Speaking vocabulary · Topic 34 of 46
Singing
Model answers to every Part 1 question on this topic, with natural B2–C1 vocabulary and idiomatic phrasal verbs to help you answer in your own words.
In this lesson you will
- read and listen to model answers to 6 Part 1 questions about singing
- learn 10 natural phrases, including idiomatic phrasal verbs
- practise them in a gap fill, drag-the-word, multiple-choice and crossword
- answer the questions yourself and record your answers
Step 1
Key vocabulary
- sing alongsing together with music or other people
- in tunesinging the right notes
- belt outsing loudly and with energy
- tone-deafunable to sing in tune
- hit the high notessing very high notes correctly
- take upstart doing a new activity
- self-consciousworried about what other people think of you
- upliftingmaking you feel happier and more hopeful
- bring people togetherhelp people feel united
- let off steamrelease strong feelings or energy
Step 2
Model answers
Read and listen. The highlighted phrases are the vocabulary for this topic: hover over or tap them to see what they mean. Notice how each answer gives a reason or an example, not just “yes” or “no”.
Do you like listening to other people sing?
Yes, as long as they sing in tune! I really admire singers who can hit the high notes without any effort, because I know how hard it is.
Have you ever had singing lessons?
No, never, although I've thought about taking up singing lessons. I'd feel too self-conscious if I had to sing in front of a teacher.
Do you like singing? Why?
I love it, even though I'm a bit tone-deaf. I always sing along to the radio when I'm in the car, and karaoke is a great way to let off steam after exams.
Have you ever learnt how to sing?
Not formally, because I've never had lessons. I just copy singers who I like, and I've learnt a few breathing tricks from online videos, which have helped a little.
Who would you like to sing for?
Probably my family, because they're the only people who don't mind my voice! When we have family gatherings, we sometimes belt out old songs together, which my grandparents love.
Do you think singing makes people happy?
Absolutely, because singing is really uplifting. It can also bring people together, whether it's a choir that practises every week or a crowd that sings at a concert.
Step 3
Practise the vocabulary
Match the meanings
Choose the phrase that matches each meaning.
- help people feel united
- start doing a new activity
- making you feel happier and more hopeful
- release strong feelings or energy
- singing the right notes
- sing very high notes correctly
- unable to sing in tune
- worried about what other people think of you
- sing loudly and with energy
- sing together with music or other people
Gap fill: use the right form
Complete the answers with phrases from the box. You may need to change the form (e.g. drag on → dragged on, struggle with → struggling with).
Do you like listening to other people sing?
Yes, as long as they sing ! I really admire singers who can without any effort, because I know how hard it is.
Do you like singing? Why?
I love it, even though I'm a bit . I always to the radio when I'm in the car, and karaoke is a great way to after exams.
Do you think singing makes people happy?
Absolutely, because singing is really . It can also , whether it's a choir that practises every week or a crowd that sings at a concert.
Drag the words
Drag each phrase into the right gap. On a phone, tap a phrase and then tap the gap. Tap a filled gap to empty it.
Have you ever had singing lessons?
No, never, although I've thought about singing lessons. I'd feel too if I had to sing in front of a teacher.
Who would you like to sing for?
Probably my family, because they're the only people who don't mind my voice! When we have family gatherings, we sometimes old songs together, which my grandparents love.
Choose the right phrase
Which phrase completes each sentence?
- Yes, as long as they sing ______!
- I really admire singers who can ______ without any effort, because I know how hard it is.
- No, never, although I've thought about ______ singing lessons.
- I'd feel too ______ if I had to sing in front of a teacher.
- I love it, even though I'm a bit ______.
- I always ______ to the radio when I'm in the car, and karaoke is a great way to let off steam after exams.
Crossword
Write the phrases without spaces or hyphens. The numbers in brackets show the length of each word, e.g. kill time (4,4) → KILLTIME.
| 1 | 2 | ||||||||||
| 3 | |||||||||||
| 4 | |||||||||||
| 5 | |||||||||||
| 6 | |||||||||||
| 7 | |||||||||||
| 8 | |||||||||||
| 9 |
Across
- 4 release strong feelings or energy (3,3,5)
- 5 unable to sing in tune (4-4)
- 8 start doing a new activity (4,2)
- 9 sing together with music or other people (4,5)
Down
- 1 worried about what other people think of you (4-9)
- 2 sing very high notes correctly (3,3,4,5)
- 3 sing loudly and with energy (4,3)
- 6 making you feel happier and more hopeful (9)
- 7 singing the right notes (2,4)
Step 4
Now you answer
Pick a question, then answer it out loud in two or three sentences. Try to use at least two phrases from this lesson, and give a reason or an example. Record yourself and listen back: did you sound natural? Did you extend your answer?
Press Record, answer out loud, then listen back.
Questions: frequently reported IELTS Speaking Part 1 topics. Model answers and exercises written for Tips4IELTS.