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The Arts Vocabulary for IELTS

On this page you will find the arts vocabulary. This could come up as an essay question (see the link to a model essay at the bottom of the page) as well as in the other modules of the test.

The arts include the visual arts such as what you see in art galleries (i.e. paintings, scuptures), the literary arts like books, and the performing arts - for example: music, theatre, dance and film.

The arts vocabulary found here will help you write about the topic, or talk about it in the test. It may also help with your reading if these topics come up.

And don't forget that there is a sample essay at the end for you to view that uses The Arts Vocabulary.

Useful Arts Vocabulary for IELTS

vocabulary the arts

Classical

Music that is considered part of a long, especially formal tradition, and to be of lasting value.

  • I prefer classical music such as Mozart and Bach to modern-day pop music.

Creative

Relating to or involving the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.

  • He is an incredibly creative person—he's written many books and plays and can paint as well.

Display

A collection of objects or pictures arranged for people to look at, or a performance or show for people to watch.

  • Jackson Pollock's most famous paintings are on display at the Tate Modern Art Gallery in London for 10 days.

Exhibition

An event at which objects such as paintings are shown to the public.

  • There will be an exhibition at the weekend to show all of his latest paintings.
  • His paintings were exhibited at the local art gallery over the weekend.

Festival

An organized set of special events, such as musical, art, or film performances.

  • The Cannes Film Festival has some great movies this year.
  • The local council organises a music festival in my town every year.

Genre

A category of art, music, or literature characterised by a particular style, form, or content.

  • His favourite genre of music is jazz, but he also enjoys classical and rock.
  • The film genre of horror has become extremely popular in recent years.

Inspired

To be filled with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.

  • Shakespeare’s plays have inspired many young people to take up writing and acting.
  • His method of acting really inspires me.

Literature

Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit, including novels, plays, poetry, and essays.

  • Shakespeare's plays are considered some of the most influential works in English literature, shaping drama and storytelling for centuries.
  • The study of world literature allows students to explore diverse cultures and perspectives through classic and contemporary texts.

Musical

A play or film in which part of the story is sung to music (noun). OR A skill in or great liking for music (adjective).

  • "The Phantom of the Opera" is one of the best musicals that I have ever seen.
  • Everyone in the family can play an instrument—they are very musical.

Opera

An art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and music, usually in a theatre.

  • Opera is not very popular amongst young people these days.

Performance

A show or action involving the entertaining of other people by dancing, singing, acting, or playing music.

  • His performance as Macbeth was amazing.
  • There will be a performance of a famous play at the Lyceum Theatre tonight.

Sculpture

The art of making two- or three-dimensional representative or abstract forms, especially by carving stone or wood.

  • The museum has many life-sized sculptures of past Kings and Queens of England.

Theatre

A building, room, or outdoor structure with rows of seats, each row usually higher than the one in front, from which people can watch a performance or other activity.

  • My hometown does not have any theatres. There are many in the capital though.

The Arts

Art forms created by humans, divided into visual, literary, and performing.

  • The government should not waste money on the arts. This should be spent on public services instead.

Visual Arts

A form of art that primarily focuses on the creation of visual works such as painting, sculpture, photography, and other visual mediums.

  • The visual arts are often taught in schools as a way to express creativity.

View a model essay that uses the arts vocabulary:

The Arts Essay

More Topic Related Vocabulary:


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