The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about art and personal experiences. One common topic is describing a piece of art that made a lasting impression on you. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and useful vocabulary to help you achieve your target score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about art to warm you up. Here are some common questions and sample answers:
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Do you enjoy visiting art galleries?
Band 6-7 answer: “Yes, I do. I find art galleries interesting and relaxing. I try to visit them whenever I have free time.”
Band 8-9 answer: “Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about exploring art galleries. They offer a unique opportunity to immerse myself in various artistic styles and cultural expressions. I make it a point to visit galleries regularly, especially when traveling to new cities.”
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What type of art do you prefer?
Band 6-7 answer: “I prefer modern art. I find it more creative and interesting than traditional art forms.”
Band 8-9 answer: “I have a particular affinity for abstract expressionism. The emotional intensity and freedom of form in works by artists like Jackson Pollock or Mark Rothko really resonate with me. That said, I also appreciate the technical mastery evident in classical paintings and sculptures.”
Describe a cultural event you attended that involved art exhibitions to further enhance your speaking skills on this topic.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a piece of art:
Describe A Piece Of Art That Made A Lasting Impression On You.
You should say:
- What the piece of art was
- Where you saw it
- What it looked like
- And explain why it made a lasting impression on you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a captivating sculpture I encountered during a visit to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The piece that left an indelible impression on me was ‘The Persistence of Memory’ by Salvador Dalí.
This surrealist masterpiece is a relatively small oil painting, but its impact is far from diminutive. The iconic image depicts a barren landscape with distorted clocks seemingly melting over various objects. The central figure is a strange, fleshy creature with long eyelashes, which appears to be a distorted self-portrait of Dalí himself.
What struck me most about this artwork was its ability to challenge my perception of reality and time. The juxtaposition of hard and soft objects, the dreamlike quality of the scene, and the meticulous attention to detail in Dalí’s technique all contributed to its lasting impact.
The painting made such a profound impression on me because it exemplifies the power of art to transcend the boundaries of conventional thought. It prompted me to reflect on the nature of time, memory, and the subconscious mind. Even years after seeing it, I find myself revisiting the emotions and thoughts it evoked, which I believe is a testament to its enduring artistic value.”
Salvador Dali's The Persistence of Memory painting
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about a painting I saw in a museum last year. It was a famous work by Vincent van Gogh called ‘Starry Night’. I saw it at the Museum of Modern Art in New York when I was on vacation.
The painting showed a night sky with bright stars and a crescent moon. There was a big swirling pattern in the sky that looked like clouds or wind. Below the sky, there was a small village with a church that had a tall spire. The colors were mostly blue and yellow.
This painting made a big impression on me because of its strong colors and interesting style. I had never seen a painting like this before. It made me feel calm but also excited at the same time. I think it’s impressive how Van Gogh could create such a powerful image from his imagination. Even though I saw it a year ago, I can still remember it clearly.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- How does this piece of art compare to others you’ve seen?
- Do you think the artist’s intention matters in appreciating art?
- Has your taste in art changed over time?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Let’s talk more about art in society. Do you think art education is important in schools?”
Band 6-7 answer: “Yes, I think art education is important in schools. It helps students be creative and express themselves. Art classes can also teach students about different cultures and history. However, some people think other subjects like math and science are more important for getting jobs.”
Band 8-9 answer: “I firmly believe that art education plays a crucial role in schools. Beyond fostering creativity and self-expression, art education cultivates critical thinking skills and enhances problem-solving abilities. It also provides a unique lens through which students can explore and understand diverse cultures and historical periods. While STEM subjects are undeniably important, I would argue that art education complements and enriches these fields by encouraging innovative thinking and holistic development. Moreover, in our increasingly visual world, the ability to interpret and create images is becoming an invaluable skill across various professions.”
Examiner: “How do you think technology is changing the way we create and experience art?”
Band 6-7 answer: “Technology is changing art a lot. Artists can now use computers and digital tools to make new kinds of art. People can also see art online without going to museums. This makes art more accessible to everyone. However, some people might think digital art is not as good as traditional art.”
Band 8-9 answer: “Technology is revolutionizing both the creation and consumption of art in profound ways. Digital tools have expanded the artistic palette, enabling creators to push the boundaries of traditional mediums and explore entirely new forms of expression, such as interactive installations and virtual reality experiences. Furthermore, the internet and social media platforms have democratized art distribution, allowing artists to reach global audiences without the need for traditional gatekeepers like galleries or museums.
On the viewer’s side, technology has made art more accessible and interactive than ever before. Virtual tours of museums, augmented reality applications, and high-resolution digital reproductions have transformed how we engage with artworks. However, this digital shift also raises intriguing questions about the nature of authenticity and the value of physical presence in art appreciation. While technology offers unprecedented opportunities, it also challenges us to reconsider our relationship with art and its role in society.”
Describe a piece of art that you admire to further enhance your speaking skills on this topic.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing art, consider using these advanced terms and expressions:
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Aesthetically pleasing /esˈθetɪkli ˈpliːzɪŋ/ (adj): Visually beautiful or attractive
Example: “The sculpture was not only thought-provoking but also aesthetically pleasing.” -
Avant-garde /ˌævɒnt ˈɡɑːd/ (adj): New and experimental ideas in art
Example: “Her paintings are known for their avant-garde style, challenging traditional artistic norms.” -
Evocative /ɪˈvɒkətɪv/ (adj): Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind
Example: “The artist’s use of color was incredibly evocative, transporting viewers to another time and place.” -
Juxtaposition /ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃn/ (n): The act of placing things side by side for contrast
Example: “The juxtaposition of ancient and modern elements in the artwork created a striking visual impact.” -
Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adj): Very great or intense
Example: “The painting had a profound effect on me, challenging my perceptions of reality.”
Key art vocabulary for IELTS Speaking
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing art:
- Practice describing various artworks in detail, focusing on both visual elements and emotional responses.
- Expand your art-related vocabulary, incorporating terms specific to different art forms and styles.
- Develop personal opinions about art and be prepared to explain your preferences with clear reasoning.
- Stay informed about current trends in the art world to discuss contemporary issues if asked.
- Use a variety of sentence structures and tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.
- When possible, make connections between art and broader societal or cultural themes to showcase your analytical skills.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about art knowledge, but also about communicating your thoughts clearly and confidently in English.
Describe a new product you bought recently to practice your speaking skills on a different topic and broaden your vocabulary range.
