Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a piece of art you like - Cue Card # 650
- Details
- Last Updated: Wednesday, 21 May 2025 00:19
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 31086
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a piece of art (for example, a painting, sculpture, drawing, etc.) you like.
You should say:
- what it is
- when you first saw it or learned about it
- what you know about it
and explain why you like this piece of art so much.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
A piece of art I really like is a brilliant work by the world-famous painter, Pablo Picasso, and the name of it is “Guernica (1937)”. I saw it for the first time at one of my country’s leading museums back in about ten years ago, but, I wasn’t exactly sure how to fully understand and appreciate the painting at that time. Then, as I started to take a “Spanish” language class and started to learn a little about the history of Spain in the process, the famous painting started to present a much clearer picture to me.
The painting is about the “city of Guernica” which was bombed by Nazi Germany planes during the Spanish civil war in 1937. The painting, in essence, has become a very famous symbol of anti-war indictment by depicting the horrors and tragedies of war in a perfect manner. In fact, “Guernica” is considered to be one of the Spanish Masterworks.
Apart from capturing a very historical event so nicely, what I really like about this painting is that it is full of many symbols, and yet, its main theme, which is about the sufferings of humans and animals alike, has been depicted very masterfully. Besides, the overwhelming size of the painting, which is about eleven feet tall and 25 feet wide, will make you feel like it wraps around you as if you are immersed in the action in real life. Of course, it wouldn’t feel surreal, in my opinion, without the mastery of a perfect colour combination where a contrasting colour of black and white has been used on the surface of the painting in order to create some dramatic intensity.
Finally, the unique thing that I really like about this painting is that the symbols, presented in this oil painting, are open for public interpretation. In other words, one will need to interpret the symbols as they deem fit in order to understand their “exclusive meaning”. But does it really have some meaning other than the fact that this painting is still very relevant today, with wars still being fought around the world?
Model Answer 2:
Well, a piece of art that I particularly admire is "Café Terrace at Night" by Vincent van Gogh. I first saw this captivating painting during a visit to an art museum a few years ago, and it left a lasting impression on me.
"Café Terrace at Night" depicts a bustling outdoor café illuminated by warm, vibrant colours under a starry night sky. The scene is alive with energy as patrons mingle and enjoy their drinks, while the café's yellow façade glows in the lamplight, creating a sense of warmth and cosiness. Van Gogh's distinctive brushwork and use of bold, swirling strokes infuse the painting with a sense of movement and vitality, drawing the viewer into the scene.
What I find particularly intriguing about this piece of art is its unique perspective and the way van Gogh captures the ambience and atmosphere of the café. The contrast between the cool blues of the night sky and the warm yellows of the café creates a striking visual contrast that adds depth and dimension to the painting.
Moreover, "Café Terrace at Night" reflects van Gogh's fascination with capturing everyday scenes and moments of life. Through his expressive style and use of colour, he transforms a simple café scene into a vibrant and enchanting tableau that invites viewers to immerse themselves in the bustling energy of the night.
Overall, I admire "Café Terrace at Night" not only for its aesthetic beauty but also for the emotions and atmosphere it evokes. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to transport us to different times and places, allowing us to experience moments of joy, contemplation, and wonder.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a piece of art that you like. It can be anything from a famous painting to a sculpture or a drawing. To make your answer great, explain what the art piece is, when and how you first encountered it, what you know about it, and why it resonates with you. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response:
1. The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci:
I first saw the Mona Lisa in a history textbook, and later I had the opportunity to see it in person at the Louvre in Paris. It’s a famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci, known for the subject's enigmatic smile and the use of sfumato. I like this painting because of the mysterious aura it carries, and I admire Da Vinci’s technique and mastery of light and shadow. The Mona Lisa continues to captivate me due to its subtle details and timeless beauty.
2. The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh:
I was introduced to The Starry Night when I studied art history in school. It’s one of van Gogh’s most famous paintings, known for its vibrant swirls of blue, yellow, and white. I love this painting because it conveys a sense of motion and emotion through its swirling skies and dynamic brushstrokes. The painting evokes a sense of peace and wonder, and I admire the boldness with which van Gogh expressed his inner world.
3. David by Michelangelo:
I first learned about Michelangelo’s David during a visit to the Accademia Gallery in Florence. This famous sculpture represents the biblical hero David, depicted in a moment of contemplation before facing Goliath. I admire this piece of art because of Michelangelo’s incredible attention to detail and the lifelike quality of the marble. The sculpture represents strength, courage, and the beauty of the human form, making it one of my favourites.
4. The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí:
I first saw The Persistence of Memory in an art book. This surrealist painting features melting clocks draped over barren landscapes. I like this painting because it challenges our perceptions of time and reality. Dalí’s use of dream-like imagery and bizarre symbolism fascinates me, and I appreciate how the painting pushes the boundaries of conventional art.
5. The Kiss by Gustav Klimt:
I encountered The Kiss by Gustav Klimt in an art museum during a trip to Vienna. This golden masterpiece depicts a couple in an intimate embrace, covered in intricate patterns. I love this painting for its richness in colour and texture, as well as its depiction of love and sensuality. The use of gold leaf and the symbolic nature of the painting make it a stunning piece of art.
6. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer:
I first saw Girl with a Pearl Earring in an art gallery in The Hague. This painting, often referred to as the “Mona Lisa of the North,” features a young girl wearing an exotic dress and a pearl earring. I love how the girl’s expression seems to capture a moment of deep thought or mystery, and the soft light in the painting enhances its emotional depth. Vermeer’s use of light and shadow creates a timeless, intimate atmosphere.
7. The Scream by Edvard Munch:
The Scream is a painting that I first saw in a museum in Oslo, Norway. The image of a figure screaming in front of a turbulent sky captures feelings of anxiety and existential dread. I find this painting compelling because it resonates with the universal emotions of fear and despair, and I admire Munch’s ability to convey such powerful feelings through colour and distortion.
8. Water Lilies by Claude Monet:
I first saw Monet’s Water Lilies series during an art exhibition in Paris. The series features beautiful, serene scenes of water lilies floating on a pond, with light reflecting off the water. I like these paintings because of their calming effect and the way Monet captures the fluidity of nature. The use of light and colour in these works creates a sense of tranquillity and harmony.
9. Guernica by Pablo Picasso:
I learned about Guernica during my studies in modern art. This large mural is Picasso’s response to the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War. I admire this painting because of its powerful anti-war message, conveyed through fragmented forms and chaotic imagery. The use of black, white, and grey adds to the sombre tone of the painting, and it remains one of Picasso’s most impactful works.
10. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo:
I first encountered The Creation of Adam on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. The painting depicts God reaching out to touch Adam’s finger, symbolising the spark of life. I like this piece because of its grandeur and its depiction of human connection with the divine. Michelangelo’s mastery of anatomy and perspective makes this painting an unforgettable masterpiece.
11. The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli:
I first saw The Birth of Venus in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. The painting depicts the goddess Venus emerging from the sea, symbolising beauty and love. I like this piece because of its graceful depiction of the human form and the mythological subject matter. Botticelli’s use of soft colours and flowing lines creates a sense of ethereal beauty and divine femininity.
12. Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by Pablo Picasso:
Les Demoiselles d'Avignon is one of Picasso’s most famous works, which I first saw at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The painting features five female figures in a distorted, cubist style. I admire this piece because it revolutionised the way we think about representation in art. The boldness of Picasso’s approach and the breaking of traditional forms was a game-changer in modern art.
13. The Night Watch by Rembrandt:
I first encountered The Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This large painting depicts a group of civic guards preparing for a mission. I like this painting because of its dramatic use of light and shadow, as well as its lively composition. Rembrandt’s ability to capture movement and emotion in such a large group of figures is truly impressive.
14. The School of Athens by Raphael:
I first saw The School of Athens at the Vatican Museums. This fresco features famous philosophers and scholars of the ancient world, including Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates. I admire this painting because of its intellectual and artistic depth. The perspective and symmetry are remarkable, and it’s a celebration of knowledge and philosophy that resonates with me.
15. American Gothic by Grant Wood:
American Gothic is a painting I first saw in a museum in Iowa. The painting depicts a stern-looking farmer and his daughter standing in front of a farmhouse. I like this piece because it captures the essence of rural American life with its simplicity and strength. The stoic expressions of the figures and the detailed portrayal of the house make it an iconic representation of American values and resilience.
What is Art? What is considered an art?
Art, at its core, is a boundless spectrum of human activity and expression. It's a way for individuals to communicate emotions, ideas, and experiences that transcend verbal language, using skill and imagination to create something that can be perceived and appreciated by others. From prehistoric cave paintings to cutting-edge digital installations, art has been a constant companion to human civilisation, evolving with societies and reflecting their values, beliefs, and aspirations.
Art is broadly categorised into several forms, each offering a unique medium for creative output:
1. Visual Arts:
These are art forms that are primarily visual in nature, relying on elements like line, colour, shape, form, texture, and composition to convey ideas, emotions, and narratives.
Painting: Painting is the art of applying pigments (or colourants or paint) to a surface to create images, forms, or expressions.
Example: Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa".
Sculpture: This three-dimensional art form involves shaping materials such as stone, metal, wood, or clay to create figures or abstract forms.
Example: Michelangelo's "David", a monumental marble statue epitomising the Renaissance ideal of human perfection.
Drawing: Often serving as a foundational skill for other art forms, drawing uses various tools like pencils, charcoal, or ink to create images on a surface.
Example: Vincent van Gogh's "The Potato Eaters" sketches, revealing the raw emotions and daily lives of his subjects.
Photography: The art, application, and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film, or electronically by means of an image sensor.
Example: Ansel Adams' "Moonrise", "Hernandez", "New Mexico".
Architecture: Though often considered a practical discipline, architecture is fundamentally an art form concerned with designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures.
Example: The Sydney Opera House, an iconic example of modern architectural expression.
2. Performing Arts:
These are art forms where artists use their bodies, voices, or instruments to convey narratives, emotions, or ideas in a live setting, experienced over time through movement and sound.
Music: A universal language, music is the art of arranging sounds in time through elements like melody, harmony, rhythm, and timbre.
Example: Beethoven's "Symphony No. 5", a timeless classical composition celebrated for its dramatic power.
Dance: This art form involves intentional movements of the human body, often to music, to express emotions, tell stories, or perform rituals.
Example: A classical ballet performance of "Swan Lake", showcasing intricate choreography and expressive movement.
Theatre: A collaborative art form where live performers present the experience of a real or imagined event before a live audience. It combines elements of literature, acting, set design, and often music.
Example: William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" - a classic play known for its profound themes and complex characters.
3. Literary Arts:
These forms of art primarily involve the written or spoken word, using language to create narratives, express ideas, and evoke emotions.
Poetry: A form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language – such as phonaesthetics, sound symbolism, and metre - to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, a prosaic ostensible meaning.
Example: Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" - a widely celebrated poem exploring themes of choice and destiny.
Prose (Fiction & Non-fiction): This encompasses written works that are not poetry, including novels, short stories, essays, and memoirs. It allows for detailed storytelling and exploration of complex ideas.
Example (Fiction): Leo Tolstoy's "War and Peace", a sprawling novel that blends historical events with fictional narratives.
Example (Non-fiction): Anne Frank's "The Diary of a Young Girl", offering a poignant personal account of her experiences during wartime.
4. Applied Arts & New Media:
These categories often blend artistic expression with practical function or leverage modern technology for creation and dissemination.
Applied Arts: These are arts that apply design and decoration to everyday objects to make them aesthetically pleasing. This includes fields like industrial design, graphic design, fashion design, and ceramics.
Example: A beautifully designed chair by Charles and Ray Eames, combining comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
New Media and Digital Art: This emerging category uses digital technologies, software, and algorithms to create dynamic and interactive experiences. It encompasses digital painting, interactive installations, virtual reality experiences, and generative art.
Example: A virtual reality artwork that allows viewers to explore a fantastical, interactive digital world.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a beloved piece of art, using evocative vocabulary can vividly portray its characteristics, your initial encounter, and your personal connection to it. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate the aesthetic qualities and emotional impact of the artwork, making your response both insightful and engaging. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Masterpiece: – A work of outstanding artistry, skill, or workmanship.
Example: It's truly a masterpiece, capturing a complex human emotion.
Evocative: – Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind.
Example: The painting is incredibly evocative, prompting deep reflection.
Aesthetic: – Concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty.
Example: Its aesthetic appeal lies in its intricate details and vibrant colours.
Visual narrative: – A story told through images or visual elements.
Example: The artwork tells a compelling visual narrative that unfolds as you observe it.
Symbolic meaning: – A deeper, often hidden, significance that something represents.
Example: I'm fascinated by the rich symbolic meaning embedded within the piece.
Brushstrokes: – The way in which a painter applies paint with a brush.
Example: You can almost feel the artist's emotion through the dynamic brushstrokes.
Captivated by its beauty: – Strongly attracted to and held by its attractiveness.
Example: I was immediately captivated by its sheer beauty and intricate design.
Resonates deeply with me: – Has a strong emotional or personal connection with me.
Example: The themes explored in the sculpture resonate deeply with my own experiences.
Thought-provoking: – Making you think seriously about a particular subject or issue.
Example: It's a truly thought-provoking piece that encourages endless interpretation.
Transcends time: – Goes beyond the limits of time; remains relevant or impactful across different eras.
Example: This ancient artefact truly transcends time with its enduring message.
Unique artistic vision: – A distinctive and original way of seeing and expressing ideas through art.
Example: The artist's unique artistic vision is evident in every detail of the work.
A profound impact: – A significant and lasting effect.
Example: The first time I saw it, it had a profound impact on my understanding of art.
Meticulous craftsmanship: – Very careful and precise skill in creating something.
Example: The meticulous craftsmanship of the sculpture is absolutely astounding.
Stirred my imagination: – Stimulated my creative thoughts and ideas.
Example: The painting's mystery and depth immediately stirred my imagination.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a piece of art (for example, a painting, sculpture, drawing, etc.) you like", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a famous painting or drawing you like.
2) Describe a sculpture or monument you have seen and liked.
3) Describe a painting or artwork you would like to have at home.
4) Describe an art exhibition or art show you have visited.
5) Describe a creative person you know.
6) Describe a person who you think is creative.
Report