Examiners often select passages about the psychological and physiological effects of music because the topic is:
Understanding the content of such a passage is as important as practicing the questions. Below is a full-length reading passage followed by three typical IELTS question sets.
1. Paragraph A — vi. An overview of music’s widespread significance Reasoning: Paragraph A introduces the topic, describing music as "universal," transcending borders, and being a constant in human evolution. It provides a general overview of the topic.
2. Paragraph B — iii. A trigger for lost recollections Reasoning: This paragraph focuses specifically on Alzheimer’s patients and how music helps unlock "lost memories" ("recollections" is a synonym for memories).
3. Paragraph C — ii. The ability of music to aid physical movement Reasoning: While paragraph C discusses heart rate, it specifically mentions that music helps regulate movement ("entrain the body's internal clock") and helps athletes with endurance. Heading iv is incorrect because the text does not claim musicians have "superiority."
4. Paragraph D — v. A biological explanation for emotional connection Reasoning: This paragraph discusses dopamine, neurotransmitters, and the brain's reward centers, offering a "biological explanation" for why we feel emotion.
5. Paragraph E — i. A controversial theory regarding music's origins Reasoning: Paragraph E discusses Darwin and Pinker and the debate over why music evolved (courtship vs. useless by-product). Heading vii is a distractor; while there are contrasting views, the focus is on the origin/evolution, not just utility.
6. Alzheimer’s Reasoning: The summary refers to patients losing memories; the text states explicitly in Paragraph B that this happens with patients suffering from "Alzheimer’s."
7. Adrenaline Reasoning: Paragraph C states that fast-paced music can "increase adrenaline and physical endurance."
8. Dopamine Reasoning: Paragraph D states that happy music triggers the release of "dopamine."
9. Evolution Reasoning: The summary discusses a "useless by-product." In Paragraph E, Steven Pinker argues music is a by-product of "evolutionary developments."
10. FALSE Reasoning: Paragraph C states surgeons play music because it lowers stress and improves accuracy, not to mask sounds.
11. TRUE Reasoning: Paragraph D confirms that studies show the brain's response to music involves the same reward centers activated by "food, sex, and addictive drugs."
12. NOT GIVEN Reasoning: Paragraph E mentions that music helped tribes bond and coordinate, but it does not mention the use of "instruments" specifically for "long-distance communication." This specific detail is not in the text.
The Power of Music IELTS Reading Answers
The Power of Music is a reading passage that appears in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. The passage discusses the effects of music on individuals, particularly in terms of its ability to evoke emotions, influence moods, and create a sense of calm.
Passage:
Music has been a vital part of human culture for thousands of years. From the rhythmic beating of a drum to the complex harmonies of an orchestra, music has played a significant role in our lives. Research has shown that music can have a profound impact on our emotions, influencing our moods and even our physical well-being.
Studies have demonstrated that listening to music can reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and even alleviate symptoms of depression. This is because music has the ability to stimulate the brain's reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins.
In addition to its emotional benefits, music has also been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function. Research has found that listening to music can improve memory, language skills, and even spatial-temporal skills. This is why music is often used as a tool for learning and therapy.
Questions and Answers:
Multiple Choice Questions:
Answer: b) The benefits of music on emotions
Answer: b) By promoting relaxation
True/False/Not Given:
Short Answer Questions:
Answer: Music can reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Answer: Music stimulates the brain's reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and endorphins.
Summary Completion:
Complete the summary using words from the passage.
Music has been a vital part of human culture for _______________ (1) years. Research has shown that music can have a _______________ (2) impact on our emotions, influencing our moods and even our physical _______________ (3). Music can also have a positive impact on _______________ (4) function, improving _______________ (5), language skills, and spatial-temporal skills.
Answers:
Tips and Strategies:
By following these tips and strategies, you can improve your chances of getting a high score on the IELTS reading section, particularly on questions related to "The Power of Music".
Passage:
The Power of Music
Music has been a vital part of human culture for thousands of years. From the primal rhythms of ancient drums to the complex harmonies of modern classical music, music has played a significant role in shaping our emotions, behaviors, and societies. Research has shown that music can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health, cognitive function, and social connections.
Studies have demonstrated that listening to music can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels. It can also improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and even alleviate pain. Music has been used therapeutically in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
In addition to its physical and mental health benefits, music has also been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function. Research has found that musical training can improve memory, language skills, and spatial-temporal skills in children. It can also enhance cognitive flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving abilities in adults.
Music's social benefits are also significant. It has the power to bring people together, foster empathy and understanding, and promote cultural exchange. Music has been used as a tool for social change, with many artists using their platform to raise awareness about social justice issues and promote activism.
