Part 1 · Band 7

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

Source-reported band score · 42 words

Sample answer

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 is pop, and my favorite singer is Bruno Mars.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas follow a clear sequence: you first say your preference varies, give two contrasting listening moods, and then name your favourite genre and singer. This makes the response easy to follow, though the reasons behind your choices are not developed. Practise this exact answer in 30 seconds, adding one brief reason for each preference while keeping the same facts, then repeat it in 20 seconds.

Lexical Resource

You use relevant, accessible vocabulary, including “sad music” and “light and funny music,” and clearly name “pop” and “Bruno Mars.” The range is suitable for this short Part 1 response, but several descriptions are broad, and “moods or situations” is less natural than a more concise phrasing. To extend your range without sounding forced, practise alternatives such as “upbeat” and “light-hearted” when describing music.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses accurate sentence forms, including the contrast in “Sometimes I like to listen to sad music, but at other times I also enjoy…” The present tense and possessives in “my favorite kind” and “my favorite singer” are handled correctly. The structures are mostly straightforward, which is appropriate for the prompt; as a next step, try a natural conditional or reason clause, such as explaining what you choose when your mood changes.

Pronunciation

This is a text-only response, so pronunciation cannot be assessed from the available evidence. As a practice guide—not an assessment of a recording—mark the stress in “honestly,” “at other times,” and “Bruno Mars.” Practise in thought groups: “Well, honestly / it depends on my mood or the situation.” Record yourself saying the answer, then check whether the stressed words stand out and the groups are easy to follow.

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

  • Replace “moods or situations” with “my mood or the situation” to make the opening more natural and concise.
  • Add one short reason for liking each contrasting kind of music, without adding personal details that are not true for you.
  • Practise delivering the answer in 20–30 seconds, stressing the contrast between “sad music” and “light and fun music.”

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 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 t...

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

I enjoy listening to jazz specifically because it gives me a sense of calmness, and I really relax while listening to it. I like to listen to jazz while studying because it help...

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...