The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people in our lives, and one common topic is describing someone creative. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Describe a new activity you would like to start is another common topic in IELTS Speaking, but today we’ll focus on describing a creative person. Let’s break down the test structure and provide sample answers for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about creativity. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you consider yourself a creative person?
A: (Band 7-8 answer) Well, to some extent, yes. I’d say I have a knack for coming up with unconventional solutions to problems, especially in my work. However, I wouldn’t call myself an artist or anything like that. Creativity manifests in different ways, and for me, it’s more about innovative thinking than artistic expression.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a creative person:
Describe A Person You Find Very Creative
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they do
- And explain why you think this person is creative
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since college. We met in an art class and have been close ever since. Sarah works as a graphic designer for a small advertising agency.
I consider Sarah incredibly creative because of her unique approach to design. She has this remarkable ability to blend different styles and create something entirely new. For instance, in one of her recent projects, she combined traditional Vietnamese patterns with modern minimalist design, resulting in a stunning logo for a fusion restaurant.
What truly sets Sarah apart is her constant experimentation with various mediums. She doesn’t limit herself to digital design; she often incorporates handmade elements into her work, like watercolor textures or hand-drawn illustrations. This multidisciplinary approach allows her to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also have a personal touch.
Moreover, Sarah’s creativity extends beyond her professional work. She’s always coming up with innovative solutions to everyday problems. Once, she repurposed an old ladder into a beautiful bookshelf, showing that her creative thinking applies to practical matters as well.
In essence, I find Sarah extremely creative because she pushes boundaries, thinks outside the box, and applies her artistic skills to various aspects of life, not just her profession.
Creative graphic designer working on a project
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to discuss my former colleague, Akira, whom I had the pleasure of working with during my tenure at a tech startup in Tokyo. Akira held the position of Lead User Experience Designer, but his role extended far beyond that title.
What sets Akira apart as an exceptionally creative individual is his unparalleled ability to synthesize seemingly disparate concepts into cohesive, innovative solutions. His approach to design is not merely about aesthetics; it’s a holistic methodology that encompasses psychology, cultural anthropology, and even elements of behavioral economics.
One project that vividly illustrates Akira’s creativity was the redesign of a healthcare app. Instead of following conventional design patterns, he immersed himself in the daily lives of patients and healthcare providers. This ethnographic approach led him to devise an interface that not only streamlined the user experience but also subtly incorporated motivational elements to encourage patient adherence to treatment plans.
Akira’s creativity is further evidenced by his constant pursuit of cross-disciplinary knowledge. He regularly attends workshops and conferences outside the realm of design, from neuroscience symposiums to traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. This eclectic knowledge base allows him to draw unexpected connections and bring fresh perspectives to every project he undertakes.
Moreover, Akira has a knack for fostering creativity in others. He introduced a weekly “Creativity Workout” session in our office, where team members from different departments would collaborate to solve abstract problems unrelated to our work. This initiative not only boosted team morale but also led to several breakthrough ideas for our products.
In essence, Akira’s creativity is not just about generating novel ideas; it’s about cultivating an environment where innovation thrives, challenging established norms, and consistently delivering solutions that are both functionally superior and conceptually groundbreaking.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How do you think creativity can be nurtured in children?
A: (Band 8-9) Fostering creativity in children requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, it’s crucial to provide an environment that encourages exploration and experimentation. This could involve exposing children to diverse experiences, from art and music to science and nature. Additionally, promoting open-ended play and problem-solving activities can stimulate creative thinking.
It’s equally important to cultivate a growth mindset in children, teaching them that creativity is a skill that can be developed rather than an innate talent. Encouraging questions and valuing unique perspectives can help children feel more confident in expressing their ideas.
Furthermore, integrating creativity across various subjects in education, rather than confining it to traditionally ‘creative’ subjects like art, can help children understand that creative thinking is valuable in all areas of life.
Describe a time when you cooked a meal for someone else can also be an opportunity to showcase creativity, as cooking often involves innovative thinking and problem-solving.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How important is creativity in the workplace?
A: (Band 7-8) Creativity in the workplace is increasingly crucial in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. It’s not just about coming up with new ideas; it’s about fostering innovation, improving problem-solving capabilities, and enhancing overall productivity.
In many industries, creativity is the driving force behind product development and process improvement. Companies that encourage creative thinking among their employees often find themselves ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and adaptability.
Moreover, creativity can boost employee engagement and job satisfaction. When workers feel that their creative input is valued, they’re more likely to be invested in their work and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
However, it’s important to note that the significance of creativity can vary depending on the specific role or industry. While it might be paramount in fields like marketing or product design, it may play a less prominent role in more structured, process-driven jobs. Nonetheless, even in these areas, creative problem-solving can lead to increased efficiency and better outcomes.
A: (Band 8-9) The importance of creativity in the workplace cannot be overstated; it’s become a fundamental driver of success across virtually all industries. In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, businesses face unprecedented challenges that often require innovative solutions and out-of-the-box thinking.
Creativity in the workplace manifests in myriad forms. At its core, it’s about approaching problems from new angles, challenging established norms, and envisioning possibilities beyond the status quo. This creative mindset is crucial for driving innovation, whether it’s in product development, service delivery, or internal processes.
Moreover, creativity fosters adaptability, a trait that’s become increasingly valuable in our fast-paced business environment. Companies that encourage creative thinking are often more agile and resilient, able to pivot quickly in response to market changes or unforeseen challenges.
From a human resources perspective, nurturing creativity can significantly enhance employee engagement and job satisfaction. When employees feel empowered to contribute creative ideas, it cultivates a sense of ownership and investment in their work. This, in turn, can lead to increased productivity, lower turnover rates, and a more vibrant company culture.
It’s worth noting that the integration of creativity into workplace practices is not without its challenges. It requires leadership that values and rewards creative thinking, as well as structures that allow for experimentation and even failure. However, when successfully implemented, a culture of creativity can become a powerful competitive advantage, driving both innovation and employee satisfaction.
In conclusion, while the specific applications of creativity may vary across industries and roles, its overarching importance in fostering innovation, adaptability, and engagement makes it an indispensable element of modern workplace dynamics.
Creative brainstorming session in office
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Innovative thinking (noun phrase) – /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ – The ability to come up with new and original ideas.
Example: Her innovative thinking led to a breakthrough in product design.Push boundaries (verb phrase) – /pʊʃ ˈbaʊndəriz/ – To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable.
Example: The artist is known for pushing boundaries in her work.Think outside the box (idiom) – /θɪŋk aʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɒks/ – To think creatively and unconventionally.
Example: To solve this problem, we need to think outside the box.Synthesize concepts (verb phrase) – /ˈsɪnθəsaɪz ˈkɒnsepts/ – To combine different ideas or elements into a coherent whole.
Example: Her ability to synthesize concepts from various fields makes her research unique.Holistic approach (noun phrase) – /həˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A method that considers all aspects of a situation or problem.
Example: The company takes a holistic approach to employee wellness.
Describe a situation where you had to handle conflict can also be an opportunity to demonstrate creative problem-solving skills.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a creative person:
- Use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to creativity.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate the person’s creativity.
- Discuss the impact of their creativity on their work or personal life.
- Express your thoughts clearly and coherently, using appropriate linking words.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to creativity in Part 3.
Remember, practice is key. Try to incorporate these phrases and structures into your everyday English conversations to make them feel more natural during the test.
Describe a skill you are currently trying to improve could be another opportunity to discuss creativity if you’re working on enhancing your creative skills.
By following these guidelines and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to describe a creative person in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your exam!
