to [phrasal verb] – adhere to; keep
TIP
i.) The speaker gave a very straightforward answer and talked about his observation. Not only that, he shared his knowledge which he learned from one article that he read. His argument became valid and believable when he started talking about that one article. Don’t be afraid to make a reference to your answer from a book, magazine, or some online articles because it can make you sound knowledgeable and confident. Being confident in using the English language is very important to achieve your target band score.
Do you think music concerts are suitable for old people to attend?
Well, it depends on the type of music concert because more often than not, old people like to enjoy listening to music that can make them feel relaxed and that is pleasing to their ears. So music festivals like Coachella or Lollapalooza would not be suitable for old people because these kinds of music festivals are just loud or noisy and I don’t think they can bear the crowd or the situation itself.
However, if we talk about a music concert that’s held in a music theater, then that surely suits the elderly as it’s way more comfortable for them than the ones I have mentioned earlier. In other words, music concerts that are slow and easy are mostly what the old people enjoy while those that are boisterous are mostly for the young.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Pleasing [adj.] – satisfying or appealing
Bear [verb as used in the answer] – to accept; tolerate
Boisterous [adj.] – noisy; energetic
TIP
i.) The speaker provided a well-thought-out answer by stating what most old people enjoy listening to. Then he compared it to what the young people like. He provided examples like music festivals to support his opinion. The use of the comparison technique helped him discuss his answer thoroughly which is easy to understand.
Why do shopping malls often have background music?
Basically, music is a form of entertainment that makes us all feel relaxed and happy. The absence of background music in a mall won’t attract shoppers as it appears dull or uninviting. Besides, the music that is played in the background excites shoppers which surely puts them in a good mood, which I think is very important for mall owners because that encourages shoppers to shop more. So it’s no wonder why all shopping malls play music.
Also, I can never imagine a mall without any background music playing, if all you can hear are the people’s conversation, the announcement, the sound of a cash register, and the cry of a child, then for sure, it’ll be one of the most boring places to visit.
LEXICAL RESOURCE
Dull [adj.] – boring
Put somebody in a good mood [expression] – makes the person feel better
TIP
i.) The speaker answered the question by talking about music as a kind of art that entertained people. Also, he talked about the importance of playing music from a business perspective. His opinion is logical and that helped him sound believable. Brief answer but substantial and easy to understand.
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