IELTS Speaking Part 3: Music events
4 Part 3 discussion questions on music events, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
Why do people go to music events?
People attend music events for a whole host of reasons, most of them centred on experience and emotion. The primary draw is the thrill of experiencing live music, which has an energy and atmosphere that recorded music simply cannot replicate. Being surrounded by a crowd of like-minded fans, all sharing the same excitement, creates a powerful sense of connection and belonging. Many go to see their favourite artists perform in person, which can be a genuinely memorable and even emotional experience. There's also a strong social element, as concerts and festivals are a great way to spend time with friends and make new ones. For some, it's simply a fun escape from the routine of everyday life. So people go for the music, the atmosphere and the shared human experience.
Are music festivals popular in your country?
Music festivals have been growing in popularity in my country, particularly among younger people, though they're not yet as widespread as in some Western nations. In recent years, more international and local festivals have been organised, and they tend to attract large, enthusiastic crowds. These events are appealing because they combine live performances by multiple artists with a fun, social atmosphere, often over several days. That said, factors like ticket prices and the limited number of major festivals mean they're still something of a special occasion rather than a regular pastime for most people. Traditional music and cultural events also remain popular alongside modern festivals. Overall, though, I'd say the festival scene is definitely on the rise as tastes evolve and the entertainment industry develops.
Do you prefer live music or recorded music?
Both have their own distinct appeal, but if I had to choose, I'd say I appreciate them for different occasions rather than favouring one outright. Live music is genuinely special because of its unmatched energy and atmosphere — there's an electric thrill in hearing an artist perform in person and sharing that moment with a crowd of fellow fans. It often feels more raw, emotional and memorable. Recorded music, on the other hand, is far more convenient and accessible, allowing me to listen to exactly what I want, whenever and wherever I like, whether I'm studying, commuting or relaxing. The sound quality is also usually more polished. So while live music offers an incomparable experience for special occasions, recorded music is what I rely on day to day. Ideally, I enjoy having both in my life.
What makes a music event unsuccessful?
A number of factors can turn a music event into a disappointment. Poor organisation is often the biggest culprit — things like inadequate crowd control, long queues, insufficient facilities or safety problems can quickly ruin the experience for everyone. Technical issues, such as bad sound quality, malfunctioning equipment or a poorly designed venue, are also major problems, since the whole point is to enjoy the music clearly. A lacklustre or unenthusiastic performance by the artists themselves can leave the audience feeling let down. Overcrowding or, conversely, a disappointingly small turnout can both dampen the atmosphere. Overpricing tickets and refreshments frustrates attendees too. Bad weather at outdoor events is another common spoiler. Essentially, when the practical arrangements fail or the performance disappoints, even the most anticipated event can fall flat.
Reading a model answer is not the same as saying one. The sample above shows what a strong Part 3 answer sounds like. What it cannot tell you is how yours sounds — whether you hesitate, repeat the question back, or run out of things to say at forty seconds.
You can record an answer to this exact question and get it marked on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and pronunciation — the same four criteria the examiner uses.
Common questions
How is Part 3 different from Part 1?
Part 1 is about you; Part 3 is about people in general. The questions move to society, causes and consequences, and the answers are expected to be longer and more developed — an opinion plus a reason plus an example.
What if I have no opinion on the question?
You are not marked on the opinion, so pick one and support it. Saying you have never thought about it and stopping there leaves the examiner nothing to assess.
How long does Part 3 last?
Four to five minutes. The topics develop out of your Part 2 card, so the discussion is usually connected to what you just described.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.