Questions and Answers:
Answer: The main idea of the passage is that music has a significant impact on human culture, physical and mental health, cognitive function, and social connections.
Answer: Listening to music can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress levels, and alleviate pain.
Answer: Music has been used therapeutically in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers to improve mood, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and alleviate pain.
Answer: Musical training has been shown to improve memory, language skills, and spatial-temporal skills in children, and enhance cognitive flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving abilities in adults.
Answer: Music has the power to bring people together, foster empathy and understanding, and promote cultural exchange.
IELTS Reading Tips:
IELTS Reading Answer Tips:
The "Power of Music" is a frequent and insightful topic in the IELTS Reading exam, often appearing in Academic modules to test a candidate's ability to understand complex arguments and scientific evidence. This article breaks down the core themes of the passage, provides sample answers, and offers strategies for success. Core Themes of the Passage
The IELTS passage typically explores music not just as entertainment, but as a fundamental human experience with deep biological and social roots.
Emotional Resonance and Neurobiology: Music's ability to trigger emotions is linked to the brain's reward system. High-quality reading passages often explain how dopamine is released during "chills" or emotional peaks in a song.
Cognitive and Therapeutic Benefits: Modern research highlights music's role in neuroplasticity. It is used in therapy to help stroke victims regain speech or to improve focus and memory in students.
A Cultural and Social Mirror: Music serves as a universal language that transcends borders, preserving cultural heritage and fostering community through shared rhythmic experiences.
Evolutionary Perspective: Some texts argue that music predates speech, serving as an early form of communication or social bonding mechanism that was essential for human survival. Common IELTS Question Types
When tackling the "Power of Music" passage, you are likely to encounter these specific question formats:
Matching Information to Paragraphs: You must identify which section discusses specific details, such as "the role of music in prehistoric rituals."
True/False/Not Given: These test your ability to distinguish between what the author explicitly states versus common assumptions.
Multiple Choice: Often focusing on the writer’s purpose or the scientific methodology of a cited study.
Summary Completion: Filling in gaps of a paragraph using words directly from the text. Sample "The Power of Music" Reading Answers
Note: Answers can vary based on the specific version of the test (e.g., Cambridge IELTS or IDP practice materials). Question Type Focus of the Question Typical Correct Answer Direction Matching Research on brain activity References to dopamine or neuroimaging (fMRI). T/F/NG Music is found in every culture True (The text usually confirms its universality). Completion Benefits for elderly patients Focuses on memory or cognitive decline. Multiple Choice The author's main point Music is a biological necessity, not just a luxury. Expert Tips for High Scores
To master this reading passage on sites like IDP IELTS, keep these strategies in mind:
Vocabulary Awareness: Familiarize yourself with academic terms like resonance, neurological, evolutionary, and therapeutic.
Identify the Tone: Is the author skeptical about music's power, or are they advocating for its inclusion in healthcare? Recognizing the "writer's view" is key for "Multiple Choice" questions.
Time Management: You have roughly 20 minutes per passage. Don't get stuck on technical descriptions of brain scans; skim for the main idea and return for details once you see the questions.
By understanding the intersection of science and culture, you can approach "The Power of Music" with the confidence needed to achieve a Band 7.0 or higher. AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more
IELTS Reading band scores and what they mean | IDP IELTS South Africa
The "Power of Music" is a frequent and challenging passage in the IELTS Academic Reading module. It often appears under related titles like "Music and the Emotions" or "Why Does Music Move Us?"
This blog post breaks down the key themes, common question types, and essential answers to help you master this passage. Key Themes of the Passage
The passage typically explores the biological and psychological reasons why music has such a profound impact on humans. Major points often include: Biological Roots
: Listening to favorite music triggers physical changes like pupil dilation, increased pulse, and heightened blood pressure Physics Wallah The Dopamine Connection
: Research from teams in Montreal shows that music stimulates the release of dopamine—a "reward" chemical—in the brain's dorsal and ventral regions Shiksha.com The Anticipatory Phase : The brain is most active roughly 15 seconds
a favorite musical moment (the acoustic climax), as it anticipates the reward Shiksha.com Predictability vs. Surprise
: While the brain likes patterns, it gets bored if music is too predictable. Composers like Beethoven often introduce a pattern and then "hold off" on repeating it to create suspenseful tension Shiksha.com Sample Questions & Answers
Based on official-style IELTS practice materials, here are some common questions you might encounter Question Type Sample Question Correct Answer Short Answer
What is the phase called when dopamine activity is highest before a climax? Anticipatory phase Physics Wallah True/False/NG
Music triggers dopamine in both dorsal and ventral brain regions. Physics Wallah Sentence Completion
According to Meyer, music creates ______ by avoiding expected patterns. Suspenseful tension Shiksha.com Multiple Choice
If music is too predictable, what does the writer compare it to? An alarm clock Shiksha.com Essential Vocabulary to Master
IELTS Reading tests often use synonyms to paraphrase the text IDP IELTS India . Familiarize yourself with these terms:
: Excitement or stimulation (used regarding physical responses) Physics Wallah Underpinnings
: Foundations or basic structures (used regarding the "biological underpinnings" of music) Physics Wallah : Powerful or strong Physics Wallah : Lacking originality; dull Deteriorating : Becoming progressively worse Top Tips for This Passage The Power of Music IELTS Reading Answers 2026 - upGrad 23 Dec 2025 —
There are two distinct IELTS reading passages often titled "The Power of Music" "Music and the Emotions."
