Describe your Favourite Singer: IELTS Cue Card

If you are planning to take the IELTS Exam, it is important to know that it is known as the most dependable English Proficiency Test worldwide. The exam is divided into four main sections, including:

• Speaking
• Listening
• Reading
• Writing

The Speaking Test is crucial and can be challenging for some candidates, as it comprises of 3 parts: 

• Introduction and Interview
• Cue Card Round
• Long Discussion. 

Part 2 requires you to show off your creativity and share your personal experiences and opinions. Part 3 involves having an extended conversation about the topic that was discussed earlier. 

To help you understand the IELTS Speaking Test better, let’s take an example of ‘Describe your favourite singer.’ 

In this blog post, we will explore Parts 2 and 3 of the IELTS Speaking Test by providing sample answers and quick tips to help you prepare effectively for this section. 

So, let’s dive in and learn how to make your Cue Card and Discussion section engaging, authentic, and informative.

IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test is one of the IELTS exam modules that assesses how well you can speak English. In this test, you have a face-to-face interview with an examiner who evaluates how you use English in real-life situations. 

The speaking test has three parts:

1. Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes):

• The examiner starts by introducing themselves and will ask you to introduce yourself. 
• Then, they ask introductory questions about your home, family, studies, work, and interests to help you feel comfortable and start talking.

2. Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes):

• You will get a card with a topic and some prompts. You will get a minute to prepare for the subject.
• After a minute, you have to talk about the topic for up to two minutes. 
• The vital thing is to express your thoughts clearly and organise your ideas well.

3. Discussion (4-5 minutes):

• The last part is a more profound talk with the examiner about complex issues related to the previous topic. 
• The examiner evaluates how well you can share your ideas, opinions, and arguments in English, making the conversation meaningful. 
• You must provide thoughtful responses.

Furthermore, your performance is recorded and evaluated throughout the speaking test using a detailed scoring system. The examiner assesses you on four main points: how smoothly you speak, the words you use, the range of grammar you use, and how accurate your language is.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue Card

Let’s learn more about IELTS Speaking Part 2 to get a clear idea about the topic: Describe your favourite singer.

The IELTS Speaking Part 2 is also called the Individual Long Turn. In this part, you get a cue card with a specific topic.

• You get one minute to prepare before you start talking. Your task is to speak about the given topic for two minutes. 
• The topics usually involve personal experiences or opinions. You might have to talk about a person or an event, discuss a social issue, or give advice.
• It assesses how well you can speak fluently and organise your thoughts. It also examines how well you express your ideas clearly and use a combination of different words.

In this blog, you will learn how to Describe your favourite singer.

You will have one to two minutes to prepare, and you might take notes. Then, you will need to speak about Describe your favourite singer for two minutes.

It’s essential to have a clear structure in your speech and cover everything the prompt asks. To answer the questions effectively, follow the step-by-step instructions.

Sample Answer 1

Question:

• Who’s your favourite singer?

Answer:

This question is asking about the identity of the singer. In your answer, provide the singer’s full name and mention any notable achievements or associations they have. 

• “Sure, let’s talk about Taylor Swift, my favourite singer.”
• “Taylor Swift is a well-known American singer-songwriter. She gained fame for her country and pop music, winning numerous awards for her catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics. Taylor has been in the music scene since a young age, becoming one of the most influential artists globally.”

Question:

• How do you know this singer?

Answer:

This question is about your awareness of the singer. Share how you learned about them, whether through their music, social media, or any other means. It could also involve personal experiences, like attending a concert or hearing a friend talk about them.

• “I learned about Taylor Swift through her popular songs on the radio and online platforms. Her music is widely accessible, making it easy for people to discover and enjoy. Over time, I explored more about her life, and she became my favourite due to her relatable songs and versatile style.”

Question:

• What is this person like?

Answer:

This question aims to know more about the singer’s personality or characteristics. Briefly describe their style, genre, and any unique traits that stand out. You can mention if they are known for their powerful vocals, catchy tunes, or specific fashion choices.

