The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics that allow candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing interesting subjects. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a creative and innovative person. This article will guide you through answering questions related to this theme, providing sample responses and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about creativity and innovation. Here are some potential questions along with sample answers:
- Do you consider yourself a creative person?
- What does innovation mean to you?
- How important is creativity in your field of study or work?
Let’s focus on question 3 and provide a sample answer:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Creativity plays a crucial role in my field of study, which is graphic design. It’s essential to come up with fresh and original ideas for each project, as clients are always looking for something unique and eye-catching. Without creativity, our designs would be mundane and ineffective in capturing the audience’s attention. Moreover, creativity helps us solve complex visual problems and communicate messages more effectively through innovative design solutions.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe a person who is very creative and innovative.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they do
- How you know them
- And explain why you think they are creative and innovative
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I believe is an incredibly creative and innovative person. I’ve known Sarah since our university days, where we studied together in the same graphic design program.
What makes Sarah stand out is her ability to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions to design challenges. She’s currently working as a freelance designer, specializing in branding and logo design for start-ups.
I remember one particular project where she had to create a logo for an eco-friendly cleaning company. Instead of going with the usual green leaf motifs, she designed a water droplet shaped like a house, incorporating cleaning tools within the droplet. This design not only conveyed the company’s eco-friendly nature but also cleverly represented their home-cleaning services.
Sarah’s creativity extends beyond her work. She’s always experimenting with new art forms and pushing boundaries in her personal projects. Recently, she started combining digital art with traditional painting techniques, creating stunning hybrid artworks that blend the best of both worlds.
I think Sarah is creative and innovative because she’s never satisfied with the status quo. She’s always seeking new ways to express ideas and solve problems. Her work consistently demonstrates originality and fresh thinking, which I find truly inspiring.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss my former colleague, Dr. Akira Tanaka, who epitomizes creativity and innovation in the field of biomedical engineering. I had the privilege of working alongside Dr. Tanaka during my postdoctoral research at Tokyo University.
Dr. Tanaka’s work focuses on developing cutting-edge prosthetic limbs that integrate seamlessly with the human nervous system. What sets him apart is his extraordinary ability to synthesize knowledge from diverse fields such as neuroscience, materials science, and robotics to create groundbreaking solutions.
One of his most remarkable achievements was the development of a prosthetic hand capable of transmitting sensory feedback to the user’s brain. This innovation revolutionized the field by allowing amputees to not only control their prosthetic limbs with unprecedented precision but also regain a sense of touch.
Dr. Tanaka’s creativity is evident in his unconventional approach to problem-solving. For instance, when faced with the challenge of creating more durable and lightweight materials for prosthetics, he drew inspiration from the structure of spider silk. This biomimetic approach led to the development of a new composite material that significantly enhanced the durability and comfort of prosthetic limbs.
What truly sets Dr. Tanaka apart as an innovator is his holistic vision. He doesn’t just focus on technological advancements but also considers the psychological and social aspects of using prosthetics. This comprehensive approach has led to designs that are not only functionally superior but also aesthetically pleasing and socially acceptable.
In my opinion, Dr. Tanaka embodies creativity and innovation because he consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in his field. His work is characterized by original thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a genuine desire to improve people’s lives. His ability to transform abstract concepts into practical, life-changing solutions is truly awe-inspiring and has had a profound impact on countless individuals worldwide.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s creativity influenced you?
- Do you think creativity can be learned or is it an innate ability?
Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):
“I believe creativity is a combination of innate talent and cultivated skills. While some individuals may have a natural predisposition towards creative thinking, I’m convinced that creativity can be nurtured and developed through practice and the right environment.
Innate aspects of creativity might include traits like curiosity, openness to new experiences, and a tendency to think abstractly. However, these traits alone don’t guarantee creative output. The skills aspect of creativity involves techniques like brainstorming, lateral thinking, and problem-solving methodologies, which can certainly be learned and improved over time.
Moreover, creativity often thrives in environments that encourage experimentation and risk-taking. Educational systems and workplaces that foster a culture of innovation can significantly enhance an individual’s creative potential. For instance, programs that emphasize interdisciplinary learning can help people make unique connections between diverse fields, sparking creative ideas.
