IELTS Speaking Part 2: A Song You Like — Band 6/7/8/9 Sample Answers (2026)

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The Prompt

Describe a song you like. You should say:

• What the song is about
• When and where you first heard it
• How you feel when you listen to it
• And explain why you like it so much.

Sample Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

I like a song called 'Imagine' by John Lennon. It's about peace and unity in the world. I first heard it when I was a child, maybe 10 years old, at my home. My father played it on the radio. When I listen to it, I feel happy and calm. I think it's a very beautiful song. I like it because the lyrics are very meaningful and the melody is nice. It makes me think about the world and how we can make it a better place. I think everyone should listen to this song because it has a good message.

Scoring Breakdown:

• TR (Task Response): 5.0 - Addresses all parts of the task but with some irrelevant details.
• CC (Coherence and Cohesion): 6.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with some repetition and lack of progression.
• LR (Lexical Resource): 6.0 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors and limited range.
• GRA (Grammatical Range and Accuracy): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent errors.

Band 7.0 Answer

One song that I really enjoy is 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen. It's a very unique song because it's not just one genre; it's a mix of rock, opera, and ballad. I first heard it when I was in high school, during a school trip to London. We were on the bus, and my friend played it really loud. When I listen to it now, I feel excited and energetic. The song has so many different parts that it's like a journey. I like it so much because it's very creative and the singers are amazing. Freddie Mercury's voice is incredible, and the way the song changes from one part to another is just brilliant. It's not a typical pop song, and that's why I love it.

Scoring Breakdown:

• TR (Task Response): 7.0 - Addresses all parts of the task with some development and relevance.
• CC (Coherence and Cohesion): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some repetition and lack of progression in places.
• LR (Lexical Resource): 7.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary but with some errors and less precise word choices.
• GRA (Grammatical Range and Accuracy): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

I'd like to talk about 'Clocks' by Coldplay. This song is about the passage of time and how it affects our lives. I first heard it when I was studying for my university entrance exams. I was in my room, trying to focus, and I put on some music to help me concentrate. When I listen to it, I feel a sense of nostalgia and reflection. The melody is soothing, and the lyrics are deeply meaningful. I like it because it has a way of making me think about my life and the choices I've made. The song is also very well-crafted, with a beautiful piano melody and Chris Martin's distinctive vocals. It's the kind of song that stays with you long after it's over.

Scoring Breakdown:

• TR (Task Response): 8.0 - Addresses all parts of the task with clear development and relevance.
• CC (Coherence and Cohesion): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and logical organization.
• LR (Lexical Resource): 8.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but with some errors.
• GRA (Grammatical Range and Accuracy): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors but generally accurate.

Band 9.0 Answer

One of my all-time favorite songs is 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen. This song is a profound exploration of love, loss, and spiritual awakening. I first heard it during a poetry workshop in my final year of university. The professor played it as an example of how music and poetry can intersect. When I listen to it, I feel a deep sense of emotion and introspection. The lyrics are incredibly poetic, and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. I like it because it resonates with me on so many levels. It's a song that I can listen to over and over again and still discover new meanings. Leonard Cohen's voice is so rich and full of emotion, and the way he delivers the lyrics is just mesmerizing. It's a song that has stayed with me for years, and I think it always will.

Scoring Breakdown:

• TR (Task Response): 9.0 - Addresses all parts of the task with full development and relevance.
• CC (Coherence and Cohesion): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with clear progression and logical organization.
• LR (Lexical Resource): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision.
• GRA (Grammatical Range and Accuracy): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with full flexibility and accuracy.

Vocabulary Highlights

Band 6.0 Vocabulary

1. Meaningful (adj.): Having a serious, important, or significant quality. Example: The lyrics are very meaningful.
2. Melody (n.): A sequence of notes that makes up a musical phrase. Example: The melody is nice.
3. Message (n.): A piece of information or an idea that is sent to someone. Example: It has a good message.

Band 7.0 Vocabulary

1. Unique (adj.): Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else. Example: It's a very unique song.
2. Creative (adj.): Using or involving imagination or original ideas. Example: It's very creative.
3. Brilliant (adj.): Extremely clever, talented, or impressive. Example: The way the song changes is just brilliant.

Band 8.0 Vocabulary

1. Passage (n.): The process of moving from one place or state to another. Example: The passage of time.
2. Nostalgia (n.): A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past. Example: I feel a sense of nostalgia.
3. Crafted (adj.): Made or produced with care and skill. Example: The song is very well-crafted.

Band 9.0 Vocabulary

1. Profound (adj.): Having deep meaning or significance. Example: A profound exploration of love.
2. Introspection (n.): The examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional state. Example: A deep sense of introspection.
3. Hauntingly (adv.): In a way that is deeply affecting or disturbing. Example: The melody is hauntingly beautiful.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Specificity: Many students talk about songs in general terms without providing specific details about the song, its lyrics, or their personal connection to it.
2. Repetition: Repeating the same words or phrases can make the response sound less fluent and natural.
3. Poor Grammar: Using incorrect grammar can make it difficult for the examiner to understand the response.
4. Lack of Cohesion: Not using cohesive devices effectively can make the response sound disjointed and unclear.
5. Inadequate Vocabulary: Using limited vocabulary can make the response sound less fluent and natural.

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