Boost your performance with strong vocabulary, grammar and ideas for IELTS Speaking on the topic of art. Discover model responses for Speaking Part 1, 2, 3 and score‑winning expressions now.
Many candidates find Speaking to be the toughest part of the IELTS test. Examiners not only evaluate natural expression but also vocabulary and grammar usage. The topic of Art frequently appears in IELTS Speaking, so this guide will help you feel confident.
1. Sample Answers for Part 1 – Topic: Art
Part 1 questions are usually short and simple. Use your own experience and personal point of view, and speak with confidence to impress the examiner from the start.
Do you like art?
To be honest, I am quite fond of art—I find it abstract and beautiful. Some people think art is overly sophisticated or tasteless since it may require hours of viewing. Personally I take great interest in it because viewing a unique piece of art from different angles always gives me a new experience.
Scoring vocabulary: to be fond of, sophisticated, tasteless, take great interest in.
Do you often visit art galleries?
I’m a bit of a culture vulture, so I always look out for new art showcases in my city. There are only a handful though—most galleries in Hanoi feature archaic exhibits and historical‑themed artworks, which I find rather boring. I prefer curated collections of modern art, and the Vincom Center for Contemporary Art near my home gives me the experience I enjoy.
Scoring vocabulary: culture vulture, art showcase, a handful, curated, curated selection of.
What kinds of paintings do people like?
Aesthetic preference varies from person to person. However, as a group many people admire Renaissance paintings such as the Mona Lisa for their virtuoso technique and timeless appeal. That said, I personally prefer pieces with an avant‑garde feel.
Scoring vocabulary: aesthetic preference, the Renaissance, virtuoso, masterpiece, avant‑garde.
2. Sample Answers for Part 2 – Topic: Memorable Art
In Part 2 you speak on a cue card topic for two minutes after a one‑minute preparation. Fluency and coherence are evaluated here, so extend your response logically until prompted to stop.
Describe a memorable piece of artwork you have seen
One artwork that left a lasting impression on me is Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. I saw it at MoMA in New York City during a family summer vacation. When I stood before it, I was immediately captive by the vibrant colors and swirling brushstrokes. The nocturnal scene with stars and a small village felt alive. I felt tranquility, wonder—transported into that sky. Van Gogh’s unique style and emotional depth make it truly unforgettable. His ability to evoke awe reminded me of art’s power to transcend boundaries. Starry Night made me appreciate how art can inspire and touch our souls.
Scoring vocabulary:
iconic painting, vibrant colors, swirling brushstrokes, nocturnal scene, sense of tranquility, profound sense of awe, transcend boundaries, touch the depths of our souls, transformative.
Describe a piece of art you like (painting, sculpture, decorative object).
Art has been a lifelong passion, and choosing just one is hard. I would select Fallen Angel, an exquisite 19th‑century oil on canvas by Alexandre Cabanel. I first discovered it on YouTube. This religious painting depicts a fallen angel sitting atop a rock, hiding his face behind flexed arms. His eyes express complex emotions—anger, shame, or defiance—that feel relatable. Background angels rejoice in the blue sky of heaven. Although critics initially judged it too romanticist, Cabanel insisted on his artistic vision—an inspiration that reminds me of art’s grandest purpose: to challenge norms and move people deeply.
Scoring vocabulary:
skillful, oil on canvas, wondrous, stumble upon, depict, expelled from, jurist, to be taken aback, flexed, akin to, guarded, distress, highlight, a multitude of, rejoice, accustomed to, portrayal, lay eyes on, impenetrable, defiance, relatable, intriguing, hostile, critic, deem inadequate, romanticist, insist, grandest purpose, norms.
3. Sample Answers for Part 3 – Discussion: Art & Society
What is the general purpose of art?
That is a philosophical question with many answers. I think art serves two noble purposes: first, to evoke emotion—joy, melancholy, nostalgia, possibly poignant pain. Second, as a form of self‑expression that allows people to narrate thoughts and stories in non‑verbal forms.
Scoring vocabulary: philosophical, a plethora of, noble, evoke, melancholy, nostalgia, poignant, portraiture, life painting, induce, narrate, non‑verbal.
How does art contribute to society?
Art plays a vital role by reflecting cultural identity, preserving traditions and stories of different communities. It also acts as a powerful catalyst for social change by addressing critical issues and fostering dialogue. Moreover, art encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem‑solving, and stimulates economic growth through jobs and tourism. Overall, art enriches society with beauty, inspiration and gives diverse voices a platform.
Scoring vocabulary: plays a vital role, cultural identity, powerful catalyst, fostering dialogue, enriches society, platform for diverse voices.
Do you think art classes are necessary? How do they affect children’s development?
Absolutely. Art classes should be mandatory in school curriculums. Most children take pleasure in drawing or coloring—they gravitate towards color. Drawing is more than just relaxation after heavy schoolwork—it fires imagination and enhances cognitive development. In a world where children are often cast into the same mold, encouraging them to think outside of the box and express creative ideas is essential.
Scoring vocabulary: take pleasure in, gravitate toward, let off some steam, struggle, cognitive development, cast into the same mold, think outside of the box.
4. Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking: Art Theme
4.1 General Art Vocabulary
performance art, cultural art, visual arts, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, pencil sketch, Impressionism, caricature, art viewers.
4.2 Descriptive Vocabulary
masterpiece, genius, artistic, sophisticated, to strike, contemporary, best‑selling painting, exquisite picture, widely‑known.
4.3 Scoring Expressions & Idioms
Style of painting
Cognitive development
Out‑of‑this‑world
Individuals with innate talent / gifted people
Have astonishing skills
Have an eye for drawing
Immerse oneself in something
Spark an interest in someone
Choose the right angles
The aesthetic qualities
Maintain cultural and traditional values
Devote something to something
Appeal to visitors
Idioms to impress:
bring something to life
be eye‑catching
stand the test of time
state of the art
grab someone’s attention
Final Tips
Through these sample answers and vocabulary, you can feel more confident tackling art‑related speaking tasks. Expand your exposure by reading art articles, watching exhibitions online with English subtitles, and exploring related IELTS topics like Technology, Travel, Social Media, Music.
Prepare for IELTS Speaking with IDP resources, including workshops, videos, expert tips and sample answers. When you feel ready, register for IELTS with us today!