Part 1 · Band 9

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

Source-reported band score · 163 words

Sample answer

I enjoy listening to old Thai songs from about 20 to 30 years ago. I appreciate them because their rhythms are not too heavy or fast. The songs maintain a consistent pace, and their meanings are generally beautiful compared to the music of today. Contemporary music tends to feature heavy rhythms and various other elements, which can sometimes overshadow the lyrical content. In contrast, the older songs often tell heartfelt stories and evoke deep emotions. I find that they have a certain nostalgia that resonates with me, reminding me of simpler times. Artists like Carabao and Asanee-Wasan have crafted melodies that linger in my mind long after I’ve stopped listening. Moreover, the instrumentation in these songs often includes traditional Thai instruments, which adds a unique flavor to the music. This blend of modern and traditional elements creates a rich listening experience that I find incredibly satisfying. Overall, old Thai songs provide me with a sense of comfort and connection to my cultural roots.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas progress clearly from your preference for a steady rhythm, to the storytelling and nostalgic effect, and then to traditional instrumentation and cultural connection. That sequence makes the answer easy to follow, though the amount of development may feel more like a prepared mini-speech than a concise Part 1 reply. Practise delivering this answer in 45 seconds, keeping one example for each main reason and finishing with your cultural connection. This is an assessment of the written sequence, not spoken fluency.

Lexical Resource

The answer uses precise, topic-relevant vocabulary, including “consistent pace,” “heartfelt stories,” and “traditional Thai instruments.” “A certain nostalgia that resonates with me” also communicates a personal response effectively. Some descriptions, such as “various other elements,” are broad, and “meanings are generally beautiful” is less natural than describing the lyrics. For refinement, replace one broad phrase with a specific musical feature, while keeping your language conversational.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use a strong range of sentence patterns, including contrast in “In contrast, the older songs often tell heartfelt stories” and a relative clause in “which can sometimes overshadow the lyrical content.” The sentences are controlled, and the final phrase, “connection to my cultural roots,” completes the thought smoothly. One comparison between “meanings” and “the music” is not fully parallel. Review comparisons to ensure you compare lyrics with lyrics or music with music.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation cannot be assessed from this text, and this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “consistent pace” (con-SIS-tent PACE) and “traditional Thai instruments” (tra-DI-tion-al; Thai; IN-stru-ments). Say the answer in thought groups, such as “I enjoy listening to old Thai songs / from about 20 to 30 years ago.” Record one take, check that each phrase is clear, then record it again.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • For a Part 1 response, aim for roughly 40–50 seconds: state your preference, give two reasons, and finish with the personal connection.
  • Make comparisons parallel: compare older songs’ lyrics with contemporary songs’ lyrics, rather than comparing meanings with music as a whole.
  • Replace broad wording such as “various other elements” with one accurate musical detail when you can identify one from your own listening experience.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain whether you listen to one language of music regularly but prefer another style or language.
  • Mention a real reason for your preference, such as the lyrics, melodies, or connection to your culture.
  • Describe whether you enjoy exploring unfamiliar genres or tend to return to familiar music.

Suggested structure

  1. Name the kind of music you enjoy.
  2. Say how varied your listening habits are.
  3. Explain how your usual listening relates to your favorite kind.
  4. Add one personal reason or detail to develop the answer.
Useful vocabulary & examples
listen to a genre
To play or hear a particular category of music.

I don't listen to many different genres.

English-language music
Music with lyrics in English.

I mostly listen to English-language music.

be talented in
To have skill or ability in a particular area.

Some of my friends are talented in other genres.

my favorite kind of music
The type of music you like best.

Farsi music is my favorite kind of music.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

Band 9

I genuinely love listening to a mix of genres, but I find myself particularly drawn to indie and alternative rock. There's something incredibly refreshing about the authenticity...

Band 8

I don't really stick to a specific genre; it's more about the kind of music I enjoy. It can include anything from pop, rock, indie, to folk. It doesn't really matter as long as...

Band 7

Well, honestly, it depends on my moods or situations. Sometimes I like to listen to sad music, but at other times I also enjoy light and funny music. My favorite kind of music i...

Band 6

Well, in all of the world, I have so many kinds of music, but I like to listen to classical music. When I listen to classical music, I feel my mood becomes much better and I rel...

Band 5

My parents gave me a guitar, and I can play it more conveniently. I prefer to listen to jazz and pop music.

Band 4

I can speak about the kind of music I enjoy listening to. I didn't like listening to different kinds; I only like English music. However, I can't speak with people who have tale...