Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Who Inspires Your Creativity

In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about people who have influenced their lives. One such topic is describing a person who inspires creativity. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and essential tips to excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure

Before we delve into the specific topic, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
2. Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner might ask general questions about creativity and inspiration. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you consider yourself a creative person?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8):
   “To a certain extent, yes. I enjoy coming up with innovative solutions to problems at work and I dabble in various artistic hobbies in my free time. However, I believe creativity is a skill that can be cultivated, and I’m always looking for ways to enhance my creative thinking.”

2. What activities do you find inspire your creativity?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “I find that immersing myself in nature is incredibly inspiring. The intricate patterns in leaves and the ever-changing sky often spark new ideas. Additionally, exploring art galleries and attending live music performances tend to stimulate my creative juices. These experiences expose me to different perspectives and push me out of my comfort zone, which I find essential for fostering creativity.”

Part 2: Individual Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe a person who inspires you to be more creative.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What they do
• And explain how this person inspires your creativity

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my high school art teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old and took her class for three years. She’s a professional painter who also teaches art at the local high school.

Mrs. Johnson inspires my creativity in many ways. First, she always encourages us to try new things and not be afraid of making mistakes. She often says that creativity comes from experimentation. Also, she introduces us to many different art styles and techniques, which broadens our artistic horizons.

What I find most inspiring about her is her passion for art. When she talks about a painting or demonstrates a technique, her eyes light up, and her enthusiasm is contagious. It makes me want to explore my own creative potential.

Thanks to Mrs. Johnson, I’ve learned to look at the world differently. She taught me to observe details and find beauty in everyday objects. This has not only improved my art skills but also made me more creative in other areas of my life.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to discuss how my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, has been a profound source of creative inspiration for me. I had the privilege of working under her guidance during my postgraduate studies in biotechnology at Stanford University.

Dr. Chen is a pioneering researcher in the field of synthetic biology, renowned for her groundbreaking work in developing artificial photosynthesis systems. Her approach to scientific research is what truly sets her apart and inspires my creativity.

What’s particularly inspiring about Dr. Chen is her ability to think outside the box and challenge conventional wisdom. She consistently encourages her students to approach problems from unconventional angles, often drawing parallels from seemingly unrelated fields. For instance, she once used principles from architecture to solve a complex protein folding problem, which was a eureka moment for our entire research team.

Dr. Chen’s influence on my creativity extends far beyond the laboratory. She’s taught me to cultivate a curious mindset and to see potential for innovation in everyday situations. Her mantra, “Question everything, assume nothing,” has become a guiding principle in both my professional and personal life.

Moreover, Dr. Chen’s interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving has inspired me to expand my knowledge base beyond my specific field. This has not only enhanced my creativity but also made me a more versatile and adaptable researcher.

In essence, Dr. Chen has shown me that true creativity in science – and indeed in any field – comes from a combination of rigorous knowledge, open-mindedness, and the courage to challenge established norms. Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my approach to innovation and creative thinking.”

inspiring mentor

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this person’s influence affected your career choices?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “Dr. Chen’s influence has been transformative for my career trajectory. Her emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches has inspired me to pursue collaborations with researchers from diverse fields, leading to some truly innovative projects. Moreover, her encouragement to think beyond traditional boundaries has given me the confidence to explore unconventional career paths, blending my biotechnology background with emerging fields like artificial intelligence and sustainable energy.”

2. Do you think creativity is something that can be taught?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “Absolutely. While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards creative thinking, I firmly believe that creativity is a skill that can be cultivated and enhanced through proper guidance and practice. Techniques such as brainstorming, lateral thinking, and mind mapping can be taught and refined. Moreover, fostering an environment that encourages experimentation and values diverse perspectives can significantly boost creative output. The key is to challenge preconceived notions and promote a growth mindset that views creativity as a muscle to be exercised rather than a fixed trait.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How do you think society can foster creativity in young people?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8):
   “I believe society can nurture creativity in young people through various means. Firstly, educational systems should prioritize creative thinking alongside traditional academic subjects. This could involve incorporating more arts and design into curricula and encouraging project-based learning that allows for multiple solutions.

   Additionally, providing access to diverse cultural experiences can broaden young people’s perspectives and inspire new ideas. This could be achieved through community programs, museum visits, or international exchange programs.

