IELTS Speaking Practice Test: Live Performances

Yes, I try to attend live performances at least once a month. I’m particularly drawn to musical performances, whether they’re classical concerts or contemporary bands. There’s something special about experiencing music in person that you just can’t get from recordings. Recently, I’ve been exploring more experimental performances at smaller venues in my city, which has been really eye-opening.

Useful language:drawn toin personeye-opening

Mostly live music, especially small acoustic gigs where you can see the musicians up close. I also enjoy stand-up comedy, because every show is slightly different depending on the audience.

Useful language:acoustic gigsup closestand-up comedy

Yes, I was in the school choir and we performed at the end-of-year concert every summer. I was always nervous beforehand, but singing as a group made it much less intimidating.

Useful language:choirintimidating

There are quite a few. There’s a large concert hall, a couple of theatres and several bars with live music at weekends. The smaller venues are my favourite because the tickets are cheaper and the atmosphere is more relaxed.

Useful language:venuesthe atmosphere

Definitely with others. Part of the fun is talking about the show afterwards and sharing the excitement. That said, I have gone to a concert alone once, and it was surprisingly enjoyable because I could focus completely on the music.

Useful language:part of the funthat said

The last one was a jazz concert in a small club about three weeks ago. The band improvised a lot, so it felt very spontaneous, and the audience was really engaged.

Useful language:improvisedspontaneousengaged

Yes, I do. Street performers often bring a lot of life to a city centre, and I admire their confidence in performing to strangers. If I stop and enjoy a performance, I always try to leave a little money.

Useful language:bring life toadmire their confidence

Maybe in a small way. I don’t think I’d enjoy being the centre of attention in a big theatre, but I’d love to play guitar with friends at an open-mic night one day.

Useful language:the centre of attentionan open-mic night

I’d like to talk about a spectacular circus performance I watched last summer at the Royal Theatre in our city centre. It was a modern circus show by Cirque du Soleil called ‘Alegría’, which I attended with my sister for her birthday.

The performance was a perfect blend of traditional circus arts and contemporary theatrical elements. The show featured incredibly skilled acrobats performing death-defying aerial acts, graceful dancers, and talented musicians who played live throughout the performance. What made it particularly special was how they integrated cutting-edge technology with traditional circus skills – they used projection mapping to create immersive environments that transformed the entire stage.

I went with my sister because she’s always been fascinated by circus arts, and we had been waiting for this show to come to our city for months. The atmosphere was electric, with the audience gasping and applauding throughout the performance.

This performance stands out in my memory for several reasons. Firstly, the sheer skill level of the performers was breathtaking – watching them execute complex moves with such precision and grace was incredible. Secondly, the musical score was composed specifically for the show, and hearing it performed live added another dimension to the experience. Finally, sharing this experience with my sister made it even more special, as seeing her excitement and joy throughout the show enhanced my own enjoyment.

Useful language:a perfect blend ofdeath-defyingcutting-edgethe atmosphere was electricstands out in my memoryadded another dimension

Technology has revolutionised live performances. Most notably, digital elements now enhance rather than replace traditional performance — projection mapping, for instance, lets performers interact with dynamic virtual environments. Social media and streaming have also transformed how artists connect with audiences, and hybrid formats let a live show be streamed globally. The risk is over-relying on technical effects at the expense of raw talent, so the best performances strike a balance.

Useful language:revolutionisedenhance rather than replacehybrid formatsat the expense ofstrike a balance

Because a live performance is a shared, unrepeatable experience. You feel the energy of the crowd, the sound is physically more powerful, and anything can happen — a mistake, an improvisation, an encore. Going out is also a social occasion. Watching online is convenient, but it feels more like consuming content than being part of an event.

Useful language:unrepeatablethe energy of the crowdan encorea social occasion

Talent is essential, but it’s rarely enough on its own. Successful performers usually combine skill with hard work, a distinctive style and the ability to connect emotionally with an audience. Nowadays, business skills matter too — knowing how to build a fan base online and manage a career. And, of course, luck and timing play a part.

Useful language:rarely enough on its owna distinctive styleconnect emotionallya fan base

Quite significantly. Cultural background shapes what people find funny, moving or appropriate, so comedy in particular often doesn’t travel well. Some cultures have strong traditions of opera or folk music, while others prefer more modern entertainment. Even audience behaviour varies: in some countries people sit silently, while in others they sing, dance and shout along.

Useful language:doesn’t travel wellaudience behaviourshout along

I believe they should provide at least some funding. Without public support, many forms of art that don’t make a profit — experimental theatre, classical music or traditional dance — would disappear. The arts also bring economic benefits through tourism and improve people’s quality of life. However, funding should be spread fairly so it doesn’t only benefit large institutions in capital cities.

Useful language:make a profitquality of lifespread fairly

An important one. Drama, music and dance help children build confidence, teamwork and creativity — skills that are valuable in any career. Performing in front of others teaches students to manage nerves, and studying the arts also gives them an understanding of different cultures and historical periods. Unfortunately, these subjects are often the first to be cut when budgets are tight.

Useful language:build confidencemanage nervesbudgets are tight

I expect it to become more immersive and personalised. Virtual and augmented reality could let audiences experience concerts from the stage or interact with the performance. We may also see more hologram shows and AI-generated elements. But I think there will always be demand for simple, intimate live shows, perhaps even more so as everyday life becomes more digital.

Useful language:immersivepersonalisedhologram showsintimate

Social media has given performers direct access to audiences without needing a record label or agent, so talented people can be discovered from their bedrooms. On the other hand, there’s pressure to post constantly and chase trends, which can affect artistic quality and mental health. Success is also less stable — performers can go viral and be forgotten within weeks.

Useful language:direct accessbe discoveredchase trendsgo viral