The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about hobbies and creative activities. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a creative activity you enjoy. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores and offering valuable tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Describe a hobby you have had for a long time is a related topic that may also come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Understanding how to approach these questions will help you feel more confident and prepared on exam day.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about creative activities. Here are a few examples:
- Do you consider yourself a creative person?
- What kind of creative activities do you enjoy?
- How often do you engage in creative activities?
- Do you think creativity is important in daily life?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:
Examiner: What kind of creative activities do you enjoy?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’m quite passionate about photography. I find it to be a fascinating blend of technical skill and artistic expression. I particularly enjoy capturing candid moments of people in urban settings, as it allows me to tell stories through images. Additionally, I’ve recently taken up watercolor painting, which I find to be a relaxing and meditative creative outlet.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Now, let’s look at a sample cue card related to describing a creative activity:
Describe a creative activity you enjoy
You should say:
- What the activity is
- When you started doing it
- How you learned it
- And explain why you enjoy this creative activity
Here are sample answers for different band scores:
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a creative activity I really enjoy, which is origami. Origami is the Japanese art of paper folding, where you create various shapes and objects using just paper without any cutting or gluing.
I started doing origami about five years ago when I was in high school. I remember seeing some beautiful paper cranes at a friend’s house and being really fascinated by them. I asked her to teach me, and that’s how I got started.
At first, I learned the basics from my friend and by watching YouTube tutorials. As I got more interested, I bought some origami books and joined an online community where people share their creations and techniques. It was a great way to learn new folds and designs.
I enjoy origami because it’s both challenging and relaxing. It requires patience and precision, but once you get into it, it’s very calming. I find it satisfying to see a flat piece of paper transform into a beautiful 3D object. It’s also a portable hobby – I can do it anywhere with just a sheet of paper. Overall, origami has become a rewarding creative outlet for me.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share with you a creative activity that I’m truly passionate about: digital illustration. This art form involves creating visual artwork using digital tools and software, allowing for a wide range of styles and techniques.
I embarked on this creative journey about seven years ago, during my first year of university. I was utterly captivated by the digital artwork I saw online and in video games, which sparked my curiosity to explore this medium myself.
My learning process has been a fascinating blend of self-study and formal education. Initially, I immersed myself in online tutorials and practiced relentlessly. As my interest deepened, I enrolled in a few specialized courses to hone my skills and learn from experienced professionals. This combination of structured learning and personal exploration has been instrumental in my growth as a digital artist.
What I find particularly appealing about digital illustration is its versatility and the endless possibilities it offers. The ability to experiment freely, undo mistakes easily, and blend different artistic styles is incredibly liberating. It’s a medium that constantly challenges me to push my creative boundaries and think outside the box.
Moreover, digital illustration has become more than just a hobby; it’s a form of self-expression that allows me to convey complex emotions and ideas visually. The process of bringing my imagination to life on screen is deeply satisfying and often therapeutic. It’s also gratifying to see how my work can resonate with others and even inspire fellow artists.
In essence, digital illustration is not just a creative activity for me; it’s a passion that fuels my creativity, challenges my skills, and provides a unique outlet for self-expression. It’s an art form that continues to evolve and excite me, making it an integral part of my life.”
Digital illustration process
Follow-up questions:
- How has this creative activity influenced your life?
- Do you think everyone should have a creative hobby?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Digital illustration has profoundly influenced my life in numerous ways. Firstly, it has significantly enhanced my problem-solving skills and attention to detail, which have proven invaluable in both my personal and professional life. The process of conceptualizing and executing complex illustrations has taught me to approach challenges more creatively and persistently.
Moreover, this hobby has opened up new avenues for social connections. I’ve become part of a vibrant online community of fellow digital artists, which has not only provided me with a support network but also exposed me to diverse perspectives and cultures. This has broadened my horizons and made me more open-minded.
Perhaps most importantly, digital illustration has become a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional regulation. It serves as a therapeutic outlet, allowing me to process complex emotions and experiences through visual storytelling. This has contributed significantly to my mental well-being and personal growth.
Lastly, my passion for digital illustration has influenced my career path. It has inspired me to pursue opportunities in graphic design and digital media, blending my creative interests with professional aspirations. Overall, this creative activity has enriched my life immeasurably, shaping my skills, relationships, and personal development in profound ways.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some example questions and answers:
Examiner: Do you think schools should place more emphasis on creative subjects?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I firmly believe that schools should indeed place more emphasis on creative subjects. In today’s rapidly changing world, creativity is becoming increasingly valuable in various fields, not just in traditionally artistic careers. Creative thinking skills can enhance problem-solving abilities, foster innovation, and improve adaptability – all of which are crucial in the modern workplace.
