Art and Music
Describe a piece of artwork that you have seen before.
You should say:
- Where you saw it
- What it was about
- When you saw it
- And explain how you felt about it.
Model Answer
Today I would like to tell you about one of the most well-known paintings in the world, which is also my personal favourite, the portrait of Mona Lisa.
You know, the painting was created by Leonardo da Vinci, the famous Italian artist from the 15th century. When I first saw this painting in one of my high school textbooks, I just couldn’t take my eyes off it due to some mysterious attractiveness.
At first sight, all I noticed in the painting was a long-haired woman with a friendly smile on her face, which was quite round, and she had no eyebrows either. The more I looked at it though, the more I felt like she was actually smiling at me.
Some people have claimed that Mona Lisa was simply an imaginary character while others have believed that she was actually Leonardo’s wife. Honestly, it doesn’t really matter to me though because I think that the Mona Lisa is a masterpiece that attracts people with that magical smile. This is also one of the main reasons why I am a fan of the painting.
In terms of the actual truths behind this portrait though, I guess we may never know, but I think that secrets make everything all the more intriguing.
Vocabulary Highlights
- portrait – a picture of someone’s face
- couldn’t take my eyes off it – when something is so interesting or beautiful that you can’t stop looking at it
- mysterious attractiveness – when something is beautiful but you cannot explain why
- at first sight – the first time you look or see something
- imaginary – something that is not real, and only exists in someone’s mind
- masterpiece – a work of art such as a painting, film or book that is made with great skill
Describe a kind of music or a song
You should say:
- What kind of music it is
- Where you usually listen to it
- Why you like it
- And say what kind of mood this music puts you in.
Model Answer
I like to think of myself as a lover of music that is kind of sentimental and romantic. I love to listen to many different music genres, but the one that I particularly enjoy the most is ballads. It is the genre that consists of slow tempo, sad vibes and heart-breaking lyrics.
I usually listen to these kinds of song on my computer or on my MP3 player with my headphones on, so you can basically see me listening to ballads pretty much all of the time, and just about anywhere. I am quite a sensitive guy, so whenever I feel sad, I just turn on my MP3 player and let the melody express my feelings.
Ballads give me a sense of nostalgia, and make me remember about wonderful memories from the past with special people. Every time a ballad is played, I remember my childhood, the sweet memories and the reckless moments I had with my friends, my ex-lovers and my family. This genre is the key that opens up the door to my past. I love it with all of my heart.
This music puts me in a sad yet charming mood. I feel sad that the past days are gone and yet I wonder about the many future moments I’ll have with special people. Furthermore, if I fall asleep while listening to a ballad, I can dream of those memories and feel slightly happy when I wake up. It really has everything that I seek for when it comes to a music genre.
Vocabulary Highlights
- sentimental – related to feelings or emotions
- genres – a particular style or subject of something
- tempo – the speed of something
- vibes – energy, mood or feeling that something or someone has
- nostalgia – happy or sad feelings related to something from the past
- reckless – to not be careful
- opens up the door to my past – helps me to remember the past
- charming – very nice or pleasant