Art is one of the topics you might be asked about in part one of your IELTS Speaking test. One common question on this topic is, “Do you like art?”
Let’s look at how to give an excellent answer to this question, including 20 example answers (go straight to the answers here).
What Does ‘Art’ Mean?
In English, the broad meaning of the word ‘art’ refers to all kinds of artistic activities, including music, dance, movies, etc.
But when people ask if you like ‘art’ or not, they usually mean visual art; paintings and drawings, and perhaps also sculptures.
If You Do Like Art
First, say that you like art. Then say what kind of art you like. And then say why you like it.
You can also mention a story, like when you saw it or painted it and how it made you feel.
For more ideas, you could talk about:
- Examples of artists you like
- The paintings of famous painters
- If you have ever learned to paint
- A painting or piece of art you like
- An art gallery you’ve been to
- Art classes you took at school
- How art makes you feel
- Why art is important
- Classical art
- Modern art
- Drawings
- Artwork in cartoons or comics
- Anything else you can think of
If You Don’t Like Art
No problem if you don’t like art. Just say that you don’t. And say why you don’t.
Then you could also talk about:
- What kind of art you don’t like
- If you liked art in the past
- If you’d like to learn more about art
- How you understand why other people like art (or not)
- Someone you know who likes art
- A time in the past when you say some art, what you thought about it
- Something you prefer instead of visual art, and why you like it more (music, movies, plays, acting, dance…)
- Anything else that comes to mind
Focus on Fluency, Not Vocabulary
Part one of the speaking test is supposed to be easy and simple. It’s just to warm you up.
So don’t worry about using very clever vocabulary and grammar in part one.
You can start showing off your vocabulary in part two when you have more time to prepare.
In part one, focus on answering quickly and fluently, without hesitation or (many) mistakes.
It’s best to keep your sentences quite simple and not too long. This way, you are less likely to make mistakes. You’ll also grow in confidence as you speak.
Use the Three-Step YES Method
An excellent method for answering part one questions is the simple YES Method. Just say:
- Your answer (say if you do or don’t like art)
- Explain your answer (say why) or add more details
- Stop talking (wait patiently for the next question)
Take a look at the following 20 example answers to this question.
‘Yes, I Do’ Answers
1. Yes, I’ve always loved art. My parents used to take me to art galleries in the city center. And even when I was young, I remember that I was very moved by some of the amazing paintings I saw.
2. Yes, I like painting. When I have the chance, I like to paint landscapes. It’s so exciting for me to use all the different colors on the canvas, trying to recreate the scene in front of me.
3. Yes, I do. I’m no good at art myself, but I do love looking at beautiful paintings. I really like Van Gogh’s paintings, like that famous painting Sunflowers, I think it’s called. It’s so cheerful and vivid and lively.
4. I’ve always been a big fan of the artwork in comics. The pictures are so cool and gripping, they really make the stories and characters come to life.
5. Yes, I do. I actually enjoy drawing in my free time. I find it very relaxing and also quite challenging. I especially like to draw people.
6. I quite like modern art. I went to the Tate Modern once, which is a large art gallery for modern artists in London. I found the sculptures and paintings fascinating.
7. I really enjoy the artwork in animated Japanese movies like Spirited Away. I’ve been watching anime since I was little, and I think I prefer animated movies to normal movies.
8. Yes, I like art because it reminds us of how beautiful life can be. I could never be an artist myself, but I admire artists very much. It’s a difficult job.
9. Yes, when I was a child, I always loved art class at school. I used to be quite good, as I recall. I’d love to learn it again one day.
10. I suppose I do like art, yes. I like classical art, especially the sculptures by great artists like Michaelangelo. I’d love to go to Italy and see Michaelangelo’s most famous sculpture, David.
‘No, I Don’t’ Answers
11. No, I’m not interested in art at all. I’m afraid I don’t have time for looking at paintings and things like that. I’m too busy with work and family life.
12. To be honest, I find art quite boring. I’ve been to a few galleries before, but I always wanted to leave after ten minutes. It’s just not for me.
13. No, I don’t really like art myself. But my wife is a big fan of visual art. She has good taste in pictures and she’s decorated our home nicely with many pretty paintings.
14. I’m afraid I’ve never been interested in art. But I can understand how other people like it, all those pictures and paintings look quite fun. I just never got into it, myself.
15. I think art used to be better in the past, but these days modern art is rubbish. It annoys me how stupid it is, so no, I don’t like art anymore.
16. I used to love art at school when I was a kid. But now that I’m grown up, I rarely think about painting and other kinds of arty activities. I just don’t have time.
‘Somewhat’ Answers
17. I kind of like art, I suppose. I have lots of great posters on the walls of my dorm. They’re only pictures of superheroes and scenes from science fiction movies, but I reckon it’s still art.
18. I’m not really sure if I like art or not. Sometimes I see a painting and it’s quite interesting. It really draws me in. But I wouldn’t say I find any art amazing.
19. Sometimes I do. I think I would like to appreciate art more because creative people seem to be happier people. It would be nice to have a hobby like painting or drawing.
20. I’ve started to become more cultured recently. I never really enjoyed art galleries and museums when I was younger, but I’ve visited a few this year, and it was actually quite interesting. I think art is beginning to grow on me.
Now, It’s Your Turn
From these example answers, you can see that you don’t need to say very much.
For part one answers like this, just answer quickly and fluently, and say whatever comes to your mind.
Have a try now, yourself! Ask aloud, “Do you like art?”
Record your answer, so that you can listen back to it.
Think of one way you can make your answer better, then do it again. And again.
Repeat this process a few times. It’s a great way to prepare for a band-seven score in part one of your IELTS Speaking test.