• “Taylor Swift is known for her down-to-earth personality and genuine approach to her music. She often writes about her personal experiences, relationships, and life, which makes her songs feel authentic and relatable. Despite her fame, she maintains a friendly and approachable image.”

Question:

• Why do you think he/she is good?

Answer:

This question seeks your opinion on why the singer is considered good. Mention specific strengths such as their vocal talent, songwriting skills, or stage presence. You can also refer to their music’s impact on listeners or any positive qualities that make them stand out.

• “Taylor Swift’s talent lies in her ability to connect with listeners through her lyrics. Her songs resonate with people of different ages and backgrounds, touching on universal themes. Her versatility in transitioning from country to pop music showcases her musical excellence. Swift’s success is due to her singing and songwriting skills, making her a standout artist in the music industry.”

Sample Answer 2

Question:

• Who’s your favourite singer?

Answer:

This question asks about the singer’s identity. In your answer, mention the singer’s full name and a brief introduction. Include details like where they are from and any notable achievements. 

• “Sure, let me tell you about my favourite singer, Justin Bieber.”
• “Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer. He gained fame at a young age and is known for his pop and R&B music. Justin started his career through his YouTube videos when he was a teenager.”

Question:

• How do you know this singer?

Answer:

Share how you came to know about the singer. It could be through their music, social media, recommendations, or any other source. Be specific.

• “I first learned about Justin Bieber through his popular songs like “Baby” and “Sorry.” His catchy tunes and unique voice caught my attention, and I started following his music career.”

Question:

• What is this person like?

Answer:

Describe the singer’s personality and characteristics. Talk about their style, voice, or stage presence. 

• “Justin Bieber is a talented artist with a friendly and relatable personality. Over the years, he has faced challenges and shown growth and maturity. He is known for his engaging stage presence and connection with his fans.”

Question:

• Why do you think he/she is good?

Answer:

Explain what makes the singer talented or admirable. Discuss their skills, uniqueness, or the impact of their work. 

• “Justin Bieber is a good singer because of his flexible voice and ability to convey emotions through his music. His songs often have meaningful lyrics that resonate with many people. Additionally, his dedication to evolving as an artist and staying true to himself adds to his appeal. Justin Bieber’s talent and authenticity make him a favourite for music enthusiasts like me.”

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Discussion

In this section, you must demonstrate your language skills using various words and correct grammar. Also, confidently share and support your opinions, taking different viewpoints into account and using examples from your own experiences.

Let’s talk about Singers in your country.

Question: 

• Do singers play an essential role in your country?

Answer:

Start by mentioning that singers significantly influence your country’s culture and entertainment. Explain that singers often contribute to expressing emotions, telling stories, and reflecting on societal issues through their songs.

• “Indeed, they play an essential role in our country. They bring people together through music, making us feel emotions and telling stories. Singers often sing about our culture and daily life, helping to preserve traditions. Their songs can also inspire and unite us, making them essential societal figures.”

Question: 

• Do you think celebrities have a lot of income?

Answer:

Consider acknowledging that celebrities, including singers, earn a substantial income. Explain that their income often comes from various sources, such as music sales, concerts, brand endorsements, and acting roles.

• “Many celebrities, including singers, earn a lot of money. They are popular and have fans who buy their music or attend their concerts. Besides, celebrities often get opportunities for endorsements and advertisements. However, it’s essential to know that not all celebrities have the same income, and some may earn more than others based on their popularity and projects.”

Question: 

• Do people in your country prefer to listen to traditional or foreign music?

Answer:

Introduce the idea that music preferences can vary among people in your country. Explain that some may prefer traditional music rooted in the local culture and history. Highlight that others may enjoy foreign music influenced by global trends and diverse genres.