That said, I think the most effective approach is to recognize and nurture innate creative tendencies while simultaneously providing tools and techniques to enhance creative thinking. This balanced approach can help individuals maximize their creative potential, regardless of their starting point.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do you think technology has affected creativity in modern society?
- What role does creativity play in solving global challenges?
- Do you think schools do enough to foster creativity in students?
Let’s focus on question 2:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Creativity plays a vital role in addressing global challenges. Many of the problems we face today, such as climate change, poverty, and health crises, are complex and multifaceted, requiring innovative solutions that go beyond traditional approaches.
Creative thinking allows us to approach problems from new angles and come up with unconventional solutions. For example, in tackling climate change, creative minds have developed technologies like vertical gardens in urban areas to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Similarly, innovative microfinance models have been created to address poverty in ways that traditional banking couldn’t.
Moreover, creativity fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, which is crucial for solving global issues. By bringing together diverse perspectives from different fields, we can create more comprehensive and effective solutions. The development of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 is a prime example of how creative, cross-disciplinary thinking can lead to groundbreaking solutions in times of global crisis.
However, it’s important to note that creativity alone is not enough. It needs to be combined with scientific rigor, practical implementation strategies, and policy support to truly make a difference in solving global challenges.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Creativity plays an indispensable role in addressing global challenges, acting as a catalyst for innovation and providing the intellectual agility needed to tackle complex, multifaceted problems.
In the context of global issues, creativity manifests in several critical ways. Firstly, it enables us to reframe problems, often revealing new perspectives that can lead to breakthrough solutions. For instance, the concept of circular economy emerged from creatively rethinking our approach to resources and waste, potentially revolutionizing how we address issues of sustainability and environmental degradation.
Secondly, creativity fosters cross-pollination of ideas across different domains. Many of today’s most promising solutions to global challenges arise from unexpected intersections of disciplines. The field of biomimicry, for example, creatively applies nature’s time-tested patterns to human problems, leading to innovations in sustainable design and technology.
Moreover, creative thinking is essential for adaptability and resilience in the face of rapidly evolving global issues. As challenges like climate change present us with unprecedented scenarios, our ability to think flexibly and generate novel ideas becomes crucial for developing adaptive strategies.
However, it’s important to recognize that creativity in solving global challenges must be coupled with rigorous analysis and practical implementation. The most effective solutions often arise from a synergy between creative ideation and systematic execution. The development of renewable energy technologies exemplifies this balance, combining creative engineering concepts with meticulous scientific research and practical deployment strategies.
Furthermore, creativity plays a vital role in communicating complex issues to the public and policymakers. Creative approaches in data visualization, storytelling, and public engagement can make abstract global problems more tangible and actionable, potentially catalyzing widespread support and behavioral change.
In conclusion, while creativity is not a panacea, it serves as a powerful tool in our arsenal for addressing global challenges. By fostering environments that encourage creative thinking and combining it with scientific rigor and practical implementation, we can enhance our collective capability to tackle the world’s most pressing issues.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
Example: “Her innovative approach to problem-solving set her apart from her peers.” -
Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ – innovative; pioneering
Example: “The scientist’s groundbreaking research opened up new possibilities in cancer treatment.” -
To think outside the box (idiom) – to think creatively and unconventionally
Example: “To solve this complex issue, we need to think outside the box and consider unconventional solutions.” -
Cutting-edge (adjective) /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ – at the forefront of progress in a particular area
Example: “The company is known for its cutting-edge technology in artificial intelligence.” -
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 contemporary sculpture.” -
Paradigm shift (noun) /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Example: “The invention of the internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate and access information.” -
Visionary (adjective/noun) /ˈvɪʒəneri/ – thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom
Example: “As a visionary leader, she anticipated market trends years before they became mainstream.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a creative and innovative person:
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Use a wide range of vocabulary related to creativity and innovation. Don’t just repeat the same words from the question.
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Provide specific examples to illustrate your points. This demonstrates your ability to explain complex ideas clearly.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to showcase your language proficiency.
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Practice speaking about different aspects of creativity and innovation to improve your fluency on this topic.
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Develop your ideas fully, especially in Part 3, by considering different perspectives and implications of creativity and innovation in society.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, check out our article on how to describe a person with unique thinking. This will provide additional insights into effectively articulating complex ideas about individuals who stand out for their mental capabilities.