In this article we will delve into one of the most popular topics for the IELTS Speaking Parts 1-3: Arts and Culture. Our aim is to provide you with sample questions and answers, as well as some valuable IELTS Speaking tips to help you excel in this particular area.
Here are some sample questions related to the Arts and Culture topic you may be asked on the exam.
- Do people in your country send handicrafts as gifts?
- What do young people think of traditional handicrafts?
- What are the benefits of doing handicrafts?
- Do you like painting or drawing?
- Who taught you to paint and draw?
- How often do you go to art galleries?
- Who is your favourite painter?
- Are you interested in modern art?
- Why do you think modern art is becoming more popular nowadays?
- Is graffiti a form of art for you?
- Do you think people should be allowed to draw graffiti wherever they like?
1. Do people in your country send handicrafts as gifts?
Literally a few years ago it was not popular at all. However, now different practical workshops are gaining popularity. People learn to create something with their hands. And then it becomes their fascinating hobbies and they present the results of their creativity as a gift to their friends and relatives
2. What do young people think of traditional handicrafts?
I used to think that young people were not fond of handicrafts nowadays. How happy I was to find out that I was wrong. Arts and crafts are gaining popularity because young people are fed up with just surfing the internet and want to create something with their hands. For example, scrapbooking and epoxy resin crafts are a trend.
3. What are the benefits of doing handicrafts?
It is said that handicrafts are beneficial for our mental health and development. It helps to evolve fine motor skills, spatial thinking, and helps to relax. Moreover, it is important for everyone to have a hobby that they can share with others. Plus, when you achieve results, it improves motivation and self-confidence.
4. Do you like painting or drawing?
I am keen on both painting and drawing. Unfortunately, I haven’t been doing it for a long time because I don’t have enough time. But when I draw, it usually helps me to express my inner feelings and emotions. I am usually inspired by famous artists’ masterpieces. That is why I am fond of going to art galleries and exhibitions.
5. Who taught you to paint and draw?
You won’t believe that but I took up this hobby after my mum. She is a professional fashion designer and from early childhood I was taught how to make sketches. And to tell the truth, I really enjoyed it. Then when I was studying at secondary school I decided to enroll in art school. And I have never regretted this decision. There we had very talented instructors that taught us how to paint in oils.
6. How often do you go to art galleries?
I try to frequent art galleries and museums especially when they have new exhibitions. It gives me inspiration and provides me with an opportunity to learn something new. And I'm sure you are familiar with this breathtaking feeling when you see an original painting, not a reproduction. The last exhibition I attended demonstrated the works of Salvador Dali. And I'm his big fan.
7. Who is your favourite painter?
There are several genres that I really appreciate and enjoy watching. First of all, I am fond of impressionism with its sincerity and high spirits. Among the impressionists my favourite is Сlaude Monet and his bright landscapes and marvelous portraits. However, I am also madly in love with surrealism and its brightest representative - Salvador Dali.
8. Are you interested in modern art?
Well, to begin with, I believe that contemporary art is a type of art which can be interesting for everyone. As for me, I admire different types of modern art, for example, modern paintings, music, and films. In my opinion, they can broaden our horizons. To gain a greater understanding of contemporary art, I go to art exhibitions from time to time. I'm often blown away by the creativity of modern artists and really respect what they do.
9. Why do you think modern art is becoming more popular nowadays?
Modern artistic works have become significantly more important in the last 10 years in my country. I guess it's trendy nowadays to attend various events where people think outside the box . Contemporary art gives painters, sculptors , and other artists more room for self-expression which they desperately need. Modern art visualises and, if I may say so, even embodies our current life. That's why it's so important and highly popular.
10. Is graffiti a form of art for you?
Whether graffiti is art or not is a highly debatable topic. No doubt some graffiti art murals are examples of fine art. I'm not an art critic, but I believe that graffiti can be primitive at times and, as a result, it rather damages property than decorates streets and buildings. For some people it's conceptual art, for others - an offense. From my point of view, there should be legislation to restrict graffiti.
11. Do you think people should be allowed to draw graffiti wherever they like?
Although some graffiti is art, governments should impose a limit on this street art. People can't just draw on any buildings, fences, and public transport they see not only because it's ugly at times, but also because it can be offensive and upset people. At the same time, the law should allow some freedom of expression and should protect artistic freedom. If needed, citizens should vote for or against graffiti in their cities and fight for their public interest.
Arts and Culture Vocabulary
The following list of vocabulary and phrases can help you expand your lexicon on the Arts and Culture topic. This will enable you to express yourself more accurately during the IELTS Speaking exam.
- It depends on...
- popular / rare
- unique
- high quality
- memorable
- exclusive
- costly / affordable
- one of a kind
- to be interested in...
- to afford
- advantages
- eco-friendly
- handmade
- original
- profitable
- employment
- rural areas
- to develop
- to preserve
- to educate
- I absolutely love...
- to be good / bad at...
- to have a talent for...
- creative
- versatile
- to take after...
- to be a role model
- to inspire
- to express yourself
- contemporary art
- to be blown away
- beyond my comprehension
- to admire
- masterpiece
- type of art
- art exhibitions
- to broaden your horizons
- to gain a greater understanding of …
By familiarizing yourself with these questions and practicing your responses, you can enhance your speaking skills and boost your confidence for the IELTS Speaking test.
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