Cue Card

Describe a singer you like

You should say:

• Who they are
• What their personality is like
• What kinds of music they make
• And explain why you like them.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kind of music do young people and old people like?
2. What kinds of music is popular in your country right now, and what do you think will be popular in the future?
3. Do parents from your country require their children to learn and play musical instruments?
4. Why do some people like to listen to live music while others prefer recordings?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm obsessed with Billie Eilish. There's something about her unapologetic, unbridled energy that draws me in. She's like a breath of fresh air in a music industry that can sometimes feel stale and formulaic. The way she blends genres, defying categorization, is a true reflection of her artistic genius. From the haunting vocals in 'When the Party's Over' to the edgy, pulsing beats of 'Bad Guy', Billie's music is a masterclass in innovation and creativity.

What I love most about Billie is her unwavering commitment to being true to herself. She's unafraid to take risks, to push boundaries, and to challenge the status quo. Her music is a reflection of her unique perspective, a fusion of darkness and light, of vulnerability and strength. She's a true original, and her authenticity is infectious.

But what really sets Billie apart is her connection with her audience. She has this incredible ability to tap into the emotions and experiences of her listeners, to speak to the deepest, most intimate parts of our souls. Her music is a form of catharsis, a way for us to process our own emotions and find solace in the knowledge that we're not alone. She's a true artist, a master of her craft, and a shining beacon of hope in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

unapologetic

unwilling to apologize or show regret for one's actions or behavior

She's unapologetically herself, never trying to conform to societal norms.

breath of fresh air

something or someone that brings new energy and excitement to a situation

The new policy was a breath of fresh air for the company, bringing much-needed change and innovation.

unwavering commitment

a firm and unshakeable dedication to a particular cause or principle

She has an unwavering commitment to social justice, using her platform to raise awareness and drive change.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kind of music do young people and old people like? I think that's a really interesting question because it highlights the differences in musical tastes across generations. In my opinion, young people tend to enjoy music that is more upbeat and energetic, like pop and hip-hop. These genres are often characterized by catchy melodies and lyrics that speak to the experiences and emotions of young people. On the other hand, older people might prefer music that is more mellow and nostalgic, like classic rock or jazz. This type of music often evokes a sense of familiarity and comfort, and the lyrics may speak to themes that are more relevant to older adults, such as love, loss, and reflection. Of course, these are just general trends, and there's a lot of variation within each age group. But overall, I think the difference in musical tastes between young and old people reflects the different stages of life they're in and the experiences they've had.

What kinds of music is popular in your country right now, and what do you think will be popular in the future? In my country, I think the music scene is really diverse and constantly evolving. Right now, genres like pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music are super popular, especially among young people. Artists like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd are killing it, and their music is everywhere. But I also think there's a growing interest in more niche genres like indie folk and R&B. As for what will be popular in the future, I think we'll see a continued blending of styles and genres. With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, it's easier than ever for artists to experiment and push boundaries. I predict we'll see more fusion of traditional and modern sounds, and maybe even a resurgence of some older genres like disco or funk. Who knows, maybe the next big thing will be a fusion of country and hip-hop!

Do parents from your country require their children to learn and play musical instruments? In my country, it's definitely not a requirement for parents to make their kids learn a musical instrument, but it's definitely encouraged. Many schools offer music classes and programs, and some parents even start their kids on instruments as young as 5 or 6 years old. I think this is because music education is seen as a valuable part of a well-rounded education. Playing an instrument can help with cognitive development, discipline, and creativity, not to mention the joy and fulfillment it can bring. Plus, it's a great way to expose kids to different cultures and histories through music. Of course, not every kid will take to music, and that's okay. But I think many parents see the value in giving their kids the opportunity to try, even if it's just for a few years. Who knows, maybe they'll discover a hidden talent!

Why do some people like to listen to live music while others prefer recordings? I think this is a really interesting question because it gets at the heart of why we listen to music in the first place. For some people, live music is all about the energy and excitement of the experience. There's something special about being in the same room as the performers, feeling the vibrations of the music, and seeing the emotions on the artists' faces. It's a communal experience that can be really powerful. On the other hand, some people might prefer recordings because they offer a more intimate and personal experience. With a recording, you can listen to the music whenever and wherever you want, and you can really focus on the nuances of the performance. Plus, recordings can be more polished and refined, which some people might prefer. For me, it's all about the context and mood. Sometimes I want the energy of a live show, and sometimes I just want to curl up with my headphones and get lost in a recording.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

to be killing it

to be extremely successful or popular

Artists like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and The Weeknd are killing it, and their music is everywhere.

to push boundaries

to experiment and try new things

With the rise of social media and streaming platforms, it's easier than ever for artists to experiment and push boundaries.

to be a fusion of

to be a combination of two or more different things

I predict we'll see more fusion of traditional and modern sounds, and maybe even a resurgence of some older genres like disco or funk.

to be a well-rounded education

to be a complete and balanced education

Music education is seen as a valuable part of a well-rounded education.

to take to

to start to enjoy or be good at something

Not every kid will take to music, and that's okay.

to get lost in

to become completely absorbed or engrossed in something

Sometimes I just want to curl up with my headphones and get lost in a recording.

to be polished and refined

to be highly developed and sophisticated

Recordings can be more polished and refined, which some people might prefer.

to evoke a sense of

to create a particular feeling or atmosphere

This type of music often evokes a sense of familiarity and comfort.

to speak to

to relate to or be relevant to something

The lyrics may speak to themes that are more relevant to older adults, such as love, loss, and reflection.