Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Person Known for Their Creativity

As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates tackle the challenging task of describing a creative individual. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to remain popular in future exams. Let’s explore how to excel in this task and boost your speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about creativity. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you consider yourself a creative person?
2. How important is creativity in your daily life?
3. What activities do you do to boost your creativity?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d say I’m fairly creative, especially when it comes to problem-solving at work. I often think outside the box to come up with innovative solutions to challenges we face. However, I wouldn’t call myself an artist or anything like that – my creativity is more practical than artistic.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a person who is known for their creativity
You should say:

• Who this person is
• What they do
• How you know about them
• And explain why you think they are creative

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“I’d like to talk about Banksy, the enigmatic street artist who has captivated the world with his thought-provoking and often politically charged artworks. Despite his anonymity, Banksy has become a household name in the art world.

I first learned about Banksy through social media, where images of his iconic graffiti often go viral. His work frequently appears in unexpected places, from city walls to prestigious art galleries, always stirring up controversy and debate.

What makes Banksy truly creative, in my opinion, is his ability to convey powerful messages through seemingly simple images. He masterfully blends humor and social commentary, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about our society. For instance, his piece ‘Girl with Balloon’ beautifully captures the fleeting nature of innocence and hope.

banksy girl with balloon

Moreover, Banksy’s creativity extends beyond his artistic skills. His unconventional approach to art distribution, often bypassing traditional galleries, demonstrates a revolutionary mindset. He’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, whether it’s through his art or his methods of sharing it with the world.

In conclusion, Banksy’s creativity lies not just in his artistic talent, but in his ability to provoke thought, inspire change, and redefine the boundaries of what art can be and where it can exist.”

Additional Questions

1. How has Banksy’s work influenced modern art?
2. Do you think anonymity contributes to Banksy’s creativity?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Banksy’s work has had a profound impact on modern art. He’s democratized art by bringing it out of galleries and onto the streets, making it accessible to everyone. His style has inspired countless artists to use public spaces as their canvas and to incorporate social commentary into their work.

Regarding anonymity, I believe it significantly enhances Banksy’s creativity. By remaining unknown, he’s free from the constraints of public expectation and can push boundaries without fear of personal repercussions. This anonymity also adds an air of mystery to his work, heightening public interest and allowing the art to speak for itself without the distraction of the artist’s personal life.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think creativity contributes to society?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“Creativity plays a vital role in society’s progress. It drives innovation in various fields, from technology to arts, leading to new inventions and solutions to complex problems. Creative thinking also enhances cultural expression, allowing diverse communities to share their unique perspectives and experiences.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Creativity is, in my view, the lifeblood of societal advancement. It serves as the catalyst for innovation across all sectors, from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to revolutionary artistic movements. In the realm of technology, creative problem-solving has led to paradigm-shifting inventions like smartphones and renewable energy solutions, significantly improving our quality of life.

Moreover, creativity fosters cultural richness and diversity. It provides a platform for marginalized voices to be heard, challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity. Through creative expressions in literature, music, and visual arts, we gain deeper insights into the human experience, fostering empathy and understanding among different communities.

Additionally, in the face of global challenges like climate change, creative thinking is indispensable for developing sustainable solutions. It encourages us to reimagine our relationship with the environment and each other, paving the way for a more harmonious and equitable world.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Enigmatic /ˌenɪɡˈmætɪk/ (adj): Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.
   Example: “The enigmatic artist never reveals his true identity.”

2. Thought-provoking /ˈθɔːt prəˌvoʊkɪŋ/ (adj): Stimulating careful consideration or attention.
   Example: “Banksy’s murals often contain thought-provoking messages about society.”

3. Stir up controversy (phrase): To cause disagreement or discussion.
   Example: “His latest artwork stirred up controversy among art critics.”

4. Bypass /ˈbaɪpæs/ (v): To avoid or circumvent something.
   Example: “Banksy often bypasses traditional art galleries to display his work.”

5. Democratize /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/ (v): To make something accessible to everyone.
   Example: “Street art has helped to democratize the art world.”

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a creative person:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to creativity and art.
2. Provide specific examples to support your points.
3. Express your opinions clearly and justify them.
4. Use complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions where appropriate.
5. Practice describing various creative individuals to improve your fluency.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing what to say, but how to say it eloquently and confidently.

For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find it helpful to explore topics like describing a talented person you know or discussing someone with a unique ability. These related topics can help broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various aspects of human capabilities and achievements.