Discuss the importance of art and creativity in society
Discuss the importance of art and creativity in society.
You should say:
- how art and creativity enrich people's lives
- what forms of art are popular in your culture
- how art can be a means of self-expression and communication
And explain why society should value and support the arts.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Define art broadly, including street art, design and crafts, so you have plenty of concrete examples.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| How art and creativity enrich people's lives | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What forms of art are popular in your culture | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| How art can be a means of self-expression and communication | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain why society should value and support the arts. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
I think art and creativity enrich people's lives in ways that are easy to underestimate. Visiting a gallery, listening to a live performance or even seeing a colourful mural on a grey street can lift people's mood and make them think differently. Creativity is also practical: the same imaginative thinking drives design, technology and problem-solving at work.
In my culture, the most popular art forms are probably film and music, but traditional crafts like pottery and textile weaving are seeing a revival, partly because young people sell handmade work online. Street art has also become popular in the cities, and some neighbourhoods now attract tourists because of it.
Art is also a powerful means of self-expression. People who find it hard to talk about difficult experiences can sometimes express them through painting, writing or music, which is why art therapy is used in hospitals and schools. It allows communication across language barriers too, since anyone can respond to an image or a melody.
For these reasons, I believe society should support the arts through funding for schools, public spaces and young artists. Without that support, art becomes something only wealthy people can access, and society loses a source of innovation and shared identity.
About 203 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- easy to underestimate
- lift people's mood
- seeing a revival
- a means of self-expression
- across language barriers
- a source of innovation
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- In what ways can art inspire social change and activism?
- How can schools foster creativity in students?
- Do you believe that everyone has the potential to be creative?
- What role does art play in preserving cultural heritage?
- How can art contribute to individual well-being and mental health?
- What are the benefits of exposing children to various forms of art?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.