Describe your favourite singer or musician

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 488 with Model Answer:

Describe your favourite singer or musician.

You should say:

• who this singer/musician is
• what type of singer or musician he/she is
• what type of people listen to his/ her songs/music

and explain why he/she is your favourite singer or musician.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

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Sample Answer 1:

Introduction:
Music is an important part of my life and I listen to a wide variety of genres. However, when it comes to my favourite singer, there is only one person who stands out - Adele. Thank you for this great speaking topic, and I am grateful to you for the opportunity you have given me here to talk about my favourite singer.

Who this singer/musician is:
Adele is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame in 2008 with her debut album, 19. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have captivated audiences around the world. She has won numerous awards, including 15 Grammy Awards, and has sold over 100 million records.

What type of singer or musician he/she is:
Adele is primarily known for her soulful ballads, but she has also dabbled in pop and R&B. Her music is known for its raw emotion and honesty, with lyrics that touch on topics like heartbreak, self-love, and empowerment.

What type of people listen to his/her songs/music:
Adele's music appeals to a wide range of people, from teenagers to senior citizens. Her songs often deal with universal themes that people of all ages can relate to. Her music is especially popular among those who appreciate strong, powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics.

And explain why she is your favourite singer or musician:
There are several reasons why Adele is my favourite singer. Firstly, her voice is simply incredible. She has a powerful, soulful voice that can make you feel every word she sings. Secondly, her music is incredibly relatable. She writes songs about real-life experiences that many of us have gone through, and her lyrics often provide comfort and hope in difficult times. Finally, I admire her as a person. She is humble, genuine, and uses her platform to spread positivity and love.

Model Answer 2:

My country, Bangladesh, has produced some really celebrated singers over the years. While all of these celebrated singers have managed to leave their distinct marks in the cultural arena of Bangladesh, one name probably deserves a bit more praise than the others. And the name of this renowned singer is Runa Laila.

Now, it is certainly worth noting that Runa Laila is very much like a household name in South Asia, and she has remained so for more or less over the last 50 years. Born in the year 1952 in erstwhile East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), this Bangladeshi playback singer and composer started her career in the Pakistani film industry in the late 60s, recording over 10,000 songs in 18 languages. 

Being regarded very rightly as a melody queen, this versatile songbird has managed to captivate the minds and hearts of all kinds of people from all ages and backgrounds with her magical voice. Whether it is the modern, classical, pop, traditional, Ghazals (devotional) country or folklore songs, this talented singer just knows how to lift the hearts and minds of her fans with her evergreen and charismatic voice. However, even though people of all ages like to hear the songs of Runa Laila, she is probably a bit more popular among the relatively youth because of her brisk, restless or “swift-moving” voice. Indeed, in her decorated career, Runa Laila, as an epitome of uniqueness and style icon, has achieved such a height of fame and recognition that most artists can only dream of. 

Anyway, Runa Laila is my favourite singer, mainly because she is not only talented but also knows how to keep improving her musical style relentlessly. Besides, she is also one of those singers whose attention doesn’t only revolve around her love for music, but she values her roots and tradition tremendously also. After all, she is an artist who refused all kinds of lucrative financial deals from another country to remain in her own country and culture.