English for Art
What is English for Art?
“English for Art” refers to specialised English language instruction that develops vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills relevant to visual arts, art history, and related creative fields. Many universities offer academic English courses tailored for students on art degrees, helping them write critical analyses, present artistic concepts, and engage with scholarly debates in the arts.
Describing Artwork (with a practice activity)
A short video on the four elements to include when describing a piece of art.
If you can’t access this YouTube video in your country, go here
Video Worksheet: click here
Describing Artwork
Describing Famous Paintings [new 2025]
This lesson provides students with structured language for describing famous paintings. Using set phrases organised under four categories: general description, style and technique, colours and mood, and personal interpretation, students analyse and describe five famous paintings. Suggested answers and expert commentary are provided for support. EXAMPLE Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Language Phrases for Describing Artwork [new 2025]
When describing art, we usually focus on four areas: general description, style and technique, colours and mood, and personal interpretation. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Grammar in Art Workbook
Grammar in Art Workbook [new 2025]
This 90+ page workbook supports students in practising essential grammar for academic English through the theme of art. Covering key structures such as tenses, passive voice, relative clauses, modals, and conditionals, each unit moves from explanation and sentence-level practice to short academic writing tasks. Activities include matching, gap fills, reordering, and guided paragraph writing with peer feedback checklists to encourage reflection and accuracy. Designed for classroom or self-study use, the workbook helps learners connect grammar practice directly to academic contexts. EXAMPLE WORKBOOK Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Free Grammar in Art Lesson: Present simple [new 2025]
This lesson supports students in practising the present simple tense for academic English through the theme of art. It introduces how the present simple is used to describe facts, routines, general truths, and timeless statements in academic contexts. Activities include matching, gap fills, reordering, and guided paragraph writing with peer feedback checklists to encourage reflection and accuracy. Designed for classroom or self-study use, the workbook helps learners connect grammar practice directly to academic contexts FULL WORKBOOK. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Listenings: English for Art TED-Ed Art Downloads
Mona Lisa
Leonardo da Vinci
The Scream
Edvard Munch
The Black Square
Kazimir Malevich
Guernica
Pablo Picasso
Judith Beheading Holofernes
Artemisia Gentileschi
Why is the Mona Lisa so famous? by TED-Art (2022) [new 2025]
The focus of this 5.19-minute lecture is to examine the reasons behind the Mona Lisa’s extraordinary fame. It begins by introducing Leonardo da Vinci’s artistic achievements and innovations in the painting’s technique. It then looks at the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 and how media attention boosted its status. Finally, it considers how reproductions, pop culture, and modern tourism have helped maintain its global reputation. The worksheet includes short-answer questions, matching tasks, gap fill, and critical thinking prompts. Level ***** [B2/C1] Video [05.19] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
*
Why is “The Scream” screaming? by TED-Ed Art (2024) [new 2025]
The focus of this 5-minute lecture is to explain the history and meaning of Edvard Munch’s The Scream. It begins with the artist’s personal life and events that shaped his emotional expression. It then explores the painting’s composition, symbolism, and colour choices, highlighting how Munch conveyed anxiety and human vulnerability. Finally, it discusses the painting’s cultural impact and continued relevance. The worksheet includes short-answer questions, gap fill, and critical thinking prompts. EXAMPLE Level ***** [B2/C1] Video [05.03] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
*
Why is this painting of a black square famous? by TED-Ed Art (2023) [new 2025]
The focus of this 5.40-minute lecture is to explore Kazimir Malevich’s revolutionary painting Black Square. It begins with the historical context of its first exhibition in 1915 and early public reactions. It then examines the painting’s unusual visual features, Cubist influence, and the symbolism behind its abstract simplicity. The talk also discusses technical analysis revealing hidden layers beneath the surface and reflects on the painting’s lasting influence in the art world. The worksheet includes short-answer questions, matching tasks, and critical thinking prompts. EXAMPLE Level ***** [B2/C1] Video [05.40] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
*
Why is this painting so shocking? TED-Ed Art (2019) [new 2025]
The focus of this 5-minute lecture is to explain the historical and artistic significance of Pablo Picasso’s Guernica. It begins by outlining the events of the 1937 bombing of the Basque village and Picasso’s motivation for painting the work. It then examines the painting’s style, symbolic elements, and emotional impact, before discussing its enduring influence as an anti-war statement. The worksheet includes short-answer questions, gap fill, and critical thinking prompts. EXAMPLE Level ***** [B2/C1] Video [05.04] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
*
The woman behind the paintings by TED-Ed Art (2022) [new 2025]
The focus of this 5.30-minute lecture is to explore the life and work of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi. It begins with her early training and career in Rome before examining her groundbreaking depictions of women in art. The talk analyses selected works for their themes, symbolism, and dramatic style, and considers the challenges she faced as a female artist in the 17th century. The worksheet includes short-answer questions, gap fill, matching tasks, and critical thinking prompts. EXAMPLE Level ***** [B2/C1] Video [05.30] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP / INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIP
