Describe a popular musical instrument in your country.
You should say:- what musical instrument it is
- how it is played
- what sort of music it can play
and explain why it is so popular in your country.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
A notable number of musical instruments are popular in India, and the flute happens to be one of them. The use of flute has long been present in the history of Indian music and almost all types of music can be created using this magical musical instrument. Various types of flutes are available in India, and our country has produced some of the greatest flutists in the world.
Playing the flute is often easier than playing other types of complex musical instruments. The musician can create really melodious sounds with it, and the music often touches our hearts due to its extraordinary quality and appeal. A flute creates music or sound when a stream of air moves against the edge of a hole, causing the air within the body of the flute to vibrate. Some flutes are held vertically by the musicians and are played by blowing air against the edge of a hole at the end of the flute. Other flutes are held horizontally and are played by blowing air against the edge of a hole in the side of the flute.
Anyway, the flute belongs to the woodwind group musical instruments. It basically produces tunes using air that vibrates inside the body of the flute and leaves through the hole. The air that flows inside the cylindrical tube is controlled in a couple of ways to produce a musical sound.
A flute can play different types of music. However, the common use of this musical instrument includes classical, baroque, orchestral, romantic, and even pop music. According to some people, the flute can create out of world music that touches everyone's heart and that is why they prefer the use of this instrument whenever there is a need to make a deep impact while playing music.
The flute is popular in India for many reasons. First, this instrument has become a part of our local culture and tradition. It has also become an integral part of our religious belief. Finally, Indian classical music without a flute cannot be imagined. So, the flute has become so popular in our country.
Model Answer 2:
Thank you so much for the chance you have given me to talk about a famous musical instrument in my country - Italy. Several popular musical instruments are available in Italy, and Mandolin is one of them.
This is a guitar-shaped musical instrument, and it generally has 8 strings, although 10 strings and 12 strings versions also exist. Playing this instrument is not difficult, and it can create any sort of rhythm and music. In fact, when the mandolin is in the right hand, it can create some heavenly tunes. Various types of mandolins are available in Italy, but three types of mandolins are considered the finest by musicians and experts.
A mandolin needs to be plucked for creating tunes. The plucking on the strings helps create the sound. Actually, the vibration on the strings is the key to producing the sound and the player needs to stroke the strings in the right manner to produce the melody.
The mandolin can produce any types of music through the use of strings. The instrument is also able to produce both classical and traditional music. This is a great tool for music-lovers, and the playing style is almost similar to a guitar, and this is also a common instrument in some other countries like the USA. Country music goes pretty well with this musical instrument.
The key reason for the popularity of this particular musical instrument in my country is its easy availability, great music quality and diverse usages with various types of music. Besides, playing the mandolin is not so difficult, so people often take an interest to learn and use it. Besides, this is a very common musical instrument which is used almost on every occasion in Italy. And gradually it gained a huge popularity across the country.
Idea generation for this Cue Card topic:
"Describe a popular musical instrument in your country."
People, around the world, love different types of music, and their choice for musical instruments vary as well. Preference for musical instruments differ from country to country and sometimes even within a country. Some hints are given here for the IELTS test-takers who are dealing with this cue card topic so that they can generate their own idea and answer.
1. Taiko or large drums are popular musical instruments in Japanese culture. The drums are used to produce music marking different religious and social events. They create some thrilling sounds which most people love to listen to.
2. The use of Raban is common in many musical performances in my country. This is a kind of one-sided drum and it is played by one hand. Usually, Raban is made with animal hide and wood. And two types of this instrument can be seen widely in our country – one is held in the hand while the other is held on a bench.
3. Classical music is a heritage of the Indian subcontinent and Sitar is an undeniable part of this music genre. The player has to tune the sitar for each raga and sitar balancing needs perseverance. This is a great musical instrument in our region and is loved by all music lovers.
4. The USA has some modern musical instruments and the guitar is one of the most notable ones. It basically has six strings and could be played in different ways to create different types of music. Presently, the application of the guitar is a must for almost all types of music.
5. The French Horn is a notable musical instrument in Germany. It is also simply known as a horn. Playing the horn to create melodious sounds requires skills and practice. The player needs to place the mouthpiece right on his or her lip’s centre. The use of these horns is found in professional bands and orchestras in many parts of Germany.
6. Playing the piano has become a part of status in Qatar when it comes to playing music. A notable number of musicians in the country play this musical instrument. This is a great musical instrument and needs good skills to play it. Besides, the piano has a grandeur look and the tone is heavier than ordinary musical instruments.