Moreover, creative subjects often provide students with opportunities for self-expression and can boost self-confidence. They can also serve as an outlet for stress and help in developing emotional intelligence. These are vital aspects of a well-rounded education that go beyond academic knowledge.
However, it’s important to strike a balance. While I advocate for more focus on creative subjects, this shouldn’t come at the expense of core academic subjects. The ideal approach would be to integrate creativity across the curriculum, encouraging creative thinking in subjects like science and math as well.
In conclusion, by placing more emphasis on creative subjects, schools can better prepare students for the challenges of the future, fostering not just knowledge, but also innovation and adaptability.”
Describe a person who has a very creative hobby is another topic that might come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being able to discuss others’ creative pursuits can demonstrate your ability to observe and describe interesting aspects of people’s lives.
Examiner: How do you think technology has affected 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 creativity by providing easy access to tools and platforms that were once available only to professionals. For instance, smartphone cameras and editing apps have turned many people into amateur photographers and filmmakers.
Moreover, technology has expanded the boundaries of what’s creatively possible. In fields like digital art, music production, and virtual reality, we’re seeing innovative forms of expression that simply couldn’t exist without technological advancements. This has led to a blurring of lines between different creative disciplines, fostering more interdisciplinary approaches to art and design.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that technology can also pose challenges to creativity. The constant connectivity and information overload of the digital age can sometimes hinder deep focus and reflection, which are often essential for creative thought. There’s also a risk of over-reliance on digital tools, potentially stifling traditional skills and techniques that remain valuable in many creative fields.
Furthermore, the algorithms used by social media and content platforms can create echo chambers, potentially limiting exposure to diverse ideas and influencing creative output in ways that may not always be beneficial.
In my view, the key lies in striking a balance. We should harness the power of technology to enhance our creative capabilities while also maintaining connection with more traditional forms of creativity. It’s about using technology as a tool to augment human creativity, rather than replace it.
Ultimately, I believe that technology has more positive than negative effects on creativity. It has opened up new realms of possibility and allowed for unprecedented collaboration and sharing of ideas on a global scale. The challenge for creatives today is to navigate this new landscape thoughtfully, leveraging technological advantages while preserving the essence of human creativity.”
Balancing technology and creativity
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a variety of advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases that can help elevate your responses:
Passionate about /ˈpæʃənət əˈbaʊt/ (adjective phrase): Having or showing strong feelings or enthusiasm for something.
Example: “I’m passionate about digital art and its potential to revolutionize visual storytelling.”Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːrs wʌnˈself/ (phrasal verb): To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
Example: “I immersed myself in the world of photography, learning every aspect of the craft.”Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.
Example: “Through regular practice, I’ve been able to cultivate my creative writing skills.”Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
Example: “The workshop introduced us to innovative techniques in sculpture using recycled materials.”Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adjective): Having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being.
Example: “I find the process of painting to be incredibly therapeutic, especially after a stressful day.”Versatile /ˈvɜːrsətaɪl/ (adjective): Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
Example: “Digital illustration is a versatile medium that allows for endless experimentation and styles.”Hone /həʊn/ (verb): To refine or perfect, especially a skill.
Example: “I’ve been working to hone my photography skills by practicing different lighting techniques.”Resonante with /ˈrezəneɪt wɪð/ (verb phrase): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
Example: “I strive to create art that resonates with viewers on an emotional level.”
Remember to use these terms naturally and in context. Practice incorporating them into your responses to enhance your language proficiency and achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
As an IELTS examiner, I would offer the following advice to help you excel in the Speaking test:
Practice regularly: Engage in daily speaking practice, either with a partner or by recording yourself. This will help you become more comfortable expressing your thoughts fluently.
Expand your vocabulary: Focus on learning new words and phrases related to creative activities and hobbies. Use them in context to make them a natural part of your speech.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with examples and explanations to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas.
Work on pronunciation: Pay attention to word stress and intonation. Clear pronunciation contributes significantly to your overall score.
Stay calm and confident: Remember that the examiner is there to assess your English, not to judge your opinions or experiences. Speak confidently about your creative activities and interests.
Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to ask for clarification.
Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Speak naturally about your own experiences and opinions.
By following these tips and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss creative activities in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express yourself clearly, confidently, and with a range of appropriate vocabulary.
Describe a leisure activity that you do alone is another related topic that might be useful to prepare for. Many creative activities can be enjoyed solo, so understanding how to discuss these can be beneficial for your IELTS Speaking preparation.