Music is a favourite Part 1 topic. The questions are about your taste, when and how you listen, and musical instruments. Prepare genre names and words for feelings in advance.
What the examiner asks on this topic
What kind of music do you like?
When do you usually listen to music?
Has your taste in music changed over the years?
Can you play a musical instrument?
Do you prefer listening to music alone or with friends?
Is traditional music popular in your country?
Model answers (aimed at band 7+)
What kind of music do you like?
I've got quite a mixed taste, really. Most of the time I listen to pop and a bit of hip-hop, but when I need to concentrate I put on instrumental music, because lyrics tend to distract me.
Has your taste in music changed over the years?
Definitely. As a teenager I only listened to whatever was in the charts, but now I'm more open-minded. My dad got me into older Uzbek songs, and I've actually grown to love some of them.
Can you play a musical instrument?
Not really, unfortunately. I had a few guitar lessons at school, but I gave up after a couple of months. I regret that now, and I'm thinking of taking it up again online.
Is traditional music popular in your country?
Yes, especially at weddings and family celebrations. You'll almost always hear traditional instruments like the doira at a big wedding, even if the rest of the evening is modern pop.
Useful words and phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| a mixed taste | a mixed taste |
| put on music | put on music |
| lyrics | lyrics |
| in the charts | in the charts |
| open-minded | open-minded |
| grow to love | grow to love |
| give up | give up |
| take it up again | take it up again |
How to answer
- Naming a genre is not enough: say why you like it and when you listen.
- For questions about change, use "used to" and the present perfect: "I used to..., but now I've...".
- If you mention national instruments (the doira, the dutar), explain them briefly in English.
- Do not stop at "I don't play any instrument": say whether you would like to learn, or why you never did.
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The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
Everything about Part 1: the Part 1 guide. More topics: all articles.
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
