This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 12 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 2 Test 4 question:
“Do you ever draw or paint pictures now? [Why/why not?]”
Sample 1: Yes
Yes, I often find myself sketching or painting. The primary reason for this is the therapeutic effect it has on me. After a stressful day, I find that concentrating on the details of a picture allows my mind to shift focus from tension-filled thoughts. Essentially, it offers me a mental respite and helps to maintain my overall well-being.
Sample 2: Yes
Indeed, I do take pleasure in drafting landscapes and painting natural scenery. Living in a rural area, I’m surrounded by the beauty of nature, which constantly inspires me. I find that portraying these scenes on canvas helps me appreciate the intricacies of the natural world around me. It’s a simple yet profound way to connect more deeply with the environment.
Sample 3: Yes
Certainly, I do. As a graphic designer, it’s essential for me to keep practicing and honing my skills. Drawing and painting digitally are part of my daily tasks. I create visuals for various platforms, and the process often requires a good understanding of basic sketching and painting techniques. Thus, it’s not just a hobby, but a crucial aspect of my profession.
Sample 4: Yes
Absolutely, I’ve recently started to dabble in drawing and painting again. As a youngster, I was fond of creating art but due to the demands of adult life, it was pushed to the back burner. However, in recent times, I’ve rediscovered the joy it brings, and it’s become a cherished hobby that connects me to my younger self.
Sample 5: Yes
Definitely, I do. I’ve spent years creating digital art for various online platforms. These could be anything from custom illustrations for websites, to emotes and banners for streamers, or even book covers for self-published authors. This not only provides me with a steady stream of supplementary income but also allows me to adapt and grow in the digital age, keeping my skills relevant and in demand.
Sample 6: No
Regrettably, I’m not able to afford any time for sketching or creating artwork these days. It’s not that I’m devoid of artistic inclination, but my professional commitments often take precedence over personal hobbies, and hence, it’s become increasingly challenging to carve out time for such leisure activities.
Sample 7: No
No, I don’t find myself engaged in painting or sketching these days. It’s not that I lack an appreciation for the art form; rather, my artistic abilities don’t quite match up with my aspirations. I’ve tried my hand at it time and again, but the end results were always less impressive than I’d hoped for. Recognizing the mismatch between my skill level and my vision, I’ve redirected my energy toward areas where my strengths are more pronounced.
Sample 8: No
In this digital age, I find myself less inclined to traditional forms of art like painting or drawing. This is largely due to the advent of generative artificial intelligence programs that have revolutionized the art scene. These AI tools, equipped with advanced algorithms, can generate stunning pieces of art with minimal input, making the process more accessible and less time-consuming. I find myself intrigued by this intersection of technology and creativity, and it’s here where I prefer to exercise my artistic inclinations.
Sample 9: No
Actually, I do not engage in creating drawings or paintings in my current routine. My interests and strengths have always skewed towards the analytical and mathematical side of the spectrum. I find a certain beauty in the precision and logic of numbers and equations, much like how an artist might appreciate the subtleties of hues and strokes. This natural predisposition towards mathematics has led my interests elsewhere, away from the world of traditional visual art.
Sample 10: No
I’m afraid I don’t have the luxury of time to draw or paint presently. As a doctoral student, my schedule is inundated with academic tasks. Between conducting research, writing my dissertation, and teaching assistantships, my days are often filled to the brim. While I do appreciate the beauty and tranquility that art can offer, my current academic commitments take precedence.




