Describe A Painting That You Like: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where and when did you see the painting?
What does it look like?
Explain why did you like it?
How did you feel about the painting?

36 unique answers with expert feedback

What emotions does the painting evoke for you?

The painting evokes a deep sense of love and loyalty for me. Every time I look at it, I feel connected to the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz, which reminds me of the importance of love and commitment in relationships.

How has your mother's painting influenced your view on art?

My mother's painting has greatly influenced my appreciation for art. It shows me how personal experiences and emotions can be expressed through creativity, and it inspires me to value the stories behind artworks.

Do you think art can convey emotions effectively?

Absolutely! Art has a unique ability to convey emotions that words sometimes cannot express. A painting can capture feelings and stories, allowing viewers to connect with the artist's intent and experience their emotions.

Band 6-7

00:00

Although, I like numerous paintings, one of them is special and worth mentioning here. I saw this painting in my school, when I saw this painting, I was surprised and while watching its beauty. The painting is about the pressing problem related to the environmental issues in our society. It is divided into three parts, first part of the painting focus on the air pollution and it depicts that vehicles cause a lot of pollution. One of the right side, there is a solution, switching to the public transportation with the beautiful metro train shown on it. The middle part focuses on the water pollution, showing how plastic bags are damaging and closing our drains and reaching the ocean through various water bodies. The solution provided is banning plastic bags and switching to jute bags. The third and the last one part of the painting is the sound pollution, which shows various vehicles blowing horns and some people playing loud music. The solution provided is an awareness campaign to tell about the adverse effects of the excessive sounds. All in all, this was the painting I liked the most and I am keen into it, because the global warming is the main cause of pollution.

Follow up questions

What emotions did the painting evoke in you?

The painting made me feel a mix of concern and hope. I was concerned about the environmental issues depicted, but hopeful because it also presented solutions. It inspired me to think about how we can all contribute to solving these problems.

How do you think art can influence people's views on environmental issues?

Art has a powerful way of conveying messages and emotions. It can raise awareness and provoke thought about important issues like the environment. A painting like this can inspire viewers to take action and change their behaviors for a better future.

Have you seen any other artworks that address social issues?

Yes, I have seen several artworks that tackle social issues, such as poverty and inequality. Each piece has its unique way of presenting the problem and often includes a call to action, encouraging viewers to reflect on their role in society.

Band 6-7

00:00

I have different hobbies in my life. One of my hobbies is painting and drawing. Here I would like to say about a painting that which I like was almost 10 years ago when I was a kid. At that time me and my family was travelling to Dubai as that was one of our business trips. By the reaching there we had a lot of changes like visiting many tourist places, staying out in different hotels like that. After day 1, I think day 2 we visited a museum there. The work was held only for 2 days. We visited there and we saw many beautiful paintings, many beautiful drawings, many artists, many movies like stage movies which they really performed well. At that time I saw a painting which was drawn by a famous painter named Charles Norbert. The painting was really awesome. I liked the painting because of the colour and the colours which was used in that painting. I was really much excited and happy by seeing that. The painting gives us a mood change like we were in a sad mood or my family all were in a dull phase. By seeing it, it gives us joy to our face. The painting looks like it's a greenery one which consists of everything like mountains, lakes, roadways, flights.

Follow up questions

What emotions do you think paintings can evoke in people?

Paintings can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and happiness to sadness and nostalgia. They can remind us of personal experiences or transport us to different places. The colors, themes, and styles used by the artist play a significant role in how we feel when we look at a painting.

How do you think art influences culture and society?

Art has a profound influence on culture and society as it reflects the values, beliefs, and issues of the time. It can inspire change, provoke thought, and foster community. Through art, people can express their identities and connect with others, making it a powerful tool for social commentary.

Have you ever tried to recreate a painting you liked? How was that experience?

Yes, I have tried to recreate paintings that inspired me. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It helped me appreciate the techniques used by the original artist and allowed me to express my creativity. Although my recreations were not perfect, the process was enjoyable and educational.

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Band 6-7

00:00

Okay, so the painting I like was made by my sibling and it was a portrait of a lady and it took him around a week to complete and I was mesmerized with how much detailing he did in it. Like, it has everything and anything similar and exactly same as the photo of the lady and specially the eyes, it felt like it was real. It's not even on the paper and because he used charcoal pencil, whenever a light reflects on it, it shines, it makes it more pretty, according to me.

Follow up questions

What emotions does the painting evoke for you?

The painting evokes a sense of admiration and pride for my sibling's talent. It also makes me feel nostalgic, as it reminds me of the moments we spent together while he was creating it. The lifelike representation of the lady's eyes adds a layer of depth that stirs my emotions.

