✦ IELTS Topic: Art – 10 Useful Phrases

1. Work of art
   e.g., That sculpture is a real work of art — so detailed and expressive.

2. Art gallery
   e.g., I visited an art gallery last weekend and saw an exhibition of local artists.

3. Portrait painting
   e.g., She commissioned a portrait painting for her parents’ anniversary.

4. Modern art
   e.g., Some people find modern art confusing, but I think it’s creative.

5. Artistic expression
   e.g., Graffiti can be a form of artistic expression when done well.

6. Famous masterpiece
   e.g., The Mona Lisa is probably the most famous masterpiece in the world.

7. Sculpture exhibit
   e.g., The museum is holding a sculpture exhibit next month.

8. Creative process
   e.g., I’m interested in learning about the artist’s creative process.

9. Abstract style
   e.g., Her paintings use an abstract style with bright, bold colours.

10. Cultural value
    e.g., Art has great cultural value and reflects the society it comes from.

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✦ IELTS Speaking Practice – Art

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

1. Do you like art?

2. Have you ever visited an art gallery?

3. What type of art do you enjoy?

4. Did you learn about art at school?

5. Would you like to learn to paint or draw?

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Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a piece of art you like.
You should say:

• what it is

• where you saw it

• what it looks like
  and explain why you like it.

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✦ Sample Answers Using the Phrases

Part 1 Answers

1. Yes, I enjoy looking at different works of art, especially paintings.
2. I went to an art gallery last month — they had a brilliant sculpture exhibit.
3. I really enjoy modern art and paintings with an abstract style.
4. Yes, we studied famous masterpieces in school.
5. I would love to take a class to explore my own artistic expression.

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Part 2 Sample Answer

One of my favourite pieces of art is a portrait painting I saw in a small gallery in Italy. It was painted in an abstract style, but you could still recognise the emotion in the face.

I learned more about the artist’s creative process from a guide at the art gallery. It made me realise how much thought goes into every brushstroke.

The painting had both emotional impact and cultural value, and it’s a work of art I’ll never forget.

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✦ Comprehension Test: Art Vocabulary

1. "That sculpture is a real work of art — so detailed and expressive."
Q: What does the speaker think about the sculpture?

2. "I visited an art gallery last weekend and saw an exhibition of local artists."
Q: Where did the speaker go?

3. "She commissioned a portrait painting for her parents’ anniversary."
Q: What kind of artwork did she request?

4. "Some people find modern art confusing, but I think it’s creative."
Q: What is the speaker's opinion of modern art?

5. "Graffiti can be a form of artistic expression when done well."
Q: What can graffiti be considered?

6. "The Mona Lisa is probably the most famous masterpiece in the world."
Q: What does the speaker say about the Mona Lisa?

7. "The museum is holding a sculpture exhibit next month."
Q: What event is happening?

8. "I’m interested in learning about the artist’s creative process."
Q: What aspect of the artist’s work interests the speaker?

9. "Her paintings use an abstract style with bright, bold colours."
Q: How are her paintings described?

10. "Art has great cultural value and reflects the society it comes from."
Q: What role does art play in culture?

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✦ Answer Key

1. It’s impressive and well-made.

2. An art gallery.

3. A personalised painting of someone.

4. It’s creative, even if confusing.

5. A way to express creativity.

6. It’s extremely well-known.

7. A sculpture exhibit is planned.

8. How they come up with and make their work.

9. They’re abstract and colourful.

10. It shows what a society values or feels.