As an IELTS Speaking examiner and experienced English instructor, I understand the importance of creativity in the IELTS Speaking test. The topic “Describe a person who is known for their creative ideas” is a popular one that frequently appears in IELTS Speaking Part 2. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to tackle this topic effectively and provide sample answers for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about creativity and creative people. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
- Do you consider yourself a creative person?
- How important is creativity in your job or studies?
- Who is the most creative person you know?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“The most creative person I know is my friend Sarah. She’s always coming up with innovative solutions to everyday problems. For instance, she once repurposed an old ladder into a unique bookshelf, which I found incredibly ingenious. Her ability to think outside the box never ceases to amaze me.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s focus on the main topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a person who is known for their creative ideas
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they do
- What kind of creative ideas they have
- And explain why you think their ideas are creative
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, John, who is known for his creative ideas in the field of urban gardening. He works as a landscape architect in a big city, but his passion lies in finding ways to bring nature into urban spaces.
One of his most creative ideas was to design vertical gardens for apartment buildings. He came up with a system that allows people to grow vegetables and herbs on their balconies, even in small spaces. This idea not only makes the buildings look more attractive but also helps residents grow their own food.
Another interesting concept he developed was underground parks. He proposed converting unused underground spaces, like old subway stations, into green areas with special lighting systems that mimic natural sunlight. This idea could provide more green spaces in crowded cities where land is scarce.
I think his ideas are creative because they challenge conventional thinking about urban spaces. He sees potential in areas that others might overlook, and his solutions are both practical and environmentally friendly. His creativity lies in his ability to blend nature with urban infrastructure in unexpected ways, making city living more sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to discuss Elon Musk, a visionary entrepreneur renowned for his groundbreaking ideas across multiple industries. As the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, Musk has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation in sustainable energy and space exploration.
One of Musk’s most revolutionary concepts is the development of reusable rockets through SpaceX. This idea has fundamentally transformed the economics of space travel, making it significantly more cost-effective and sustainable. By pioneering the technology to land and reuse rocket boosters, Musk has opened up new possibilities for space exploration and satellite deployment.
In the automotive sector, Musk’s vision for Tesla goes beyond simply producing electric cars. He’s spearheading the transition to sustainable energy on a global scale. His concept of integrating solar roof tiles with home battery storage systems demonstrates his ability to envision holistic solutions to complex problems.
What makes Musk’s ideas truly creative is his unparalleled ability to identify and tackle grand challenges facing humanity. He approaches problems from first principles, often disregarding conventional wisdom to arrive at innovative solutions. His creativity lies not just in the ideas themselves, but in his relentless pursuit of turning these seemingly impossible concepts into reality.
Musk’s ideas are creative because they transcend traditional industry boundaries. He doesn’t just improve existing technologies; he reimagines entire systems and creates new paradigms. His forward-thinking approach and willingness to take calculated risks have not only disrupted multiple industries but have also inspired a new generation of innovators to think big and push the limits of what’s possible.”
Elon Musk's creative ideas
Follow-up Questions
- How has this person’s creativity impacted their field or industry?
- Do you think creativity can be learned or is it an innate talent?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Elon Musk’s creativity has had a profound impact on multiple industries. In the automotive sector, Tesla’s success has accelerated the global shift towards electric vehicles, prompting traditional manufacturers to invest heavily in electric technology. In the space industry, SpaceX’s reusable rockets have drastically reduced the cost of space launches, opening up new possibilities for satellite deployment and space exploration.
Regarding creativity, I believe it’s a combination of innate talent and learned skills. While some people may have a natural inclination towards creative thinking, creativity can definitely be nurtured and developed. Techniques like lateral thinking, brainstorming, and challenging assumptions can be learned and practiced. Moreover, exposure to diverse experiences and knowledge can enhance one’s creative potential. Musk himself often talks about the importance of reading widely and synthesizing information from different fields, which contributes to his innovative thinking.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How important is creativity in solving global problems?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Creativity plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges. Complex issues like climate change, poverty, and healthcare require innovative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches. Creative thinking allows us to see problems from new perspectives and come up with unconventional ideas that might lead to breakthroughs. For example, the development of renewable energy technologies demonstrates how creative solutions can address environmental concerns while also creating new economic opportunities.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Creativity is absolutely indispensable when it comes to tackling global issues. The multifaceted nature of problems like climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality demands a level of out-of-the-box thinking that can only come from highly creative minds. Creative approaches allow us to transcend conventional wisdom and challenge long-held assumptions, often leading to paradigm shifts in how we address these challenges.
Moreover, creativity fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, which is essential for solving complex global problems. By synthesizing knowledge from various fields and applying novel methodologies, creative thinkers can develop holistic solutions that address multiple aspects of an issue simultaneously. The concept of circular economy, for instance, creatively reimagines our economic systems to align with environmental sustainability, demonstrating how innovative thinking can lead to comprehensive solutions for global challenges.”
- Do you think the education system in your country encourages creativity?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“In my opinion, the education system in my country could do more to foster creativity. While there have been some improvements in recent years, such as the introduction of project-based learning in some schools, the overall system still tends to prioritize standardized testing and rote memorization. I believe that incorporating more arts education, encouraging critical thinking, and providing opportunities for open-ended problem-solving would greatly enhance students’ creative abilities.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe our education system has made strides in promoting creativity, but there’s still considerable room for improvement. The traditional emphasis on standardized curricula and exam-oriented learning can sometimes stifle creative expression and innovative thinking.
However, I’ve observed some promising developments. Many schools are now implementing project-based learning approaches, which encourage students to apply knowledge creatively to real-world problems. There’s also a growing recognition of the importance of STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), which integrates artistic and creative processes into traditionally technical subjects.
That said, I think we need to go further. We should be fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and risk-taking in our classrooms. This could involve redesigning assessment methods to reward original thinking, incorporating design thinking principles into various subjects, and creating more interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Ultimately, to truly nurture creativity, our education system needs to shift its focus from knowledge acquisition to knowledge application and creation. This would involve training teachers in facilitation skills, redesigning learning spaces to be more conducive to collaborative and creative work, and partnering with industries to provide real-world creative challenges for students. Such an approach would not only enhance creativity but also better prepare students for the dynamic, innovation-driven job market of the future.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Innovative /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ (adjective): Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Example: “Her innovative approach to urban planning has transformed the city.”Groundbreaking /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ (adjective): Pioneering; introducing new and advanced ideas.
Example: “The scientist’s groundbreaking research opened up new possibilities in renewable energy.”To think outside the box (idiom): To think creatively, not limited by conventional ideas.
Example: “To solve this problem, we need to think outside the box.”Visionary /ˈvɪʒəneri/ (noun/adjective): A person with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.
Example: “As a visionary leader, she anticipated market trends years before they happened.”To push the boundaries (phrase): To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable.
Example: “The artist is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture.”Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The introduction of smartphones caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a creative person:
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to creativity and innovation.
- Provide specific examples: Don’t just say someone is creative; explain how their ideas demonstrate creativity.
- Develop your ideas: Expand on your points with explanations and personal opinions.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language skills.
- Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses, but don’t worry about the occasional hesitation.
- Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the topic through your tone and expression.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about answering the question, but how you express your ideas. Good luck with your preparation!
If you found this guide helpful, you might also be interested in our articles on describing a person who inspires confidence or describing a talented individual. These topics can help you further develop your descriptive language skills for the IELTS Speaking test.