In the IELTS Speaking test, discussing a person with a creative hobby can be an excellent opportunity to showcase your language skills and cultural awareness. This topic has appeared in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and impress the examiner with your responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about hobbies and creativity. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you have any creative hobbies?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I’m quite passionate about urban sketching, which involves drawing scenes from everyday life in my city. It’s a wonderful way to capture moments and express my creativity while exploring different neighborhoods. I find it both relaxing and intellectually stimulating.”
Describe a hobby that helps you to relax
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person who has a very creative hobby
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their hobby is
- How you know about their hobby
- And explain why you think their hobby is creative
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has a fascinating hobby of creating miniature ecosystems in glass jars, known as terrariums. I’ve known Sarah since college, and I first learned about her hobby when she invited me over to her apartment last year.
Sarah’s terrariums are truly remarkable. She carefully selects tiny plants, mosses, and even small figurines to create intricate landscapes inside glass containers of various sizes. What’s particularly impressive is how she manages to balance the ecosystem within each terrarium, ensuring that the plants thrive with minimal maintenance.
I consider Sarah’s hobby to be highly creative for several reasons. Firstly, each terrarium is a unique work of art, reflecting her imagination and artistic vision. Secondly, it requires a deep understanding of plant biology and ecosystem dynamics, showcasing her ability to blend science with aesthetics. Lastly, Sarah often incorporates themes or stories into her terrariums, such as miniature fairy gardens or post-apocalyptic scenes, which adds an extra layer of creativity to her work.
Overall, Sarah’s hobby is a perfect example of how creativity can manifest in unexpected ways, combining artistry, scientific knowledge, and storytelling in a single, captivating form.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’m delighted to share with you the story of my colleague, Dr. Elizabeth Chen, whose extraordinarily creative hobby has captivated my imagination. Dr. Chen, a renowned neuroscientist by profession, dedicates her spare time to the art of bioluminescent painting – a cutting-edge technique that involves using living, light-emitting bacteria to create ethereal works of art.
I first became aware of Elizabeth’s unique pastime during a departmental social event, where she enthusiastically elaborated on her latest project. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of visiting her home studio and witnessing her creative process firsthand.
The sheer ingenuity of Dr. Chen’s hobby lies in its seamless fusion of science and art. She cultivates various strains of bioluminescent bacteria, each emitting a different color of light, and uses them as her living palette. With meticulous precision, she applies these microscopic organisms to specially prepared canvases, creating stunning, glowing masterpieces that seem to pulse with an otherworldly energy.
What makes this hobby particularly creative, in my opinion, is its multifaceted nature. Firstly, it requires a profound understanding of microbiology and biochemistry to successfully grow and manipulate the bacteria. Secondly, it demands exceptional artistic skill to compose visually striking images using an unconventional medium. Lastly, the ephemeral nature of the artwork – as the bacteria eventually die and the light fades – adds a poignant, philosophical dimension to her creations, forcing viewers to contemplate the transient beauty of life.
Dr. Chen’s bioluminescent art not only pushes the boundaries of traditional artistic expression but also serves as a bridge between scientific discovery and creative endeavor. Her hobby exemplifies how creativity can flourish at the intersection of diverse disciplines, inspiring others to explore unconventional avenues for self-expression and innovation.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How has this person’s hobby influenced others?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Sarah’s terrarium hobby has had a significant impact on her friends and colleagues. Many of us have been inspired by her creativity and have started experimenting with our own miniature gardens. Her work has also sparked conversations about sustainability and the importance of green spaces in urban environments. Some local cafes have even commissioned her to create terrariums for their establishments, bringing a touch of nature to these urban spaces.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Dr. Chen’s bioluminescent art has had a profound influence on both the scientific and artistic communities. Her work has catalyzed collaborations between biologists and artists, leading to innovative projects that explore the intersection of life sciences and creative expression. Several universities have incorporated bioluminescent art workshops into their curricula, fostering interdisciplinary thinking among students. Moreover, her exhibitions have raised public awareness about the potential applications of bioluminescent organisms in fields such as sustainable lighting and medical imaging.”
Describe a skill you are currently learning
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think creative hobbies contribute to personal development?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Creative hobbies can greatly benefit personal development in several ways. They help people express themselves and discover hidden talents. Engaging in creative activities can also reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Additionally, these hobbies often require learning new skills, which can boost confidence and cognitive abilities.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Creative hobbies play a pivotal role in personal development, offering a multifaceted approach to self-improvement. Firstly, they serve as a catalyst for self-discovery, allowing individuals to explore facets of their personality and potential that may remain dormant in their professional lives. This process of exploration often leads to enhanced self-awareness and a more nuanced understanding of one’s capabilities and aspirations.
Moreover, creative pursuits foster resilience and problem-solving skills by encouraging individuals to overcome challenges and think outside conventional boundaries. The iterative nature of creative work – the cycle of conceptualization, execution, and refinement – hones critical thinking and perseverance, qualities that are transferable to various aspects of life.
Furthermore, engaging in creative hobbies can significantly enhance emotional intelligence. The process of creating art, in whatever form, often involves delving into and expressing complex emotions, leading to better emotional regulation and empathy. This emotional growth can positively impact interpersonal relationships and overall life satisfaction.
Lastly, creative hobbies can serve as a bridge to diverse communities, fostering cultural exchange and broadening one’s worldview. This exposure to different perspectives and ideas can lead to increased adaptability and open-mindedness, crucial traits in our increasingly interconnected world.”
Describe an activity you enjoy doing in your free time
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Intricate /ˈɪntrɪkət/ (adjective): very complicated or detailed
Example: The artist created intricate patterns in her bioluminescent paintings. -
Avant-garde /ˌævɒ̃ˈɡɑːd/ (adjective): new and experimental ideas in art, music, or literature
Example: Dr. Chen’s bioluminescent art is considered avant-garde in the scientific community. -
Ephemeral /ɪˈfem(ə)rəl/ (adjective): lasting for a very short time
Example: The ephemeral nature of bioluminescent art adds to its unique appeal. -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): having many different aspects or features
Example: Creative hobbies often require a multifaceted approach, combining various skills and knowledge. -
To push the boundaries (phrase): to extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable
Example: Sarah’s terrarium designs push the boundaries of traditional miniature landscaping.
Describe a hobby you have had for a long time
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing creative hobbies:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases related to creativity and art.
- Demonstrate your ability to speak at length by providing detailed explanations and examples.
- Use a variety of complex sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.
- Show enthusiasm and engage with the topic to maintain a natural conversational flow.
- Practice discussing various creative hobbies to be prepared for different question types.
Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in developing the ability to speak fluently and confidently about a wide range of topics related to creativity and personal interests.
Describe a skill you think is important
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in discussing creative hobbies during your IELTS Speaking test.