The most common version focuses on the neurological and physiological effects of music on the human brain, specifically discussing studies from McGill University and Leonard Meyer's theories. DOL Tự Học Key Content Overview
The passage typically explores how music triggers deep emotional and biological responses. Biological Roots
: Listening to music causes physiological changes such as dilated pupils, increased pulse, and heightened brain activity. The Dopamine Study
: Researchers in Montreal used PET and fMRI scans to show that favorite music releases in the brain's dorsal and ventral regions. Anticipation and Climax
: The brain's neurons are most active just before a favorite part of a song, known as the anticipatory phase , which leads up to the acoustic climax Leonard Meyer’s Theory
: This musicologist argued that emotion in music comes from the created when expected patterns are delayed or diverted. Shiksha.com Sample Answer Key (Multiple Choice)
These answers are based on the common "Music and the Emotions" (Cambridge 12) version of the test. DOL Tự Học Question Number Correct Answer Key Reason / Text Evidence Question 32 Emphasizes how intense our physical responses can be. Question 33 The Montreal study produced remarkably precise data. Question 34 Focuses on the timing of neural responses to music. Question 35 Used to offer support for the Montreal study's findings. Question 36 Emotion is caused by the internal structure of the music. Summary Completion Answers
If your version of the test includes a summary completion (Gap-fill) section, these are the typical answers found in the IELTS Reading Recent Actual Test 27. Dopamine : The chemical released by neurons. 28. Pleasure / Reward : Associated with the feeling produced by music. 29. Caudate
: The specific area of the brain active during anticipation. 30. Anticipatory phase : The period just before a favorite musical moment. 31. Food / Sex : Reward stimuli compared to the dopamine surge from music. Shiksha.com
of a specific version of this passage for you to practice with? Music and The Emotions IELTS Reading Answers - Shiksha.com
Section A – The Biological Basis Music is not merely a form of entertainment; it is a biological necessity for the human brain. Neuroscientific studies using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) reveal that listening to music activates multiple regions of the brain simultaneously, including the auditory cortex, the limbic system (associated with emotion), and the motor cortex. This widespread activation suggests that our neural architecture has evolved to process musical stimuli as a reward. When we hear a pleasing chord progression, the brain releases dopamine—the same neurotransmitter involved in eating and social bonding.
Section B – Emotional Regulation and Healing One of the most profound powers of music lies in its ability to regulate mood. A 2019 study from the University of California found that listening to 15 minutes of classical music reduced cortisol levels in patients awaiting surgery by an average of 27%. Furthermore, music therapy is now a recognized intervention for depression and PTSD. Patients who engage in active music-making (e.g., drumming or singing) report lower instances of anxiety than those who only listen passively.
Section C – Cognitive Enhancement in Learning The so-called "Mozart Effect" – the idea that listening to classical music makes you smarter – has been largely debunked. However, research does show that learning to play an instrument before the age of seven enhances executive function and working memory. A longitudinal study of 500 children over a decade concluded that those receiving weekly piano lessons scored 15% higher in mathematical reasoning tests compared to peers with no musical training.
Section D – Social Cohesion and Identity Music acts as a social glue. Anthropologists argue that early human communities used rhythmic chanting and drumming to synchronize physical movements during labor or warfare, fostering group cohesion. In modern contexts, national anthems and stadium chants trigger the release of oxytocin, the "bonding hormone." This explains why music is central to rituals, protests, and religious ceremonies across all known cultures.
Section E – The Future of Music Therapy Emerging technologies like personalized AI-generated music are revolutionizing therapeutic applications. Algorithms can now analyze a listener’s heart rate and skin conductance in real-time to compose music that steers the autonomic nervous system toward relaxation or alertness. Early trials suggest that such "neuro-music" may be more effective than benzodiazepines for short-term anxiety management, with zero side effects.