   Furthermore, society should value and reward creative endeavors. This could mean offering more scholarships for creative fields or organizing competitions that celebrate innovation. By doing so, we send a message that creativity is a valuable skill worth developing.”

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “Fostering creativity in young people requires a multi-faceted approach that permeates various aspects of society. Primarily, we need to overhaul our educational paradigms to place a premium on creative thinking. This involves moving beyond rote learning and standardized testing towards a model that encourages divergent thinking and values novel approaches to problem-solving.

   Moreover, we should strive to create environments that are conducive to creative expression. This could involve designing urban spaces that inspire imagination, such as interactive public art installations or green areas that encourage exploration and play.

   Another crucial aspect is democratizing access to creative tools and technologies. By providing young people with resources like makerspaces, coding workshops, or digital art programs, we equip them with the means to bring their creative visions to life.

   Additionally, we must recalibrate our societal values to recognize creativity as a core competency for future success. This shift could manifest in corporate cultures that prioritize innovation, government policies that support creative industries, and media narratives that celebrate creative achievements across various fields.

   Lastly, fostering intergenerational and intercultural dialogue can serve as a powerful catalyst for creativity. By exposing young people to diverse perspectives and life experiences, we can spark new connections and inspire innovative thinking that transcends traditional boundaries.”

2. In what ways has technology impacted creativity?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9):
   “Technology has had a profound and multifaceted impact on creativity, both enhancing and challenging traditional creative processes. On one hand, technology has democratized creative tools, making sophisticated software for design, music production, and video editing accessible to a wider audience. This has lowered the barriers to entry for many creative fields and allowed for a proliferation of user-generated content.

   Moreover, technology has opened up new avenues for creative expression. Virtual and augmented reality, for instance, are pushing the boundaries of immersive storytelling and visual art. Artificial intelligence is being used to generate music, art, and even poetry, challenging our notions of authorship and creativity.

   Social media platforms have created new spaces for sharing and discovering creative work, fostering global communities of artists and innovators. This interconnectedness has led to rapid dissemination of ideas and cross-pollination between different creative disciplines.

   However, the ubiquity of technology also presents challenges. The constant influx of information can lead to overstimulation and reduced attention spans, potentially hampering the deep focus often required for creative work. There’s also a risk of homogenization, as algorithms tend to promote content similar to what users have already engaged with, potentially limiting exposure to diverse influences.

   Furthermore, the ease of digital creation and distribution has led to concerns about originality and copyright, raising complex questions about intellectual property in the digital age.

   In essence, while technology has undoubtedly expanded the creative toolkit and democratized access, it also requires us to be more discerning and intentional in how we engage with these tools to truly harness their creative potential.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to creativity and inspiration:

1. Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Using new methods or ideas
   Example: “Her innovative approach to problem-solving sets her apart from her peers.”

2. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve by education or training
   Example: “He actively cultivates his creativity through various artistic pursuits.”

3. Spark /spɑːrk/ (verb): To trigger or inspire
   Example: “Traveling to new places often sparks my creativity.”

4. Eureka moment /jʊəˈriːkə ˈməʊmənt/ (noun phrase): A moment of sudden, triumphant discovery
   Example: “Watching her work led to a eureka moment in my own project.”

5. Think outside the box (idiom): To think creatively, unconventionally
   Example: “She encourages her team to think outside the box when tackling challenges.”

6. Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Innovative; pioneering
   Example: “His groundbreaking research revolutionized the field of quantum computing.”

7. Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntədɪsəˈplɪnəri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic disciplines
   Example: “Her interdisciplinary approach combines elements from both art and science.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing a person who inspires your creativity:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete examples of how this person has inspired you.
2. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to creativity and inspiration.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking: Reflect on why this person’s influence has been significant for you.
4. Structure your answer: Use clear organization in your response, especially in Part 2.
5. Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, with minimal hesitation.
6. Engage with the examiner: In Part 3, try to have a natural conversation rather than just answering questions.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continually improve your speaking skills.

For more guidance on IELTS Speaking topics, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a Person Who Motivates You to Pursue Your Passions
• Describe a Person Who Inspires You to Be More Confident

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss a person who inspires your creativity in your IELTS Speaking test, helping you achieve the band score you’re aiming for.