The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to culture and notable figures from your home country. One common question that may arise is describing a famous artist from your nation. This article will guide you through answering such a question effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Task
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand that this topic falls under the broader category of describing people and discussing art and culture. Examiners often use this question to assess your ability to talk about influential figures, cultural contributions, and personal opinions.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about art and artists to warm you up for the main topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
-
Do you enjoy art?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I do enjoy art. I find it relaxing to visit art galleries and look at different paintings.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Absolutely! I’m fascinated by various forms of art. I find that exploring different artistic styles and mediums broadens my perspective and stimulates my creativity.”
-
Have you ever tried creating art yourself?
Band 6-7 Answer: “I’ve tried painting a few times. It’s challenging but enjoyable.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Indeed, I’ve dabbled in various art forms. While I’m far from professional, I find the process of creating art incredibly therapeutic and a great way to express myself.”
Famous Vietnamese Artist
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe A Famous Artist In Your Country
You should say:
- Who this artist is
- What kind of art they create
- How you learned about this artist
- And explain why they are famous
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about Nguyen Phan Chanh, a well-known Vietnamese artist. He’s famous for his silk paintings, which often depict scenes from rural Vietnamese life.
I first learned about Chanh when I visited the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi. His paintings caught my attention because of their soft colors and simple but elegant style.
Chanh is famous because he was one of the first Vietnamese artists to use traditional silk as a medium for painting. His work beautifully captures the essence of Vietnamese culture and daily life in the countryside.
What I find interesting about his paintings is how they show ordinary people doing everyday tasks, but there’s always a sense of dignity and grace in his subjects. This made his work stand out and helped to establish him as an important figure in Vietnamese art history.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to draw your attention to Nguyen Phan Chanh, a revered figure in Vietnamese art. Chanh is renowned for his exquisite silk paintings, which masterfully capture the essence of rural Vietnamese life.
I first encountered Chanh’s work during a visit to the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi. His paintings immediately captivated me with their subtle color palette and deceptively simple yet profoundly elegant style.
Chanh’s fame stems from his pioneering role in adapting traditional silk as a medium for modern painting. His work seamlessly blends Vietnamese cultural elements with contemporary artistic techniques, creating a unique aesthetic that has deeply influenced the country’s art scene.
What truly sets Chanh apart is his ability to imbue ordinary scenes with extraordinary beauty and dignity. His depictions of rural life and common people resonate deeply with viewers, offering a window into the soul of Vietnamese culture. This remarkable talent for elevating the everyday has cemented his place as a cornerstone of Vietnamese artistic heritage.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this artist influenced other artists in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Chanh’s work has inspired many other Vietnamese artists to use traditional materials in their art. His style of showing everyday life has also become popular among younger artists.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Chanh’s innovative approach to traditional mediums has sparked a renaissance in Vietnamese art. His unique blend of cultural elements and modern techniques has paved the way for a new generation of artists who seamlessly integrate tradition and innovation in their work.”
- Do you think it’s important for artists to represent their culture in their work?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I think it’s important because it helps preserve cultural traditions and shows them to the world. It also makes the art more meaningful to local people.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Absolutely. I believe that artists who draw inspiration from their cultural roots create work that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also culturally significant. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and contributes to the richness of global art. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in preserving and evolving cultural heritage.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think art influences society?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Art can influence people’s thoughts and feelings. It can make us think about important issues and see things differently. Sometimes, art can even change society by showing new ideas.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “Art serves as a powerful catalyst for social change. It has the unique ability to challenge societal norms, provoke thought, and evoke emotions on a profound level. By offering alternative perspectives and visualizing complex issues, art can spark dialogues that lead to social transformation. Moreover, art often acts as a mirror to society, reflecting its values, struggles, and aspirations, thereby fostering self-reflection and cultural introspection.”
- Do you believe that government should fund the arts? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer: “Yes, I think governments should fund the arts because it’s important for culture. Without funding, many artists might not be able to create their work, and we could lose important cultural expressions.”
Band 8-9 Answer: “I firmly believe that government funding for the arts is crucial for a thriving, culturally rich society. Public support for the arts ensures diversity in artistic expression, promotes cultural heritage, and makes art accessible to all socio-economic groups. Furthermore, government funding can foster innovation and experimental art forms that might not be commercially viable but are culturally significant. This investment in the arts contributes to the nation’s soft power, enhances quality of life, and can even stimulate economic growth through cultural tourism and creative industries.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Revered (adjective) /rɪˈvɪəd/ – deeply respected and admired
Example: “Van Gogh is a revered figure in the world of art.” -
Exquisite (adjective) /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/ – extremely beautiful or carefully made
Example: “The artist’s exquisite attention to detail was evident in every brushstroke.” -
To captivate (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – to attract and hold the interest of
Example: “His paintings captivated audiences worldwide with their unique style.” -
To imbue (verb) /ɪmˈbjuː/ – to inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality
Example: “The artist imbued her work with a sense of nostalgia for rural life.” -
To resonate (verb) /ˈrezəneɪt/ – to evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief
Example: “His depictions of everyday struggles resonated deeply with the working class.” -
To pave the way (idiom) – to make subsequent development or progress easier
Example: “Picasso’s cubism paved the way for abstract art movements.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a famous artist:
- Prepare a range of vocabulary related to art and culture.
- Practice describing artworks and artists’ styles in detail.
- Be ready to discuss the impact of art on society and culture.
- Develop your ability to express and justify opinions on abstract topics related to art.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures and tenses to demonstrate language proficiency.
- Speak fluently and coherently, using appropriate linking words and phrases.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about the artist, but being able to discuss their work and impact eloquently and in depth.
For more practice on describing cultural figures, you might find it helpful to read about how to describe a famous cultural figure in your country. This will give you additional vocabulary and structures to use in your IELTS Speaking test.
