Describe your favorite singer.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who is it?
Where & when did you hear him/her sing?
Explain why you like his/her music?

29 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific qualities do you admire in Taylor Swift's music?

I admire her ability to blend poetic lyrics with catchy beats. Her songs often tell relatable stories that resonate with listeners, making them feel understood and connected. Additionally, her versatility in exploring different genres showcases her talent and creativity.

How has Taylor Swift influenced your personal life?

Taylor's music has been a source of comfort and inspiration for me. Her themes of resilience and empowerment encourage me to pursue my dreams and stand up for myself. I often find solace in her lyrics during tough times, which helps me navigate my emotions.

Do you think music can influence social movements? How?

Absolutely! Music has the power to raise awareness and inspire change. Taylor Swift's advocacy for women's rights and her candidness about personal experiences resonate with many. Her platform allows her to address important issues, encouraging fans to engage in social movements.

Band 7

00:00

My favorite singer is Shreya Ghoshal. She was born and brought up in West Bengal. Basically her language is Bengali but she can sing profoundly in 15 to 16 languages. The reason why I like her songs is because her voice texture is so sweet. It just tastes like a Mysore Pak. Whenever I listen to her songs I feel very happy. It just relaxes my ears, mind, my body and complete soul. Her songs gives a full package of energy and boosts my confidence. Whenever I travel to certain places I definitely listen to her songs because in addition to the scenic views her songs gives a good vibe. She also judges a reality show called Indian Ideal where many people just inspired to become a good singer like her. By taking her as inspiration even I tried to sing some songs but I miserably failed due to lack of balance between my vocal chords. But some day or other day even I like to train in classical music and then sing like her, at least 10% of her.

Follow up questions

What other genres of music do you enjoy besides Shreya Ghoshal's?

I enjoy a variety of genres including pop, classical, and even some rock music. Artists like Arijit Singh and Lata Mangeshkar also inspire me. Each genre has its own charm, and I appreciate the different emotions they convey.

How has Shreya Ghoshal influenced your own singing?

Shreya Ghoshal has inspired me to explore singing, even though I faced challenges. Her dedication motivates me to improve my skills. I hope to take singing lessons in classical music to develop my voice and express myself better, just like she does.

Do you think music can impact people's emotions? How?

Absolutely! Music has a profound effect on emotions. It can uplift your mood, provide comfort during tough times, and even evoke memories. Shreya's songs, for instance, bring me joy and relaxation, helping me connect with my feelings and experiences.

Band 6-7

00:00

My favorite singer is the Albanian singer by the name of Nicki Minaj. She broke into the music scene with her single called No Lie, but that was not the first time I got to know about her. It was during my search on YouTube that I came across her performance in one of the concerts in England and right from that point I was mesmerized and captivated by her singing and performance. She is also able to write her own lyrics which adds depth to her musical journey and makes her even more mysterious and enticing. Her performances are groundbreaking and a delight to watch for one and all. She recently paid visit to my hometown and promised all the city dwellers that she would be back again, this time for a live concert. I am looking forward to more music from her in the coming times.

Follow up questions

What do you like most about Nicki Minaj's music?

I love how she blends different genres and her unique style. Her lyrics often tell a story, and her beats are catchy, making them memorable. Plus, her ability to switch between singing and rapping keeps her music fresh and exciting.

How has Nicki Minaj influenced your taste in music?

Nicki Minaj has broadened my musical horizons. Her confidence and creativity inspire me to explore more diverse artists and genres. I appreciate artists who are not afraid to express themselves, and she embodies that spirit.

What do you think about her impact on pop culture?

Nicki Minaj has had a significant impact on pop culture, especially in empowering women in the music industry. Her bold persona and advocacy for self-expression resonate with many fans, making her a role model for aspiring artists.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I like to listen to music a lot. I really enjoy listening to music and especially Bollywood music and the music in Hindi language and hence that is why my favourite singer is Sunidhi Chauhan. I love her singing and her songs. She has a really captivating voice which really engages all the listeners including myself. I also admire her a lot as one of the reason is she is one of the top most singer of our country and she is a female artist. Currently there is still a lot of male obsession in predominant male areas including Bollywood as well. So Sunidhi as a female artist has made a great impact on our music industry and has fans all over the world. In fact just I would say past few years she went into this transformation which had really inspired me. I recently saw one of her podcast where she was explaining how she managed her work and followed really healthy diet and a good workout to be a healthy situation in her body which really inspired me to actually join the gym and a few diet proceeds as well. Recently I would say just three months back in Mumbai at Mahalakshmi Racecourse I had attended one of her concerts. It was my first concert of my life and it was by my favorite singer. So it was a really memorable moment for me. The performance was amazing. She had great energy, great performance, great stage appearance and very confident. Everyone really enjoyed the concert.

