Thank you for agreeing to participate. I'd like to ask you some questions about your music preferences. First, how often do you listen to music? Do you listen daily, weekly, or less often?
🎧 Question Audio
C1-C2 Sample Answer
CEFR C1-C2 target
State the habit or experience directly, then add a reflective reason.
Use pauses after contrast markers such as although, not simply, and rather than.
I listen to music almost every day, especially when I am commuting or finishing homework. I do not usually sit down just to listen, but music is part of my routine. It helps me switch gears after a long day, and sometimes it makes boring tasks, like cleaning my room, feel much easier. More importantly, music functions as a form of emotional regulation, helping me transition between mental states rather than simply filling silence.
C1-C2 key phrases to imitate
a form of emotional regulation
transition between mental states
in practical terms
as a regular part of my routine
almost every day
part of my routine
switch gears after a long day
C1-C2 sentence structures
I would characterize my ... as ..., in the sense that ...
Although ..., I tend to ..., especially when ...
What makes this sustainable / meaningful is that ...
It is less about ... than about ...
Q9 Interview Q2PreferenceSpeaking Interview
Thank you. What genres or types of music do you usually enjoy listening to? For example, do you prefer classical, rock or jazz music? Give details to explain your answer.
🎧 Question Audio
C1-C2 Sample Answer
CEFR C1-C2 target
Compare options naturally instead of listing them mechanically.
Stress the phrase that shows preference or priority.
I usually enjoy pop and acoustic music because they are easy to listen to but still emotional. When I need to focus, I prefer instrumental music because lyrics can distract me. I also like a little jazz on weekends, since it creates a relaxed atmosphere and makes me feel as if I am in a quiet cafe. What I gravitate toward is music that is emotionally expressive without being distracting, so my choice often depends on whether I need focus or release.
C1-C2 key phrases to imitate
gravitate toward
emotionally expressive without being distracting
what I tend to prioritize
depending on the situation
easy to listen to
when I need to focus
as if I am in a quiet cafe
C1-C2 sentence structures
What I gravitate toward is ..., largely because ...
Depending on the situation, I might ..., but generally ...
The reason this appeals to me is that ...
I would put ... ahead of ... because ...
Q10 Interview Q3PreferenceSpeaking Interview
Interesting. Can you tell me about a concert or live music event you would like to attend? Why would you make that particular choice?
🎧 Question Audio
C1-C2 Sample Answer
CEFR C1-C2 target
Build a short narrative or hypothetical with a clear cause-and-effect line.
Segment the response into choice, reason, and consequence.
I would like to attend a live concert by a singer I have listened to for years. I would choose that kind of event because hearing familiar songs in person would feel much more powerful than playing them through headphones. Also, sharing the experience with thousands of people would make the music feel more memorable. The appeal of a live concert is the sense of collective energy; it turns a private habit into a shared emotional experience.
C1-C2 key phrases to imitate
collective energy
a shared emotional experience
what makes this choice compelling
the main obstacle would be
for years
in person
much more powerful than
C1-C2 sentence structures
If I were given the chance to ..., I would ..., primarily because ...
One experience that stands out is ..., not because ..., but because ...
The main challenge would be ..., so I would ...
What makes this choice compelling is ...
Q11 Interview Q4OpinionSpeaking Interview
Great. Some people believe that music can have a powerful effect on our emotions and moods. Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint? Why?
🎧 Question Audio
C1-C2 Sample Answer
CEFR C1-C2 target
Give a nuanced position with concession before your main argument.
Use intonation to signal contrast, qualification, and final judgment.
I agree that music strongly affects emotions. For example, calm music can slow me down when I feel anxious, while energetic music can help me start working when I feel tired. Music does not solve every problem, of course, but it can change the mood around a problem and make it easier to handle. I would qualify my agreement by saying that music does not remove problems, but it can reframe our emotional response and make them psychologically manageable.
C1-C2 key phrases to imitate
reframe our emotional response
psychologically manageable
I would take a qualified position
on balance
strongly affects emotions
slow me down
help me start working
change the mood around a problem
C1-C2 sentence structures
I would take a qualified position: ..., although ...