Cue Card

Describe your favorite singer or band

You should say:

• Who they are
• What their personality is like
• What kind of music they perform
• And explain why they are your favorite singer or band.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of music do different age groups tend to like?
2. What kind of music is popular in your country nowadays, and how do you think it will change in the future?
3. Do people tend to learn how to sing nowadays?
4. Do you think the most popular singers are the best ones?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm obsessed with Billie Eilish. I mean, have you seen her live? The girl's got energy for days. She's like a whirlwind on stage, whipping the crowd into a frenzy with every note. And her voice? Forget about it. It's like butter, smooth and rich, but with this edge that just cuts through everything. I love how she's not afraid to experiment and push boundaries, whether it's with her sound or her style. She's unapologetically herself, and that's what makes her so compelling.

What I think really sets her apart, though, is her commitment to her art. She's not just some manufactured pop star churning out hits for the sake of it. She's a true artist, with a vision and a message. And she's not afraid to take risks and challenge her audience. I mean, have you heard 'Bad Guy'? That song is like a middle finger to the music industry, and I am here. for. it.

But what really gets me is how she's using her platform to speak out on issues that matter. She's not just some celebrity who's content to just sit back and collect a paycheck. She's using her voice to raise awareness about climate change, mental health, and social justice. And she's not afraid to call out the powers that be when they're being hypocritical or just plain wrong. She's a true role model, and I am so here for it.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

whipping the crowd into a frenzy

to excite or energize a group of people, often to the point of frenzy or chaos

The lead singer whipped the crowd into a frenzy with his energetic performance.

The politician's speech whipped the crowd into a frenzy, with many chanting his name.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of music do different age groups tend to like? I think different age groups tend to have pretty distinct musical preferences. For example, older generations, like my grandparents, seem to really enjoy classic rock and jazz. They love listening to legends like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Frank Sinatra. I think this is because these artists were a big part of their youth and evoke a sense of nostalgia. On the other hand, my parents' generation is really into 80s and 90s music, with bands like Guns N' Roses, U2, and Radiohead being some of their favorites. As for my own generation, we're all about contemporary pop and hip-hop. We love artists like Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Taylor Swift. I think our musical tastes are shaped by the cultural and social context we grew up in, and the music that speaks to us is often the music that reflects our own experiences and emotions.

What kind of music is popular in your country nowadays, and how do you think it will change in the future? In the US, I'd say that hip-hop and pop are definitely the most popular genres right now. Artists like Drake, Ariana Grande, and Post Malone are consistently topping the charts. I think this is because these genres are so versatile and experimental, incorporating elements from all sorts of other styles to create something entirely new. As for how music will change in the future, I think we'll see even more blending of genres and a continued rise of independent artists. With the internet and social media, it's easier than ever for musicians to share their work and connect with fans directly. I predict we'll see a lot more innovative and eclectic sounds emerging in the next few years, as artists feel more empowered to take risks and push boundaries.

Do people tend to learn how to sing nowadays? I think people are definitely more interested in learning to sing than they used to be. With the rise of shows like American Idol and The Voice, singing has become a lot more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Plus, with the internet, there are so many resources available for people to learn how to sing, from YouTube tutorials to online vocal coaches. I've even noticed that a lot of my friends who never thought of themselves as singers are now taking singing classes or joining local choirs. I think this is because singing is such a great way to express yourself and relieve stress, and people are starting to recognize the value of it as a hobby. As a result, I think we'll see a lot more people pursuing singing as a way to enrich their lives and connect with others.

Do you think the most popular singers are the best ones? I don't think popularity necessarily equates to talent. I mean, there are plenty of incredibly gifted singers out there who may not have achieved mainstream success, but are still making amazing music. On the other hand, some popular singers may have a great team behind them, or a knack for marketing themselves, but may not necessarily be the most skilled vocalists. I think what makes a singer 'the best' is subjective and depends on personal taste. For me, a great singer is someone who can convey emotion and tell a story through their voice. Someone like Adele, for example, may not be the most technically skilled singer, but she has this incredible ability to connect with her audience and convey vulnerability and heartache through her music. So, while popularity can be an indicator of a singer's talent, it's not the only measure of their worth.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

classic

a style of music that is considered to be of high quality and has been popular for a long time

They love listening to classic and jazz.

nostalgia

a feeling of pleasure and sadness when you think about things that happened in the past

I think this is because these artists were a big part of their youth and evoke a sense of nostalgia.

versatile

able to adapt or be used for many different purposes

I think this is because these genres are so versatile and experimental, incorporating elements from all sorts of other styles to create something entirely new.

push boundaries

to try new and experimental things, often in a way that is considered bold or innovative

I predict we'll see a lot more innovative and eclectic sounds emerging in the next few years, as artists feel more empowered to take risks and push boundaries.

enrich their lives

to improve or enhance someone's life by adding something valuable or meaningful

I think singing is such a great way to express yourself and relieve stress, and people are starting to recognize the value of it as a hobby to enrich their lives.

subjective

based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

I think what makes a singer 'the best' is subjective and depends on personal taste.

convey emotion

to express or communicate a feeling or emotion, often through art or music

For me, a great singer is someone who can convey emotion and tell a story through their voice.