Part 1
Giám khảo
Do you prefer sad or happy music?
Thí sinh
I preface that music because it allows me to get into emotions easily and deeply. Also that music makes me explore and learn new words and walk out from the music.
Giám khảo
Does happy music make you feel more excited?
Thí sinh
No, I don't think so because happy music makes me feel bored. On the other hand, sad music allows me to feel excited due to the lyrics.
Giám khảo
Have you taken any music classes?
Thí sinh
I haven't taken any music classes because I am not into music and that's why I didn't choose to attend any music classes.
Giám khảo
Do you listen to music while doing other things?
Thí sinh
Yes, I always listen to music while I am working out and driving because it allows me to have a lot of energy and passion and also it give me in a good mood.
Do you prefer sad or happy music?
Điểm: 58.0Gợi ý: Be direct and clear: start with a topic sentence stating your preference, then give one or two specific reasons. Use correct vocabulary (prefer, because) and check grammar (I prefer, helps me, learn new words, move on). Keep it concise (1–3 sentences) and use linking words like 'because' or 'so'.
Ví dụ: I prefer sad music because it helps me connect with my emotions deeply and reflect on my experiences. For example, the lyrics often introduce new vocabulary and ideas, so I learn while I listen.
Does happy music make you feel more excited?
Điểm: 62.0Gợi ý: Answer directly and explain with a clear reason and one specific example. Use contrast words correctly ('however', 'but') and avoid contradictions. Correct grammar: 'I don't think so; happy music often makes me feel bored, whereas sad music excites me because of the lyrics.' Limit to 2–3 sentences.
Ví dụ: No, happy music doesn't make me more excited. In fact, I often find happy songs predictable and boring, but sad songs with meaningful lyrics usually stimulate my imagination and make me feel emotionally engaged.
Have you taken any music classes?
Điểm: 70.0Gợi ý: Be concise and avoid repetition. Give a brief reason and, if possible, add a short detail or future possibility. Use natural phrasing: 'I'm not into music, so I haven't taken any classes' and perhaps mention if you might in future or why not.
Ví dụ: No, I haven't taken any music classes because I'm not very interested in learning instruments or theory. In the future I might try a short singing workshop if I want to improve my voice.
Do you listen to music while doing other things?
Điểm: 66.0Gợi ý: Answer directly, use correct verb forms and concise linking words. Mention specific activities and one clear effect. Fix grammar: 'it gives me' and avoid listing too many adjectives. Keep to 2–3 sentences.
Ví dụ: Yes, I often listen to music when I work out or drive because upbeat songs give me energy and help me stay focused. Listening also improves my mood and makes routine tasks more enjoyable.
× I preface that music because it allows me to get into emotions easily and deeply.
✓ I prefer that music because it allows me to get into my emotions easily and deeply.
The student used 'preface' (a noun/verb meaning to introduce) instead of 'prefer' (to like something more). Also add the possessive 'my' before 'emotions' for clarity. Suggestion: use 'prefer' for expressing preference and include 'my' when referring to one's own emotions.
× Also that music makes me explore and learn new words and walk out from the music.
✓ Also, that music helps me explore and learn new words and move on from the music.
The original sentence has awkward structure 'walk out from the music' and lacks a suitable verb for 'helps me.' Use 'helps me' or 'makes me' plus infinitive and replace 'walk out from' with 'move on from' or 'get over' for natural English. Add a comma after 'Also' for readability.
× No, I don't think so because happy music makes me feel bored.
✓ No, I don't think so, because happy music makes me feel bored.
Main issue is punctuation and clarity; grammatically the sentence is correct but needs a comma after 'so' for natural flow. Tense is appropriate (present simple) because it's a general feeling. Suggestion: include the comma and consider 'actually' or 'personally' to soften the statement.
× On the other hand, sad music allows me to feel excited due to the lyrics.
✓ On the other hand, sad music makes me feel excited because of the lyrics.
'Allows me to feel excited due to the lyrics' is wordy; 'makes me feel excited because of the lyrics' is more natural. 'Due to' is acceptable but 'because of' is clearer with 'makes me feel.'
× I haven't taken any music classes because I am not into music and that's why I didn't choose to attend any music classes.
✓ I haven't taken any music classes because I'm not into music, so I chose not to attend any.
The sentence mixes present perfect ('haven't taken') with past simple ('didn't choose') awkwardly. Use present perfect and present/past consistently: either 'I haven't taken... because I'm not into music, so I chose not to attend any' or 'I didn't take any... because I wasn't into music.' Also reduce repetition of 'music classes.'
× Yes, I always listen to music while I am working out and driving because it allows me to have a lot of energy and passion and also it give me in a good mood.
✓ Yes, I always listen to music while I am working out and driving because it gives me a lot of energy and puts me in a good mood.
Errors: subject-verb agreement 'it give' should be 'it gives' (third person singular). 'Have a lot of energy and passion' is acceptable but 'gives me a lot of energy and puts me in a good mood' is more natural. Remove extra 'and' and correct the verb phrase 'puts me in a good mood.' Use 'puts' (third person singular) and remove 'in' after 'give'.