IELTS Speaking · Part 3
Art and creativity: IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
Art and creativity is a common IELTS Speaking Part 3 discussion theme. After the Part 2 long turn, the examiner explores broader, abstract questions on the topic. This guide groups real practice questions from concrete to abstract, explains how to tackle each question type, and gives the vocabulary and linking language to answer with depth.
Discussion questions
The examiner usually opens the discussion with: "Why do you think people are drawn to art?", then works up from concrete to abstract.
Warm-up (concrete)
What role does art play in people's everyday lives?
Opinion
Development (societal)
Is creativity something people are born with, or can it be taught?
EvaluationHow important do you think art is in a child's education?
Opinion
Depth (abstract & hypothetical)
Should governments spend public money supporting the arts?
OpinionWhy do you think some forms of art are valued more than others?
Cause & effectHow might technology change the way art is created in the future?
SpeculationIf art were removed from schools entirely, what would be lost?
HypothesisCan something created by a machine really be called art?
Evaluation
Useful vocabulary for this theme
Band 7+ language for discussing art and creativity.
- think outside the box
- approach a problem in an original way
- “The best designers always think outside the box.”
- a creative outlet
- an activity through which you express creativity
- “Painting is my main creative outlet after work.”
- an eye for detail
- the ability to notice small, fine points
- “You really need an eye for detail to be a good photographer.”
- let your imagination run wild
- allow yourself to be freely imaginative
- “When I'm sketching, I just let my imagination run wild.”
- a work of art
- a genuinely beautiful, skilful creation
- “The mural downtown is a real work of art.”