• “Our country’s music preferences vary, but some people enjoy traditional music while others like foreign music. Traditional music connects us to our roots and culture; many people find it meaningful. On the other hand, foreign music brings diversity and new styles, making it appealing to those who enjoy different sounds. So, it depends on personal taste.” 

Question: 

• Do you prefer live performances?

Answer:

Start by expressing your preference for live performances. Share reasons such as the energy, connection with the audience, and the experience of witnessing music performed in real-time.

• “Yes, many people, including me, prefer live performances. Live shows have a unique energy, and you can feel the music differently. Seeing singers perform live allows us to connect with them and the music on a deeper level. It’s a unique experience that adds excitement to the enjoyment of music.”

Question: 

• What do you think about the role of singers on the national level?

Answer:

Begin by acknowledging the significant role singers play on the national level. Discuss how singers can use their platform to address social issues, inspire change, and unite people through music.

• “Singers play a crucial role on the national level. They can use their voice to address critical issues, unite people during celebrations, and contribute to the nation’s identity. National-level singers often become symbols of pride and unity, using their popularity to promote positive messages and cultural values. Their impact goes beyond entertainment, influencing the collective spirit of the country.”

Also read: 

• Describe your first day at school.
• Describe a crowded place you have visited.

Expert Tips for the IELTS Speaking Test

Below are some tips to remember while taking your IELTS Speaking Test. Using these tips, you can also practise your English language skills for better results and improve your overall band score.

Never memorise your answers:

Memorising your answers does not accurately measure your English language proficiency. The examiner will also know that you have memorised your answers. It can also affect your final band score.

Never worry about your accent: 

You should speak in your accent fluently. The examiner understands that there are a variety of accents for the English language. Therefore, communicate well. However, practise the complicated pronunciation of words and sounds for an effective speech.

Do not use complex words:

Avoid using complex words and sentences. There is a high chance that you might mispronounce it. It can affect your final band score. Instead, you must focus on using various simple words combined.

Do not use fillers:

Avoid using fillers like, you know, umm, etc. Fillers are often used when we don’t know what to say. It could give a wrong impression to the examiner. It shows that you cannot access the language appropriately and lack ideas.

Avoid a monotonous voice:

Sometimes, we can produce a monotonous voice when we speak. This voice makes it difficult for the examiner to understand which parts of the speech are important. Therefore, try to emphasise the parts of speech you feel are essential.

Use a variety of grammatical structures:

Try to use a range of grammatical structures. Try to speak in English with your friends or record yourself to see if you can spot pronunciation and sentence structure errors. Also, practise speaking in the correct tense of the verb. 

Pause to think:

Do not worry about taking a brief pause in between your answers. It is a natural way to process the questions. You can use phrases such as That’s an interesting question, that’s a good point, let me see, etc. It will give you the time to think and phrase your answers correctly. 

Smile as much as possible:

Smiling can make you feel more relaxed, and that can improve how you pronounce words. Remember to speak clearly by opening your mouth, so your words are easily understood. When you smile, your voice sounds friendlier and more confident.

Expand your answers: 

Try to expand your answers as much as possible. Avoid giving short answers to the examiner. Providing quick answers implies that you can not talk in detail about the topic given to you. Remember to cover every part of the question in your answer. 

Practise sample test papers: 

You can enhance your speaking skills by practising sample test papers for the IELTS Speaking Test with friends, family, or colleagues. You must focus on tourism, travel, education, transport, environment, and family life.

Final Thoughts

The IELTS Speaking Test is a big part of the IELTS exam. Its goal is to evaluate how well you can talk in English.

You can better understand the IELTS Speaking Test by doing practice tests. Reading English books, watching English films, and talking to people whose first language is English will all help you improve your English.

Speaking to the IELTS counsellor about getting better at the IELTS Speaking Test is also helpful. Counselling can help you determine what you need to work on, like your grammar, words and speech. 

To learn more about the IELTS Speaking Test. Contact Leap Scholar Counsellors today. 

Know more about IELTS Preparation.

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