How does your sibling's art influence your view on creativity?

My sibling's art has greatly influenced my view on creativity. It shows me that creativity can be expressed in various forms and that dedication to detail can elevate a simple portrait into something extraordinary. It inspires me to appreciate and explore my own creative interests.

Have you ever tried painting or drawing yourself?

Yes, I have tried painting a few times, but I never felt as skilled as my sibling. I enjoy it as a hobby, but I focus more on enjoying the process rather than achieving perfection. It helps me relax and express myself, even if my results aren't as impressive as his.

Band 6-7

00:00

One of the paintings which I have recently liked is the one which my friend has drawn. It is a normal painting with a scenic view, but I personally believe that painting is just not an art, but a way of expressing ourself. I like that painting a lot because it just not only depicted the calmness of the nature, but it also shows the person and the life of a person, how we can relate it to nature. If we talk about the painting, it is a painting with a scenery and a person who is trying to cross the river in his boat. Now frankly speaking, I personally believe it is a kind of painting which depicted my current situation. That is the reason I love the most because that painting shows the loneliness of that person and to be honest, when I saw that painting, I was really down and I was going through a lot in my personal life, so maybe that is the reason it has created a long lasting impact in my mind and my life and that is the reason I still remember that painting. It has not been painted by any great artist like I have mentioned earlier. One of my friend has painted that painting, but as I said, it was one of the most beautiful paintings which I have ever seen because it depicted the personal life of any person looking at that painting.

Follow up questions

What emotions do you feel when you look at that painting?

When I look at that painting, I feel a mix of calmness and sadness. It reminds me of my own struggles and the solitude that can come with them. The serene scenery contrasts with the loneliness of the person in the boat, which resonates deeply with my emotions.

How do you think art can impact our emotions?

Art has a profound ability to evoke emotions and provoke thoughts. It can serve as a mirror to our own experiences, allowing us to connect with our feelings. A painting can inspire hope, reflect sadness, or even bring joy, depending on the viewer's personal context and experiences.

Do you think art should always have a deeper meaning?

While some art can be appreciated for its aesthetic value alone, I believe that deeper meanings enrich our experience. Art that resonates with our personal stories or emotions can create a stronger connection, making it more impactful and memorable.

Show all 36 answers

Cue 1:Where and when did you see the painting?

Begin by describing the location where you first encountered the painting, such as a gallery or a friend's house.
Mention the time frame, whether it was during a specific event, a casual visit, or a school trip.

Example

I first saw the painting at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi during a school trip last year. It was a bright sunny day, and the gallery was filled with students and art enthusiasts, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

Cue 2:What does it look like?

Provide a detailed description of the painting, including colors, shapes, and the overall theme.
Mention any specific elements that stood out to you, such as the style of painting or the emotions it conveys.

Example

The painting is a beautiful landscape featuring a serene lake surrounded by lush green hills. The artist used vibrant blues and greens, which made the scene come alive. There are soft brush strokes that create a dreamy effect, and a small boat can be seen floating on the lake, adding a sense of tranquility.

Cue 3:Explain why you liked it?

Discuss the personal connection you felt with the painting and what it represents to you.
Mention any specific feelings or memories that the painting evoked.

Example

I liked this painting because it reminded me of my childhood trips to the hills with my family. The peacefulness of the scene resonated with me, and it made me feel nostalgic. I appreciate how art can evoke such strong emotions and memories.

Cue 4:How did you feel about the painting?

Share your emotional response to the painting, whether it was joy, calmness, or inspiration.
Explain how the painting impacted your thoughts or feelings about art in general.

Example

Looking at the painting filled me with a sense of calm and happiness. It inspired me to explore more about art and even try painting myself. I realized how powerful art can be in expressing emotions and connecting with people.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, this painting not only captivated me with its beauty but also left a lasting impression on my heart. It serves as a reminder of the peace found in nature and the joy of childhood memories, making it a piece of art that I will always cherish.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Being Vague About Details

Candidates often give vague answers without specific details about the painting. This can make their response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific details about the painting's colors, style, and elements to create a vivid image for the listener.

2: Neglecting Personal Feelings

Some candidates forget to express their personal feelings about the painting, which is crucial for a more heartfelt response.

Tip

Share your emotions and thoughts about the painting, explaining why it resonates with you personally.

Rushing Through the Cues

Candidates often rush through the cues without fully addressing each one, leading to incomplete answers.

Tip

Take your time to address each cue thoroughly, ensuring you provide a well-rounded description and explanation.

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