Describe a performance that you liked.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What performance was it?
When & where did you watch it?
Why did you enjoy it?

27 unique answers with expert feedback

What other performances have you enjoyed?

I have enjoyed several performances, including a local theater play and a dance show. Each had its unique charm, but the energy of live music always captivates me the most. I remember a jazz concert that left me feeling uplifted for days.

How do you think live performances differ from recorded music?

Live performances create a unique atmosphere that recorded music can't replicate. The energy of the crowd, the spontaneity of the artist, and the connection between performers and the audience make it a special experience. It's more immersive and emotional.

What impact do performances like this have on your mood?

Such performances have a profound impact on my mood. They uplift my spirits and provide a sense of joy and connection. Experiencing live music can be therapeutic, allowing me to escape daily stresses and feel a sense of community with others.

Band 6-7

00:00

I would like to share an experience about a play that I had seen at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai. This is situated in south of Mumbai, a very posh locality, respected and beautiful architecture. So as I entered, I had booked shows for a play called as Hera Pheri. Hera Pheri was a play that revolved around three individuals who are unknown to each other but forced to share a common roof because of poverty. As I said, they were broke and they intended to find a faster route to make money without confining to illegal means. However, they are stuck in tough situations and the play revolves around how do they get out of this. The reason I liked it was the comic timing, the natural acting and the dialogue and script of it. When you look at it as a single individual, it is not fun. However, when you are along with people who are sharing ideas, it appears to be so funny. There were a few times when I thought that I could relate to what was happening and that really touched upon me. To give an example...

Follow up questions

What other types of performances do you enjoy?

I enjoy a variety of performances, including musicals and dance shows. Each type offers a unique experience. Musicals often have catchy songs and engaging stories, while dance shows showcase incredible physical talent and creativity. I appreciate the artistry in all forms of performance.

How do you think live performances differ from movies?

Live performances have a unique energy that movies can't replicate. The audience's reactions can influence the performance, creating a shared experience. Additionally, the spontaneity of live acting adds an element of excitement, whereas movies are polished and edited, lacking that immediate connection.

Have you ever participated in a performance yourself?

Yes, I participated in a school play during my childhood. It was a great experience that taught me about teamwork and the importance of preparation. Performing in front of an audience was nerve-wracking but also exhilarating, and it gave me a newfound appreciation for actors.

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Band 6-7

00:00

So the performance that I really liked was a performance I saw at Kandagaad Uttar Himachal Pradesh. It was of an entertainer who was part of the hotel and he sang really well. What I liked about the performance was how engaging he was with the audience. And the performance that I saw was when me and my family visited the hotel club Mahindra in Kandagaad. It was for my parents 25th anniversary. The entertainer was a great, great person. He kept us all engaged in a lot of activities all throughout morning till night. He sang a lot of songs. He even asked me to sing a song which was quite a new experience for me since I'm not a very open person. I was very comfortable singing though. He made it that way for me. He also engaged in a lot of activities for all the hotel residents. We played a lot of games. We sang. We ate good food. All in all it was a great experience and I can confirm that I would really like to see it again.

Follow up questions

What type of music did the entertainer perform?

The entertainer performed a variety of songs, including popular hits and traditional music. His repertoire was diverse, which kept the audience entertained and engaged throughout the day.

How did the performance impact your family celebration?

The performance added a special touch to my parents' 25th anniversary celebration. It created a joyful atmosphere, allowing us to bond as a family while enjoying the entertainment together.

Would you consider participating in performances like this in the future?

Yes, after my experience of singing during the performance, I feel more open to participating in similar events. It was a fun and memorable experience that I would love to repeat.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I'll be talking about a violin concert that I attended last month. So one of my friends suggested me that we should visit a concert that is going on at the NCP theater at Nariman points Mumbai. So we booked the tickets of the concert and visited the concert for for the violin concert and after visiting we were greeted by the staff and it was a very interesting session as I wasn't that much into violin and classical music but that day I got to experience a lot about string musical instruments which were extremely hard to play but on the other hand it was a very soothing experience as the classical music started playing I was totally delved into all the notes and all the background music that was playing along with the main violinist so as the show proceeded we got to know that on top of the violin there was a one performance schedule which was of jazz so in jazz there were many performers in which the one I liked the most was the performance performed with saxophone and as it caught my eyes from the very beginning as the performers start playing with the very jazzy note so as it passes by the music totally kind of hypnotized me and since then my new form of favorite music is jazz and then I came back home and researched a bit about voiding and jazz as well and I got to know much more things about classical music that I than I what I know also it was a good experience to have

Follow up questions

What other types of performances do you enjoy?

