📖 Key Vocabulary — Pre-teach Before Class
Introduce or review these words with students before starting the lesson so they can use them during speaking practice.
1a genrea category of music defined by its own particular style
2to streamto play music online without downloading it first
3a playlista list of songs arranged in a chosen order
4a live performancemusic played in front of an audience in real time
5to composeto write an original piece of music
6lyricsthe words of a song
7a melodya tune formed by a sequence of musical notes
8to humto sing quietly with closed lips and no words
9a music venuea place where live music events are held
10nostalgicfeeling a sentimental longing for the past
11to sootheto make someone feel calm and relaxed
12a soundtrackmusic composed specifically for a film or show
13to master an instrumentto become highly skilled at playing an instrument
14a subscription servicea platform that charges a regular fee for access
15vinyl recordsmusic discs that store sound using analogue grooves
16to resonate with someoneto have a strong emotional effect on someone
17an earworma catchy tune that keeps replaying in your head
18background musicmusic played quietly while people focus on other things
19a music festivala large outdoor event featuring several music acts
20to boost one's moodto improve how someone feels emotionally
✍️ Vocabulary Practice — Fill in the Blank
Complete each sentence below with the correct word or phrase from the 20 vocabulary words above. Use each word only once.
▼
a genre
a live performance
a melody
a music festival
a music venue
a playlist
a soundtrack
a subscription service
an earworm
background music
lyrics
nostalgic
to boost one's mood
to compose
to hum
to master an instrument
to resonate with someone
to soothe
to stream
vinyl records
- Many young people now prefer their favourite albums rather than buying physical copies.
- Soft piano music is often played in hospitals anxious patients before surgery.
- He didn't know all the words, so he simply started the tune under his breath.
- Instead of buying CDs, most of my friends now pay for that gives them unlimited access to millions of songs.
- It's rare for a song this deeply on the very first listen.
- Even after just one listen, can stay in someone's mind for days.
- That catchy chorus turned into that I couldn't stop singing for the entire week.
- Research suggests that listening to upbeat songs can genuinely help during a stressful week.
- Hearing that old song on the radio made her feel deeply about her school days.
- It usually takes years of daily practice well enough to perform in public.
- Despite the rise of streaming, some collectors still prefer buying for their warmer, richer sound.
- Thousands of fans travelled from across the country to attend held in the countryside every summer.
- Watching at a concert feels completely different from listening to a studio recording.
- Classical music is that many people associate with concentration and calm.
- The café played soft jazz as so customers could still hold conversations easily.
- The old warehouse was converted into that now hosts concerts every weekend.
- She created of upbeat songs to listen to while exercising every morning.
- The director spent months choosing that would match the emotional tone of each scene.
- It took the young musician almost a year her first full symphony.
- Many listeners connect with a song because describe emotions they have felt themselves.
1.to stream
2.to soothe
3.to hum
4.a subscription service
5.to resonate with someone
6.a melody
7.an earworm
8.to boost one's mood
9.nostalgic
10.to master an instrument
11.vinyl records
12.a music festival
13.a live performance
14.a genre
15.background music
16.a music venue
17.a playlist
18.a soundtrack
19.to compose
20.lyrics
🕐 0'–10': Warm-up & Opening Question
Purpose
Help everyone relax, get comfortable speaking, and activate ideas.
Teacher asks👉 "How does music affect your mood or emotions?"
Follow-up questions- What kind of music do you usually listen to?
- Do you ever listen to music while studying or working?
➡ Each student answers briefly (about 1 minute); the teacher asks 1–2 short follow-ups to keep it natural.
🗣️ 10'–45': IELTS Speaking – Part 2 Practice
Format: 1 minute preparation · 2 minutes speaking per student. Students choose or are assigned ONE of the topics below:
Topic 1
Describe a song that has a special meaning to you.
You should say:
- What the song is
- When you first heard it
- Why it is meaningful to you
- And explain how it makes you feel when you hear it now
Topic 2
Describe a live music event you attended (a concert or festival).
You should say:
- Where and when it took place
- Who you went with
- What happened during the event
- And explain why the experience left such a strong impression on you
Topic 3
Describe a person who taught you to appreciate music or play an instrument.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How they introduced you to music
- What they taught you
- And explain how this influence has affected you
➡ Timing suggestion: 1 minute for preparation, then start speaking.
💬 45'–55': Follow-up Discussion (Part 3 style)
The teacher chooses questions related to the topics above, for example:
Music And Society
- How has streaming changed the way people discover new music?
- Do you think live concerts will remain popular in the future?
- Should schools make music lessons compulsory for all students?
Music And Personal Wellbeing
- Why do people often turn to music when they are stressed or sad?
- Can music influence a person's memory or emotions?
- Is it better to listen to music alone or share it with others?
a chart-topping hit – a song that reaches the top of the music sales charts
to have an ear for music – to have a natural talent for recognising or enjoying music
mainstream music – music that is popular and widely accepted by the general public
to strike a chord – to produce a strong emotional reaction in someone
➡ Students discuss briefly; the teacher adds ideas, vocabulary, and useful structures.
🌟 55'–60': Wrap-up & Closing
- Quick recap of interesting or strong answers.
- One student summarizes what they learned today.
- Thank the teacher for joining.