Follow up questions

What other genres of music do you enjoy besides Bollywood?

Besides Bollywood music, I also enjoy listening to pop and classical music. I find that different genres can evoke various emotions and moods, and I love exploring new sounds and artists from around the world.

How has Sunidhi Chauhan influenced your taste in music?

Sunidhi Chauhan has greatly influenced my taste in music because her unique voice and style have introduced me to a variety of songs and genres within Bollywood. Her versatility inspires me to appreciate different musical elements and artists.

Can you share more about your experience at her concert?

At the concert, the atmosphere was electric. I was surrounded by fans who were equally excited. Sunidhi's energy was contagious, and her performance left everyone mesmerized. It was a dream come true to see her live, and I felt a deep connection with the music and the crowd.

Band 6-7

00:00

So my favorite singer is Taylor Swift. She is widely known for her music and now she has become a billionaire because of her career. I listened to her music in a random reel and I liked it. Then I started listening to all of her albums that she has put on since she was 17. I have been a fan of hers for 2 years now. A lot of my cousins and friends recommended me her songs but I was not very interested in them. But when I started listening to her and her albums which has extreme deep meanings and lyrics that I actually relate to and a lot of her albums such as Lover, The Tortured Poets Department and Midnights have been so helpful for me over time. The new album that she released a year ago is The Tortured Poets Department and I love that album because of how much variety she has in just an album. It consists of 30-35 songs and all of them are so much different than the other and it's been a blast. It was a blast when I visited her concert, when I spent time with my friends.

Follow up questions

What do you think makes Taylor Swift's music relatable?

I believe Taylor Swift's music is relatable because she writes about personal experiences and emotions that many people go through. Her lyrics often touch on themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, which resonate with listeners from different backgrounds.

How has attending her concert impacted your appreciation for her music?

Attending Taylor Swift's concert was an unforgettable experience. It deepened my appreciation for her music as I witnessed her talent live. The energy of the crowd and the way she connects with her fans made me realize how much her songs mean to people, including myself.

Which song from her albums do you relate to the most and why?

One song I relate to the most is 'The Archer' from the album 'Lover.' The lyrics explore themes of vulnerability and self-reflection, which resonate with my own experiences. It reminds me that it's okay to feel uncertain and that everyone has their struggles.

Show all 29 answers

Cue 1:Who is it?

Begin by introducing the singer's name and a brief background about them.
Mention any notable achievements or characteristics that make them stand out.

Example

My favorite singer is Arijit Singh, a renowned playback singer in India. He gained fame through his soulful voice and has won numerous awards, including Filmfare Awards for Best Playback Singer.

Cue 2:Where & when did you hear him/her sing?

Describe a specific event or moment when you first heard the singer perform.
Include details about the setting, such as whether it was a live concert, a movie, or on the radio.

Example

I first heard Arijit Singh sing during a friend's wedding in 2015. He performed live, and the atmosphere was electric. Everyone was captivated by his voice as he sang 'Tum Hi Ho,' which was a huge hit at that time.

Cue 3:Explain why you like his/her music?

Discuss the emotional impact his/her music has on you.
Mention specific songs or albums that resonate with you and why.

Example

I love Arijit Singh's music because it evokes deep emotions. His song 'Channa Mereya' always brings tears to my eyes as it beautifully captures the essence of love and longing. His ability to convey feelings through his voice is truly remarkable.

Conclusion

Summarize your feelings about the singer and their music.
Express how their music has influenced your life or your taste in music.

Example

In conclusion, Arijit Singh is not just my favorite singer; his music has been a significant part of my life. It has inspired me during tough times and added joy to my happiest moments.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid vague answers that do not provide specific details about the singer or your experiences. This can make your response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific examples, such as the name of a concert, a memorable song, or a personal story related to the singer.

2: Overly Simple Language

Using very simple language can make your answer sound unprepared. It may not showcase your English proficiency effectively.

Tip

Try to use varied vocabulary and complex sentences to express your thoughts more clearly and impressively.

Neglecting Personal Connection

Failing to explain why you personally like the singer's music can make your answer feel impersonal and less relatable.

Tip

Share your feelings and experiences related to the music, such as how it impacts your mood or memories associated with it.

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Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

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Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

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Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.