I enjoy various performances, especially live music concerts and theater plays. Each offers a unique experience. I also appreciate dance performances, as they combine music and movement in a captivating way. Attending different types of performances broadens my understanding of the arts.

How do you think live performances differ from recorded music?

Live performances create a unique atmosphere that recorded music can't replicate. The energy of the audience, the spontaneity of the performers, and the overall ambiance contribute to a memorable experience. Live music often feels more personal and engaging, allowing for a deeper emotional connection.

Have you ever tried playing a musical instrument yourself?

Yes, I have tried playing the guitar a few times. While I found it challenging, it was also rewarding. Learning an instrument gives you a greater appreciation for music and the skill involved in performing. I hope to dedicate more time to it in the future.

Band 6-7

00:00

During my college days, there was inter-college competition based on arts held at the university level. The venue for the program was Thiruvananthapuram and many students from different colleges participated in the event. So one of the programs which we all look forward is the drama. It is the performance which lands the greatest points. So there is a saying that whichever college wins for the drama, they will be victorious throughout this festival. Therefore, drama is something which we all anticipate and look forward to. I am personally attached to this because the main protagonist is my friend and I have seen how much hard work he has done to make his role into perfection. So the story revolved around a hospital area where there was a bedridden patient who used to hallucinate and he had a companion who used to soothe him during his devastating times. My friend was the companion and he was able to portray all the emotions to the audience. The judges were highly pleased by his acting performance and he was also awarded the Best Actor award coming under the drama category. It is a mesmerizing experience where we think we are actually in action.

Follow up questions

What other performances did you enjoy during your college days?

Apart from the drama, I also enjoyed musical performances and dance shows. Each event had its unique charm, but the drama stood out due to its emotional depth and the connection I had with the main actor.

How do you think performances like this impact students?

Performances foster creativity and teamwork among students. They also build confidence and provide a platform for self-expression, which is crucial for personal development during college years.

Have you ever participated in a performance yourself?

Yes, I participated in a few skits and dance performances during my college days. It was a great way to express myself and bond with my peers, although I was never as dedicated as my friend in drama.

Show all 27 answers

Cue 1:What performance was it?

Begin by identifying the type of performance, such as a play, concert, or dance show.
Mention the name of the performance and the main artists or group involved.

Example

The performance I really enjoyed was a classical dance recital called 'Nritya Vihar', which featured renowned dancer Shobana. It was a beautiful showcase of Bharatanatyam, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of India.

Cue 2:When & where did you watch it?

Specify the date and location of the performance to give context.
Share any details about the venue that made it special, such as its ambiance or significance.

Example

I watched this recital last month at the prestigious Kamani Auditorium in Delhi. The auditorium was beautifully lit, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation as the audience settled in.

Cue 3:Why did you enjoy it?

Discuss the aspects of the performance that captivated you, such as the choreography, music, or storytelling.
Reflect on your emotional response and how it connected with you personally.

Example

I enjoyed it immensely because the choreography was mesmerizing, and the music was soul-stirring. The way Shobana expressed emotions through her dance made me feel connected to the stories being told, evoking a sense of nostalgia and pride in our culture.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall impression of the performance.
Mention how this experience has influenced your appreciation for the arts.

Example

In conclusion, 'Nritya Vihar' was not just a performance; it was an experience that deepened my appreciation for classical dance. It reminded me of the beauty of our traditions and inspired me to learn more about Indian art forms.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It may leave the examiner confused about the performance you are describing.

Tip

Be specific about the performance details, such as the type of performance, the artists involved, and key moments that stood out to you.

2: Lack of Structure

A disorganized response can make it difficult for the examiner to follow your thoughts. This can lead to a lower score in coherence and cohesion.

Tip

Organize your answer by clearly addressing each cue in order: what the performance was, when and where you saw it, and why you enjoyed it.

Overly Short Answers

Providing overly brief answers can limit your ability to showcase your language skills and may not fully answer the cues provided.

Tip

Expand on your answers by adding personal feelings, specific examples, and details that illustrate your enjoyment of the performance.

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