Discussing creative influences is a common topic in IELTS Speaking exams. It allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe people, express emotions, and articulate abstract concepts. This theme has appeared frequently in past tests and is likely to remain relevant in future exams.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:
- Do you consider yourself a creative person?
- What types of creative activities do you enjoy?
- How important is creativity in your work or studies?
Let’s focus on the first question:
Examiner: Do you consider yourself a creative person?
Band 6-7 response:
“Yes, I think I’m quite creative. I enjoy coming up with new ideas for my projects at work and I like to try different approaches to problem-solving. I also have a few creative hobbies like photography and writing short stories in my free time.”
Band 8-9 response:
“Absolutely. I’d say creativity is an integral part of who I am. I’m constantly seeking innovative solutions in both my personal and professional life. Whether it’s devising novel marketing strategies at work or experimenting with unconventional ingredients in my cooking at home, I find myself naturally drawn to thinking outside the box. This creative inclination not only makes my daily life more exciting but also helps me approach challenges from unique angles.”
Creative person expressing ideas through various art forms
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who encourages you to be creative.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do to encourage your creativity
- And explain why their encouragement is important to you
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my high school art teacher, Ms. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old and took her class for two years. She always encouraged us to try new techniques and not be afraid of making mistakes.
Ms. Johnson would often give us unusual assignments, like creating art using only household items or painting with our non-dominant hand. These exercises really pushed us to think differently and be more creative.
Her encouragement is important to me because it helped me gain confidence in my artistic abilities. Even though I didn’t pursue art as a career, the creative thinking skills I developed in her class have been useful in many aspects of my life.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to delve into the profound influence my mentor, Dr. Sarah Chen, has had on my creative journey. I first encountered her during my postgraduate studies in innovation management, where she served as my thesis advisor.
Dr. Chen is an exemplar of creative thinking in action. Her approach to encouraging creativity is multifaceted and deeply inspiring. She consistently challenges conventional wisdom, urging me to question established paradigms and explore uncharted territories in my research. One of her most impactful strategies is her use of interdisciplinary analogies – she often draws parallels between seemingly unrelated fields, which sparks unexpected connections and fresh perspectives in my work.
Moreover, Dr. Chen cultivates an environment of psychological safety, where audacious ideas are welcomed and failure is viewed as a stepping stone to innovation. She regularly organizes brainstorming sessions that employ techniques like reverse thinking or random word association, which push the boundaries of our creative problem-solving.
Her encouragement is pivotal to my personal and professional growth. It has not only enhanced my academic output but has also fundamentally altered my approach to challenges in all areas of life. By instilling in me the courage to embrace unconventional thinking, Dr. Chen has equipped me with a invaluable toolkit for navigating our rapidly evolving world. Her influence extends far beyond the realm of academia, empowering me to bring a creative lens to every endeavor I undertake.”
Mentor guiding student through creative project
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s encouragement affected your life outside of creative pursuits?
- Do you think creativity can be taught, or is it an innate ability?
Band 6-7 response for question 1:
“Ms. Johnson’s encouragement has definitely affected other areas of my life. I find myself more willing to try new things and approach problems from different angles. This has been helpful in my studies and even in my relationships, as I’m more open to seeing things from other perspectives.”
Band 8-9 response for question 1:
“Dr. Chen’s influence has permeated every facet of my life. Her encouragement to think creatively has revolutionized my problem-solving approach in both personal and professional contexts. I find myself consistently seeking innovative solutions to everyday challenges, whether it’s optimizing my workflow or resolving conflicts in relationships. This creative mindset has enhanced my adaptability, making me more resilient in the face of unexpected obstacles. Moreover, it has fostered a sense of curiosity that enriches my daily experiences, allowing me to find inspiration in the most unlikely places.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think schools can foster creativity in students?
Band 6-7 response:
“I believe schools can encourage creativity by offering a variety of subjects and extracurricular activities. They could also use teaching methods that involve more group work and projects, rather than just lectures. Teachers should also be open to students’ ideas and allow them to express themselves freely.”
Band 8-9 response:
“Schools can play a pivotal role in nurturing creativity among students through a multifaceted approach. Firstly, they should prioritize interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to draw connections between diverse subjects, thus fostering innovative thinking. Implementing project-based learning methodologies can also be instrumental, as they allow students to tackle real-world problems creatively.
Moreover, schools should cultivate a culture that values divergent thinking and celebrates unique perspectives. This could involve redesigning assessment methods to reward original ideas rather than solely focusing on standardized testing. Incorporating mindfulness and reflection practices into the curriculum can also enhance students’ creative capacities by improving their ability to generate and process novel ideas.
Collaboration with industries and exposure to diverse experiences through field trips, guest lectures, and internships can broaden students’ horizons and spark creative inspiration. Ultimately, by fostering an environment that encourages risk-taking and views failure as a learning opportunity, schools can help students develop the creative resilience necessary for success in our rapidly evolving world.”
Students engaged in various creative learning activities
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Integral part (adjective phrase) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl pɑːrt/ – essential or fundamental
Example: Creativity is an integral part of problem-solving in my job.To think outside the box (idiom) /θɪŋk aʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɒks/ – to think creatively and unconventionally
Example: To solve this complex issue, we need to think outside the box.Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
Example: The project requires a multifaceted approach to address all its challenges.To cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – to develop or improve by education or training
Example: The program aims to cultivate leadership skills in young professionals.Psychological safety (noun phrase) /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl ˈseɪfti/ – a belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes
Example: Our team leader creates an atmosphere of psychological safety, encouraging us to share our ideas freely.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing creativity and influences:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to creativity and personal development.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Demonstrate your ability to discuss abstract concepts by exploring the impact of creativity on various aspects of life.
- Practice expressing your ideas fluently and coherently, using appropriate connecting words and phrases.
- Show your ability to analyze and reflect on the topic by discussing both the benefits and potential challenges of fostering creativity.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in developing the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and engagingly on a wide range of topics. Regular practice with diverse themes will help you build this skill and perform confidently in your IELTS Speaking test.