The topic “Describe A Photograph Or A Painting That You Like” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners. This topic allows candidates to showcase their descriptive skills, personal opinions, and cultural awareness.
IELTS Speaking Test
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about photographs and paintings. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you enjoy taking photographs?
- How often do you visit art galleries?
- Do you have any favorite painters?
- What kind of paintings do you like?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy taking photographs?
Candidate (Band 6-7 answer): Yes, I do enjoy taking photographs. I often use my smartphone to capture special moments with my friends and family. It’s a great way to preserve memories and share them on social media.
Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about photography. I find it to be an incredibly creative outlet that allows me to capture the essence of a moment or scene. I particularly enjoy experimenting with different techniques, such as long exposures for night photography or macro shots for intricate details in nature.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You’ll have one minute to prepare, then you should speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic.
Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a photograph or a painting that you like
You should say:
- What it depicts
- Where you saw it
- Why you like it
And explain how it makes you feel.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about a photograph that I really like. It’s a black and white image of an old man sitting on a park bench. I first saw this photograph in an art gallery in my hometown last year.
The photograph shows an elderly man, probably in his 80s, sitting alone on a wooden bench in what looks like a city park. He’s wearing a suit and a hat, which makes me think it might have been taken some time ago. The man has a thoughtful expression on his face, and he seems to be lost in his own world.
I like this photograph because it captures a moment of quiet reflection. The black and white style gives it a timeless quality, and I think it makes the image more powerful. The composition is also very good, with the man positioned slightly off-center, which draws your eye to him.
This photograph makes me feel a bit nostalgic and reflective. It reminds me of my own grandfather and makes me think about the passage of time. I also feel a sense of peace when I look at it, as if I’m sharing in the man’s quiet moment of contemplation.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to describe a painting that has left an indelible impression on me. It’s Vincent van Gogh’s “The Starry Night,” which I had the privilege of seeing in person at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
This masterpiece depicts a night scene with a small village nestled beneath a swirling, tumultuous sky. The foreground features a large cypress tree, which seems to bridge the gap between the terrestrial and celestial realms. The sky is dominated by a crescent moon and stars, rendered in vibrant yellows and whites that contrast beautifully with the deep blues of the night.
What captivates me about this painting is Van Gogh’s unique ability to infuse a landscape with raw emotion. The energetic brushstrokes and bold use of color create a sense of movement and vitality that seems to breathe life into the canvas. It’s as if the artist has channeled his inner turmoil into this breathtaking representation of nature.
When I stand before this painting, I’m overwhelmed by a myriad of emotions. There’s a sense of awe at the sheer beauty of the night sky, but also a feeling of melancholy that reflects Van Gogh’s troubled state of mind when he created this work. The painting evokes a profound sense of connection to the universe, reminding me of our place within the vast cosmos.
Moreover, “The Starry Night” serves as a testament to the power of artistic expression. It demonstrates how art can transcend reality, offering a window into the artist’s perception of the world. This painting never fails to inspire me, encouraging me to look at the world with fresh eyes and appreciate the beauty in everyday scenes.
Follow-up Questions
- How has digital technology changed photography?
- Do you think traditional painting will become less popular in the future?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7): Digital technology has made photography much easier and more accessible. Now, almost everyone has a camera on their smartphone, so we can take photos anytime. It’s also easier to edit and share photos online.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9): Digital technology has revolutionized the field of photography in numerous ways. It has democratized the art form, allowing anyone with a smartphone to capture high-quality images. Moreover, it has opened up new creative possibilities through advanced editing software and techniques like HDR and computational photography. However, this ease of use has also led to an oversaturation of images in our daily lives, perhaps diminishing the impact of individual photographs.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic.
Examiner: How do you think art influences society?
Candidate (Band 6-7 answer): I think art has a big impact on society. It can make people think about important issues and express emotions. For example, some paintings or photographs show social problems, which can make people more aware of these issues. Art can also inspire people and make them feel different emotions.
Candidate (Band 8-9 answer): Art plays a pivotal role in shaping society on multiple levels. Firstly, it serves as a powerful medium for social commentary, often shedding light on pressing issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Through visual representation, artists can evoke empathy and challenge preconceptions, potentially catalyzing social change.
Moreover, art reflects and influences cultural values. It can reinforce societal norms or question the status quo, prompting viewers to reconsider their perspectives. The aesthetic experiences provided by art also contribute to our collective cultural identity and can foster a sense of community.
Furthermore, art has tangible economic impacts. It drives tourism, supports creative industries, and can be a significant factor in urban regeneration. Cities often use public art to revitalize neighborhoods and create a distinct identity.
Lastly, on an individual level, engagement with art can enhance cognitive abilities, promote emotional intelligence, and improve overall well-being. In essence, art is not just a mirror reflecting society, but a hammer shaping it.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Aesthetic (adjective) /esˈθetɪk/ – concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
Example: The painting has great aesthetic value. -
Composition (noun) /ˌkɒmpəˈzɪʃn/ – the arrangement of elements in a work of art
Example: The composition of the photograph draws the eye to the central figure. -
Evocative (adjective) /ɪˈvɒkətɪv/ – bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind
Example: The artist’s use of color is highly evocative of autumn. -
Perspective (noun) /pəˈspektɪv/ – the art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface
Example: The painting’s unusual perspective gives it a surreal quality. -
Brushstroke (noun) /ˈbrʌʃstrəʊk/ – a mark made by a single movement of a brush in painting
Example: Van Gogh’s bold brushstrokes give his paintings a unique texture.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a photograph or painting:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to art and visual description.
- Practice describing images in detail, focusing on colors, composition, and emotions evoked.
- Develop your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to art and its impact on society.
- Work on fluency by regularly talking about art and practicing with sample questions.
- Be prepared to give your personal opinion and justify it with examples.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing about art, but in expressing your thoughts clearly and confidently.
For more practice on descriptive speaking tasks, you might find it helpful to review our guide on how to describe a person who inspires you to be creative. This can provide additional insights into effective descriptive techniques for the IELTS Speaking test.
