The IELTS Speaking test evaluates a range of skills, from the ability to express complex ideas to the use of vocabulary and fluency. In this test, you may encounter questions that require you to describe people, events, or situations. One such question that frequently appears is “Describe A Person Who Is Very Creative In Their Approach To Work.” This article will guide you through an effective way to answer this question, providing sample answers and strategies to impress the examiner.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
During the introduction and interview phase, examiners often ask questions to loosen up the candidates and assess their basic speaking skills. Below are common questions and a sample answer.
Common Questions:
- What do you do for a living?
- Do you enjoy your work?
- Can you describe your workspace?
Sample Question and Answer:
Q: Can you describe your workspace?
A: “My workspace is quite well-organized and cozy. It has a modern desk with several drawers, where I keep all my essential documents and stationery. One of my favorite elements is a pinboard filled with inspirational quotes and creative ideas. There is also a comfortable chair and a laptop which I use for most of my work tasks.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you will receive a cue card prompting you to speak about a topic for 2 minutes. Here, we create a cue card based on the topic “Describe a person who is very creative in their approach to work.”
Cue Card:
“Describe a person who is very creative in their approach to work. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of work they do
- And explain why you think they are creative.”
Sample Answer:
“I would like to talk about my colleague, Jim Anderson, who is exceptionally creative in his approach to work. Jim is a graphic designer at our company, and I have had the pleasure of working closely with him for the past two years.
Jim’s creativity is evident in every project he undertakes. He doesn’t just rely on traditional methods; instead, he constantly experiments with new software and techniques to achieve unique and eye-catching designs. For instance, he once used a mix of hand-drawn sketches and digital graphics to create a stunning advertisement campaign that stood out from our competitors.
What impresses me the most about Jim is his ability to think outside the box. He often draws inspiration from everyday life, finding innovative solutions to design problems. For example, he recently developed an engaging social media marketing strategy by incorporating elements from popular culture and memes, making our content much more relatable and viral.
Overall, Jim’s creative approach not only enhances the quality of our projects but also motivates the entire team to think more creatively.”
Follow-up Questions:
- Why do you think creativity is important in a job?
- Sample Answer: “Creativity is crucial as it drives innovation and helps in overcoming challenges uniquely. It allows one to think from different perspectives and find solutions that are both effective and efficient.”
- How can people become more creative in their work?
- Sample Answer: “People can become more creative by exposing themselves to diverse experiences, continuously learning new skills, and not being afraid to take risks. Encouraging a supportive environment where ideas are freely exchanged can also foster creativity.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This section features a more in-depth discussion related to Part 2, challenging your ability to discuss abstract ideas and express your opinion.
Sample Discussion:
Examiner: Why do some people become more successful by being creative?
Candidate: “Creativity often leads to innovation which in turn can drive success. Creative individuals are more likely to develop unique solutions to problems, which can distinguish them in competitive fields. For example, many successful entrepreneurs attribute their success to their ability to think creatively and see opportunities where others don’t.”
Examiner: How does creativity affect the efficiency of a team?
Candidate: “Creativity can significantly impact a team’s efficiency by introducing new methods and solutions that save time and resources. When team members are encouraged to share creative ideas, it can lead to a more dynamic and adaptive workflow. This collaborative environment not only improves morale but also leads to higher productivity.”
Essential Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores:
Vocabulary:
- Innovative (adj): /ˈɪnəˌveɪtɪv/ – featuring new methods or techniques.
- Inspiration (n): /ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃən/ – the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something.
- Think outside the box (idiom): to think creatively and differently from the usual way.
Examples:
- Innovative: “Her innovative approach to marketing has significantly increased our brand’s visibility.”
- Inspiration: “He draws inspiration from nature to create his designs.”
- Think outside the box: “To solve the complex issue, we need to think outside the box.”
Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: The key to fluency and confidence is regular practice.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Incorporate complex structures and a variety of lexical resources.
- Stay Calm: Staying calm helps you think more clearly and articulate better.
- Use Examples: Providing specific examples can make your speech more compelling.
By following this guide and practicing effectively, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a high band score in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!
For more practice, check out related topics to enrich your responses: