IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Practice (Arts)

How the drill works

1. Record your answer. You hear the question, start recording on your phone, and answer when the timer starts.
2. Learn useful words for that question, with an example for each.
3. Learn one grammar pattern and make your own sentence with it.
4. Hear two sample answers: an extrovert (a more outgoing speaker) and an introvert.
5. Get one pronunciation tip.
6. Record again and listen to both of your answers.
7. Drill the key words: listen and repeat, shadowing, fill the gap, and say it with the pattern.
8. Take a mock test with the examiner, then check the recap.

Pause the video whenever you see the pause sign. The more you do, the more you’ll improve.

Question 1

Do you like drawing? Why or why not?

Words: sketch, chill out, creative juices, eye-catching

Pattern (say what matters to you): For me, it’s more about ___ than ___ .

• For me, it’s more about fun than perfection.
• For me, it’s more about relaxing than winning.

Extrovert: “Yeah, I enjoy sketching when I have time. It helps me chill out, and let my creative juices flow. I like drawing eye-catching cartoon characters. So for me, it’s more about fun than perfection.”

Introvert: “Yes, I find drawing really calming. I often sketch small scenes while I listen to music. It’s a quiet activity, and it sparks my creative juices. For me, it’s more about relaxing than being perfect.”

Pronunciation tip (end sounds): sketch → “sketCH”, not “sket” (say the end sound clearly).

Question 2

Do you want to visit an art gallery or museum? Why or why not?

Words: vibe, take your time, appreciate

Pattern (something you want to do): I’d love to ___ .

• I’d love to visit a big museum.
• I’d love to see some modern art.

Extrovert: “Yeah, definitely! I love the calm vibe in galleries. I like to take my time, look at each painting, and really appreciate the art. So yes, I’d love to visit a big museum soon.”

Introvert: “Yes, I’d love to. Museums are usually quiet, so I can take my time and look at things slowly. It’s a nice, relaxing way to spend a weekend.”

Pronunciation tip (word stress): museum → “mew-ZEE-um”, not “MEW-zee-um” (stress the second syllable).

Question 3

What are the differences between traditional and modern art?

Words: realistic, abstract, bold, break the rules

Pattern (compare two things): ___ , while ___ .

• Traditional art is detailed, while modern art is bold.
• My dad likes paintings, while I prefer photos.

Extrovert: “Traditional art is usually realistic, like paintings of people or flowers, while modern art is more abstract and bold. Modern artists love to break the rules. Personally, I enjoy both, but modern art is more fun to look at.”

Introvert: “Traditional art is usually realistic and detailed, while modern art can be quite abstract. To be honest, I don’t always understand modern art, but I think both are interesting in their own way.”

Pronunciation tip (word stress): abstract art → “AB-stract” (stress the first syllable).

Question 4

Do you want to be an artist? Why or why not?

Words: creative juices, turn it into a career, chill out

Pattern (say what’s difficult): It’s not easy to ___ .

• It’s not easy to make money from art.
• It’s not easy to share my work.

Extrovert: “To be honest, I’ve thought about it. I love expressing myself, and being an artist would let my creative juices flow. But it’s not easy to turn it into a career. So for now, it’s just a hobby I enjoy.”

Introvert: “Not really. I admire artists, but it’s not easy to share my work with others. I prefer sketching quietly, and using art as a way to chill out.”

Pronunciation tip (word stress): career → “ca-REER”, not “CA-rrier” (stress the second syllable).

All 4 questions: words and patterns

Practise it yourself

1. Record yourself answering all four questions without looking at this page.
2. Listen back. Did you use a pattern and at least one new word in each answer?
3. Try this routine with any Part 1 topic: record, learn, drill, and test yourself. Then try the practice question below.