Warm-Up Video

Watch this talk about the surprising role of art and creativity in human life.

Art video

Reflection Questions

  1. What kind of art do you enjoy most — painting, photography, sculpture, music?
  2. Do you think everyone is creative? Or is creativity a special talent?
  3. Have you ever visited an art gallery or museum that moved you? What did you see?
  4. Should art be accessible to everyone, or is it OK if some art is only for specialists?

Exercise 1 · Reading Gap-Fill

Word bank:A) exhibitionB) abstractC) canvasD) sculptureE) gallery

Art takes many forms. A painter works on a to create pictures, while a sculptor creates a from stone or metal. Most artists want their work to be shown in a or an . art — which does not represent real objects — is often controversial: some love it, others find it meaningless.

Exercise 2 · Vocabulary

the surface a painter works on:
a 3D artwork from stone or metal:
not representing real-world objects:
a place where art is displayed:
a public show of artwork:
a painting of a person:
a painting of the countryside or scenery:

Exercise 3 · Common Expressions

a _____ of art (something perfect or beautiful)

paint a _____ (describe a situation clearly)

a stroke of _____ (a brilliant, inspired idea)

read between the _____ (find the hidden meaning)

a _____ slate (a fresh start with nothing from the past)

Exercise 4 · Grammar Focus

Complete each sentence with the correct modal verb for speculation: must, might, could, can't.

(Hint: "must" = almost certain; "can't" = almost certainly not; "might/could" = possible but uncertain)

This painting _____ be very old — look at the cracked paint and the style.

It _____ be an original — it's far too cheap for a famous painting.

The style _____ be influenced by Picasso — there are some similarities.

She _____ be a professional artist — her technique is incredibly skilled.

Speaking Practice

🎨 Your favourite art
What kind of art do you enjoy? Painting, photography, street art, music? Is there a specific artist you admire?
🤔 Abstract art
Do you like abstract art? Can anyone really judge if it's good or bad? Is art subjective?
💰 Art and money
Is it strange that some paintings sell for millions? What makes art valuable? Is price a measure of quality?
🖼️ Art museums
Have you been to an art museum recently? Should museums be free? Do you think art is accessible to everyone?
🎭 Art and society
Does art have a responsibility to reflect society or challenge it? Can art change the world?
🧠 Are you creative?
Do you consider yourself a creative person? Is creativity a skill that can be learned?
🏙️ Street art
Is graffiti art or vandalism? Should cities allow more street art? Do you have any in your city?
🤖 AI art
Can AI create real art? Is AI-generated art a threat to human artists? Does it matter how art is made?