Expert IELTS examiner guides candidates on describing admired artists
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions about art and artists:
- Do you like art?
- Have you ever visited an art gallery?
- What kind of art do you prefer?
- Did you learn art at school?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m particularly passionate about visual arts, especially contemporary paintings. I frequently visit art exhibitions to broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives. I find myself drawn to abstract art because it allows for multiple interpretations and stimulates the imagination.”
Similar to describe a person you admire for their achievements, discussing artists requires personal insight and specific examples.
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe an artist whose work you admire
You should say:
- Who this artist is
- What kind of art they create
- How you first discovered their work
- And explain why you admire them
IELTS candidate describing Vincent van Gogh's artwork
Model Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about Vincent van Gogh, whose artistic legacy has profoundly influenced my appreciation of art. Van Gogh was a post-impressionist painter who revolutionized the art world with his distinctive style and bold use of color.
I first encountered his work during a visit to describe a museum you visited as a child. His painting ‘The Starry Night’ immediately captivated me with its swirling patterns and intense emotions.
What I particularly admire about Van Gogh is his unwavering dedication to his craft, despite facing numerous challenges. His ability to transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary visions through his unique perspective is truly remarkable.”
Model Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about Van Gogh, who is a famous painter. He made many beautiful paintings using bright colors. I saw his paintings first in my art book at school. I like his work because he painted very well and created many famous pictures like ‘The Starry Night’. His style is special and different from other artists.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has digital technology changed the way we appreciate art?
Similar to describe a famous artist or performer you admire, this question requires critical thinking about artistic evolution.
Band 8-9 Response:
“Digital technology has fundamentally transformed our interaction with art. Virtual galleries and high-resolution digitization have made art more accessible than ever. However, this digital revolution has also raised important questions about authenticity and the irreplaceable experience of viewing artwork in person.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Artistic influence: /ɑːˈtɪstɪk ˈɪnfluəns/ (n) – The impact an artist has on others
- Masterpiece: /ˈmɑːstəpiːs/ (n) – An outstanding work of art
- Revolutionary: /ˌrevəˈluːʃəneri/ (adj) – Introducing radical change
- Distinctive style: /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv staɪl/ (phrase) – Unique artistic characteristics
- Profound impact: /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (phrase) – Deep, significant influence
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific art terminology appropriately
- Provide detailed examples to support your points
- Show personal engagement with the topic
- Structure your response clearly with proper transitions
- Demonstrate critical thinking about art’s role in society
Just as in describe a movie character you relate to, personal connection and detailed explanation are key to achieving a high score.
