PART 1: OLD BUILDINGS
- Have you ever seen some old buildings in the city?
Absolutely, I’ve seen several old buildings in the city. One that stands out is an old church with stunning Gothic architecture. It’s fascinating to see how well-preserved it is despite its age. - Do you think we should keep old buildings in cities?
Yes, I definitely think we should keep old buildings in cities. They’re not just structures; they’re living pieces of history that tell the story of a community. Old buildings have architectural beauty and cultural significance that modern buildings often lack. They connect us to https://www.shotbykatiegunz.com/photography/ our past and provide a sense of identity and continuity in rapidly changing urban landscapes. - Do you prefer living in an old building or a modern house?
I prefer living in a modern house because it typically offers better amenities, energy efficiency, and a more practical layout. However, I do appreciate the charm and character of old buildings and enjoy visiting them.
PART 2:
Describe an impressive work of art you saw
You should say:
Where did you first see the artist
What the painting is about
Who the painter is
And explain why you enjoy it.
Answer:
I’d like to tell you about an impressive Vietnamese artwork called ‘The Girl with a Lily’ by a renowned Vietnamese artist To Ngoc Van. I first encountered this beautiful painting during a visit to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi. The museum houses an extensive collection of Vietnamese art, and this particular piece caught my attention immediately. The artwork depicts a young Vietnamese woman dressed in a traditional ao dai, delicately holding a white lily. What makes this painting so striking is the way To Ngoc Van captures the essence of Vietnamese femininity – soft, elegant, and deeply introspective.
To Ngoc Van was a pivotal figure in Vietnamese art during the early to mid-20th century. He is known for his ability to capture the essence of Vietnamese culture and identity through his paintings. To Ngoc Van’s works often feature women in traditional attire, and he is praised for his delicate use of color and light, as well as his attention to detail. ‘The Girl with a Lily’ is a perfect example of this unique artistic approach.
I enjoy “The Girl with a Lily” for several reasons. Firstly, the painting’s delicate and harmonious color palette creates a sense of calm and elegance that is very appealing. Secondly, the subject matter is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, and the painting beautifully captures the grace and poise of Vietnamese women. Lastly, To Ngoc Van’s skillful technique and his ability to convey emotion and character through his art make this painting a true masterpiece.
Seeing this artwork was truly a transformative experience. It’s not just a painting, but a window into the soul of Vietnam.
PART 3:
● What are the differences between painting and drawing?
Painting and drawing are both forms of visual art, but they differ in their techniques and mediums. Drawing typically involves using tools like pencils, charcoal, or ink and often focuses on lines and contours. Painting, on the other hand, uses brushes and pigments, such as oil or watercolor, to apply color to a surface like canvas. Painting allows for a broader range of textures and color blending.
● Why do some people keep a painting for a long time
People often keep paintings for a long time because they hold sentimental value to them. A painting might remind them of a special moment, a loved one, or an important place. Additionally, some people keep paintings because of their aesthetic appeal or because they are valuable investments that can appreciate over time.
● How does building style affect people’s lives?
Building style can significantly impact people’s lives in various ways. First of all, the design and layout of a building can influence how people interact with the space and with each other. For example, modern, open-plan designs can encourage social interaction and collaboration, while traditional layouts may offer more privacy and quiet. Additionally, building styles can affect the overall aesthetic and cultural atmosphere of a neighborhood or city.
● What is the meaning of what they draw? What do they often draw?
Drawings can hold different meanings depending on the artist’s intentions and the context. Some people draw to capture the beauty of the natural world, while others might use drawing as a form of self-expression or to communicate ideas. Common themes in drawings include nature, human figures, urban scenes, and abstract concepts.
● How do young people share art?
Young people today have various platforms to share their art. Social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are popular for showcasing artwork to a wide audience. Additionally, platforms like Patreon have also enabled artists to monetize their work, turning art sharing into potential career opportunities.
WORD LIST
● Stands out: Nổi bật
● Gothic architecture: Kiến trúc Gothic
● Architectural beauty: Vẻ đẹp kiến trúc
● Urban landscapes: Cảnh quan đô thị
● Caught my attention: Thu hút sự chú ý của tôi
● Vietnamese femininity: Vẻ nữ tính của con người Việt Nam
● Deeply introspective: Tự suy ngẫm sâu sắc
● Traditional attire: Trang phục truyền thống
● The grace and poise of Vietnamese women: Sự duyên dáng và thanh lịch của phụ nữ Việt Nam
● A true masterpiece: Một kiệt tác đích thực
● Visual art: Nghệ thuật thị giác
● Color blending: Sự pha trộn màu sắc
● Hold sentimental value: Có giá trị về mặt tình cảm
● Aesthetic appeal: Sức hấp dẫn thẩm mỹ
● Open-plan designs: Thiết kế không gian mở
● Abstract concepts: Khái niệm trừu tượng

