The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people who have influenced us in various ways. One such topic that frequently appears is describing a person who motivates you to be creative. This article will provide you with valuable insights and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
Before we dive into the sample answers, it’s crucial to understand what the examiner is looking for when they ask you to describe a person who motivates you to be creative. They want to assess your ability to:
- Describe a person in detail
- Explain how this person inspires creativity
- Use a range of vocabulary related to creativity and inspiration
- Speak fluently and coherently about the topic
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about creativity and inspiration. Here’s an example question with a sample answer:
Q: Do you consider yourself a creative person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I’m quite creative. I enjoy coming up with new ideas for my work and hobbies. For example, I like to experiment with different cooking recipes and create my own dishes.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I’d say creativity is one of my defining traits. I’m constantly seeking out novel approaches to problem-solving in both my professional and personal life. For instance, in my job as a marketing specialist, I thrive on devising innovative campaigns that captivate our target audience. Outside of work, I channel my creativity into various artistic pursuits, such as crafting unique pieces of jewelry from unconventional materials.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who motivates you to be creative.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does
- And explain how this person motivates you to be creative
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The person who motivates me to be creative is my high school art teacher, Mrs. Johnson. I met her when I was 15 years old and took her class for three years. Mrs. Johnson is a professional artist who also teaches at our local high school.
What makes Mrs. Johnson so inspiring is her passion for art and her ability to see potential in every student. She always encouraged us to think outside the box and try new techniques. For example, she once asked us to create a self-portrait using only recycled materials, which really challenged us to be creative.
Mrs. Johnson motivates me to be creative by showing me that there are no limits to imagination. She taught me that mistakes are part of the creative process and that we should embrace them. Her positive attitude and constant encouragement have made me more confident in expressing my ideas and trying new things.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
The individual who profoundly inspires my creativity is my former high school art teacher, Mrs. Amelia Johnson. I had the privilege of being her student for three consecutive years, starting when I was 15. Mrs. Johnson is not just an educator; she’s a prolific artist in her own right, with her works featured in several prestigious galleries across the country.
What sets Mrs. Johnson apart is her uncanny ability to ignite the creative spark in each of her students. She possesses this remarkable talent for identifying and nurturing the unique artistic strengths of every individual in her class. Her teaching methods are far from conventional; she constantly pushes the boundaries of traditional art education. I vividly recall a project where she challenged us to create self-portraits using only discarded items, forcing us to perceive everyday objects in an entirely new light.
Mrs. Johnson’s influence on my creativity is immeasurable. She instilled in me the belief that creativity knows no bounds and that the only limit is one’s imagination. Her mantra, “Embrace the unexpected,” has become my creative philosophy. She taught me to view mistakes not as failures, but as serendipitous opportunities for innovation. Her unwavering enthusiasm and constant encouragement have bolstered my confidence, enabling me to express my ideas boldly and venture into uncharted creative territories without fear.
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s influence affected your career choices?
- Can you give an example of a creative project you’ve done inspired by this person?
Band 6-7 Sample Answers:
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Mrs. Johnson’s influence has definitely affected my career choices. Because of her, I decided to study graphic design in college. I realized that I could combine my love for art with technology to create interesting designs.
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Inspired by Mrs. Johnson, I recently created a digital art series using photos of everyday objects to form abstract patterns. It was challenging but really fun, and it helped me see ordinary things in a new way.
Band 8-9 Sample Answers:
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Mrs. Johnson’s influence has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. Her teachings ignited a passion for visual storytelling within me, which ultimately led me to pursue a career in multimedia design. I’ve found that her emphasis on thinking outside the box has been invaluable in an industry that thrives on innovation. Her lessons on finding beauty in the mundane have enabled me to approach design challenges with a unique perspective, often leading to groundbreaking solutions that set my work apart.
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One creative project that bears Mrs. Johnson’s unmistakable influence is an interactive art installation I recently developed. Drawing inspiration from her lesson on repurposing everyday objects, I created a large-scale sculpture using discarded electronic components. The piece was rigged with sensors that responded to viewers’ movements, altering its form and emitting different sounds. This project epitomized Mrs. Johnson’s teachings about pushing artistic boundaries and embracing technology in art. It was a resounding success, earning critical acclaim and even being featured in a local art festival.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Q: How important is creativity in today’s society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think creativity is very important in today’s society. It helps us solve problems and come up with new ideas. In many jobs, people need to be creative to stand out and do well. Also, creativity makes life more interesting and fun.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Creativity is absolutely crucial in contemporary society. It serves as the driving force behind innovation, which is the lifeblood of progress in virtually every field. In the rapidly evolving job market, creativity is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Employers increasingly value individuals who can think outside the box and generate novel solutions to complex problems. Moreover, creativity enhances our quality of life, providing outlets for self-expression and enriching our cultural experiences. In an era of automation, creative thinking remains a uniquely human trait that sets us apart and drives our civilization forward.
Q: Do you think schools do enough to encourage creativity in students?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think schools do enough to encourage creativity. Many schools focus too much on memorizing facts and passing tests. They should give students more chances to be creative, like doing art projects or coming up with their own ideas for assignments.
Band 8-9 Answer:
In my opinion, the majority of educational institutions fall short in fostering creativity among students. The current education system often prioritizes standardized testing and rote learning over creative thinking. This approach is fundamentally flawed, as it fails to prepare students for a world that increasingly values innovation and original thought. Schools should implement a more balanced curriculum that incorporates creative problem-solving, encourages interdisciplinary thinking, and provides ample opportunities for artistic expression. Moreover, teaching methods should shift towards project-based learning and open-ended assignments that allow students to explore their creative potential. By doing so, schools would not only enhance students’ creativity but also better equip them for the challenges of the 21st-century workforce.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to use a range of advanced vocabulary and phrases. Here are some key terms related to creativity and inspiration:
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Ignite the creative spark /ɪɡˈnaɪt ðə kriˈeɪtɪv spɑːrk/ (phrasal verb): To stimulate or inspire creativity.
Example: The art exhibition ignited the creative spark in many young artists. -
Think outside the box /θɪŋk ˌaʊtˈsaɪd ðə bɒks/ (idiom): To think creatively and unconventionally.
Example: To solve this problem, we need to think outside the box. -
Innovate /ˈɪnəveɪt/ (verb): To introduce new ideas or methods.
Example: Our company constantly innovates to stay ahead of the competition. -
Nurture creativity /ˈnɜːtʃə kriːeɪˈtɪvɪti/ (phrase): To encourage and develop creative abilities.
Example: Good teachers know how to nurture creativity in their students. -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: The invention of the internet caused a paradigm shift in how we communicate.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing a person who motivates your creativity:
- Be specific: Provide detailed examples of how this person inspires you.
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to creativity and inspiration.
- Show enthusiasm: Speak passionately about the topic to engage the examiner.
- Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and feelings.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss a person who motivates your creativity in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!
For more IELTS Speaking practice, check out our articles on describing a person who has overcome great challenges and describing a time when you led a team project.