This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 10 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 3 Test 2 question:
“Did you learn to play a musical instrument when you were a child? [Why/Why not?]”
Sample 1: Yes
Yes, indeed, I did learn to play a musical instrument, specifically the piano. But to be honest, it wasn’t out of passion. My parents thought it was important for my overall development, so I was enrolled in piano classes. I appreciate the discipline it instilled in me, though.
Sample 2: Yes
As a matter of fact, I did. My childhood home was always filled with music, and I was drawn to the drums at a young age. My parents noticed my interest and arranged for me to have lessons. I loved the energy and rhythm that came with drumming, and it became a fantastic outlet for me. I still play occasionally, and it brings back fond memories of my childhood.
Sample 3: Yes
I was quite an independent child, and while formal music lessons weren’t something I had access to, I taught myself to play the guitar. I was inspired by a lot of rock bands I used to listen to, and I picked up the basics from internet tutorials. It was a slow process, but the joy of strumming my first chords was incomparable.
Sample 4: Yes
Interestingly, I did end up learning to play an instrument when I was a child, albeit unintentionally. My school had a band, and they found themselves short of a drummer. I was roped in, and before I knew it, I was keeping time with the sticks. It was an unexpected journey, but one that introduced me to the rhythm of music.
Sample 5: Yes
Indeed, I did learn to strum a guitar during my adolescence. I must admit, my motivation was a bit cheeky. I noticed that the guitarists were quite popular among the girls in my school. So, I decided to learn it, hoping that it would make me more appealing to them. It was an amusing phase, but I did end up genuinely enjoying the process of learning and playing the guitar.
Sample 6: No
Well, my parents, being academically oriented, never really encouraged me to pick up a musical instrument. They focused on traditional education, believing that it was the surest route to a stable career. So, I ended up not learning an instrument when I was a child.
Sample 7: No
Regrettably, learning to play an instrument wasn’t part of my childhood. Between school, sports, and other extracurricular activities, there simply wasn’t enough time in the day. Although I did have a fleeting interest in the guitar, I never really had the opportunity to pursue it. Sometimes, I wish I had made the time. it’s a skill I’d love to have today.
Sample 8: No
To be honest, my family didn’t have the financial means to invest in music lessons when I was a kid. We had to prioritize essential expenses like food, clothing, and education. So even though I was curious about music, the financial realities took precedence.
Sample 9: No
Regrettably, I didn’t learn to play any musical instruments during my formative years. I tried my hand at the guitar once, but I had a hard time grasping the basics. I quickly realized that I didn’t have a natural aptitude for it, and decided to focus on my strengths instead.
Sample 10: No
No, I wasn’t really inclined toward musical instruments as a youngster. I was more captivated by outdoor activities and sports, you know, getting muddy and running around with friends. I guess, the appeal of the physical exertion was more exciting than sitting and learning an instrument.
