The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that challenge candidates to think creatively and express their ideas clearly. One such topic that frequently appears is “Describe a person who has a unique way of thinking.” This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, providing sample responses and expert tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Unique Thinker Illustration
Understanding the Topic
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to describe a person with a unique way of thinking. They want to assess your ability to:
- Identify and describe distinctive characteristics
- Use appropriate vocabulary to express abstract concepts
- Provide specific examples to support your points
- Organize your thoughts coherently
This topic allows you to showcase your vocabulary, critical thinking skills, and ability to describe personal experiences vividly.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to creativity and thinking styles. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you consider yourself a creative person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think I’m quite creative. I enjoy coming up with new ideas for my work projects and I like to find innovative solutions to problems.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say I have a penchant for creativity. I often find myself thinking outside the box when tackling challenges at work or in my personal life. For instance, I recently devised an unconventional approach to reorganizing our office space, which significantly improved workflow and employee satisfaction.”
Q: How do you think schools can encourage creative thinking?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Schools can encourage creative thinking by giving students more freedom to express their ideas. They could also include more art and music classes in the curriculum.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I believe schools can foster creativity by implementing a multifaceted approach. This could include integrating project-based learning across subjects, promoting interdisciplinary studies, and creating dedicated spaces for brainstorming and experimentation. Additionally, incorporating design thinking principles into the curriculum can help students develop innovative problem-solving skills that are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving world.”
Part 2: 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 for our main topic:
Cue Card
Describe a person who has a unique way of thinking.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What makes their way of thinking unique
- And explain how their unique thinking has influenced you or others
Remember, you have one minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since university. She’s always been someone who thinks differently from others.
What makes Sarah’s thinking unique is her ability to connect seemingly unrelated ideas. For example, she once combined concepts from biology and architecture to design a more efficient office layout. She’s also very open-minded and always willing to consider new perspectives.
Sarah’s unique way of thinking has influenced me to be more creative in my own work. She’s taught me to look at problems from different angles and not to be afraid of suggesting unconventional solutions.
Her thinking has also influenced our friend group. She often comes up with interesting ideas for group activities that we would never have thought of ourselves. This has made our gatherings more exciting and memorable.
Overall, Sarah’s unique thinking has shown me the value of creativity and thinking outside the box in both personal and professional life.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to describe my former colleague, Dr. Akira Tanaka, a renowned physicist I had the privilege of working with during my tenure at a research institute in Tokyo. Dr. Tanaka’s approach to problem-solving and scientific inquiry is truly unparalleled.
What sets Dr. Tanaka’s thinking apart is his extraordinary ability to synthesize knowledge from disparate fields. He possesses an uncanny knack for identifying obscure connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena. For instance, he once drew parallels between quantum entanglement and social network dynamics, leading to groundbreaking research in both physics and sociology.
Dr. Tanaka’s cognitive flexibility is truly awe-inspiring. He consistently challenges conventional wisdom and is not afraid to propose radical hypotheses. His approach often involves visualizing complex concepts through elaborate metaphors, making abstract ideas accessible to a broader audience.
The impact of Dr. Tanaka’s unique thinking extends far beyond his immediate field. His interdisciplinary approach has catalyzed collaborations across various scientific domains, fostering a culture of innovation and cross-pollination of ideas. Personally, his influence has been transformative. He’s taught me to question my assumptions rigorously, to seek inspiration from unexpected sources, and to embrace intellectual curiosity without bounds.
In essence, Dr. Tanaka’s distinctive cognitive style has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also inspired a generation of researchers to approach complex problems with creativity and open-mindedness.”
Follow-up Questions
- How has this person’s unique thinking benefited their career?
- Do you think unique thinkers face any challenges in society?
Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
“Sarah’s unique thinking has definitely helped her career. She’s known for coming up with creative solutions, which has led to her getting promotions and interesting project assignments.”
Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
“Dr. Tanaka’s unconventional approach has been instrumental in propelling his career to remarkable heights. His ability to transcend traditional boundaries between scientific disciplines has not only led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries but has also positioned him as a thought leader in the scientific community. This distinctive cognitive style has garnered him prestigious research grants, high-profile speaking engagements, and collaborative opportunities with leading institutions worldwide, solidifying his status as a pioneer in interdisciplinary research.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Q: How do you think society benefits from people who think differently?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think society benefits a lot from unique thinkers. They often come up with new inventions or solutions to problems that others might not see. This can lead to progress in many areas like technology or medicine.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Unique thinkers play a pivotal role in driving societal progress. Their unconventional perspectives often lead to paradigm shifts in various fields, from science and technology to art and philosophy. These individuals have the capacity to challenge entrenched beliefs and push the boundaries of human knowledge. For instance, many groundbreaking innovations, such as the theory of relativity or revolutionary art movements, emerged from minds that dared to think differently. Moreover, diverse thinking styles foster a culture of innovation, encouraging others to explore new possibilities and approach challenges with fresh eyes. This cognitive diversity is crucial for tackling complex global issues and adapting to rapidly changing environments, ultimately contributing to the resilience and evolution of society as a whole.”
Q: Do you believe the education system should focus more on developing unique thinking skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think schools should focus more on developing unique thinking skills. This could help students become more creative and better at solving problems in the future.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. I believe it’s imperative for education systems to place a stronger emphasis on cultivating unique thinking skills. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to think creatively and critically is becoming increasingly valuable. By fostering cognitive diversity and encouraging divergent thinking, we can better prepare students for the complex challenges of the future.
This could be achieved through various means, such as implementing project-based learning, promoting interdisciplinary studies, and incorporating design thinking principles into curricula. Additionally, creating environments that celebrate intellectual risk-taking and reframe failure as a learning opportunity can help nurture innovative mindsets.
However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. While developing unique thinking skills is important, we must also ensure students acquire fundamental knowledge and skills. The ideal approach would be to integrate creative thinking methodologies into the teaching of core subjects, thereby enhancing both conventional and unconventional cognitive abilities. This holistic approach would not only produce more well-rounded individuals but also contribute to a more innovative and adaptable society in the long run.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases that can elevate your response:
Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Her ideas caused a paradigm shift in how we approach urban planning.”Cognitive flexibility /ˈkɒɡnətɪv ˌflɛksəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The ability to adapt thinking or attention in response to different situations and stimuli.
Example: “Dr. Tanaka’s cognitive flexibility allows him to apply physics concepts to social phenomena.”Interdisciplinary /ˌɪntəˈdɪsəplɪnəri/ (adjective): Involving two or more academic disciplines.
Example: “Her interdisciplinary approach combines elements from psychology and economics.”Think outside the box (idiom): To think creatively, unconventionally, or from a new perspective.
Example: “We need to think outside the box to solve this complex problem.”Catalyze /ˈkætəlaɪz/ (verb): To cause or accelerate a process or change.
Example: “His unique ideas catalyzed a revolution in artificial intelligence research.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person with a unique way of thinking:
- Provide specific examples: Don’t just say someone thinks uniquely; illustrate it with concrete instances.
- Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced terms related to thinking and creativity.
- Show personal insight: Explain how the person’s unique thinking has influenced you or others.
- Structure your response: Organize your thoughts logically, addressing all parts of the question.
- Practice regularly: Familiarize yourself with various topics and practice articulating your thoughts clearly.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our articles on describing a person who has helped you become more confident and describing a person who is known for their creativity.