The topic of describing a person you admire for their creativity is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to express admiration, discuss personal qualities, and articulate creative attributes. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about creativity and admiration. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you consider yourself a creative person?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think I’m fairly creative. I enjoy coming up with new ideas for my work projects and I like to try different approaches to problem-solving.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While I wouldn’t say I’m exceptionally creative, I do have a knack for thinking outside the box. In my professional life, I often find myself devising innovative solutions to complex problems, and in my personal life, I enjoy expressing my creativity through various artistic pursuits, such as photography and creative writing.
Question: What types of creative people do you admire?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I admire artists, musicians, and inventors. They have the ability to create something new and inspiring, which I find really impressive.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I have a profound admiration for individuals who demonstrate creativity across various disciplines. This includes visionary entrepreneurs who revolutionize industries, artists who challenge conventional perspectives, and scientists who push the boundaries of human knowledge. I’m particularly drawn to those who apply their creative talents to address pressing global issues, as I believe creativity is a powerful tool for positive change.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person you admire for their creativity. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What they do
- And explain why you admire their creativity
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who I’ve known since university. She’s a graphic designer and I’ve always been impressed by her work. Sarah creates amazing designs for websites and apps, and she’s really good at coming up with unique ideas.
I admire Sarah’s creativity because she always thinks of new ways to solve design problems. She’s not afraid to try different styles and techniques, which makes her work stand out. For example, she once designed a logo for a local café that was so clever and eye-catching that it helped increase their business.
Sarah is also great at explaining her creative process, which I find fascinating. She shows me how she brainstorms ideas and develops them into final designs. Her passion for her work is really inspiring, and it makes me want to be more creative in my own life.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to talk about Elon Musk, a figure I’ve come to admire immensely for his extraordinary creative vision and innovative approach to solving global challenges. While I’ve never met him personally, I’ve followed his career trajectory closely through various media outlets, interviews, and his own social media presence.
Musk is renowned for his multifaceted entrepreneurial endeavors, most notably as the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. What sets him apart is his uncanny ability to envision groundbreaking solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing issues, from sustainable energy to space exploration.
I find his creativity particularly admirable for several reasons. Firstly, his ideas are not merely incremental improvements, but radical reimaginings of entire industries. For instance, his work at Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry, pushing it towards a more sustainable future. Similarly, SpaceX has dramatically reduced the cost of space travel through innovative reusable rocket technology.
Moreover, Musk’s creativity is coupled with an unwavering determination to bring his ideas to fruition, no matter how ambitious or seemingly impossible they may appear. His ability to think on a grand scale, envisioning projects like colonizing Mars or creating a network of underground tunnels to alleviate traffic congestion, demonstrates a level of creative thinking that is truly inspiring.
What I find most admirable about Musk’s creativity is how he applies it to address global challenges. His work isn’t just about creating profitable businesses, but about finding solutions to issues that affect humanity as a whole. This combination of creativity, vision, and purpose is what makes him stand out as a truly remarkable individual in my eyes.
Elon Musk presenting innovative ideas
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this person’s creativity influenced you?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Elon Musk’s creativity has inspired me to think bigger in my own life. I try to come up with more innovative solutions at work and I’m more interested in new technologies now.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Musk’s creativity has had a profound impact on my own approach to problem-solving and innovation. His ability to think beyond conventional boundaries has encouraged me to challenge my own preconceptions and approach challenges from multiple angles. Moreover, his emphasis on addressing global issues has inspired me to consider the broader implications of my own work and how I can contribute to positive change in my field.
- Do you think creativity is something that can be learned or is it innate?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe creativity can be both learned and innate. Some people are naturally more creative, but everyone can improve their creative skills with practice and the right techniques.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While there’s undoubtedly a genetic component to creativity, I firmly believe that it’s a skill that can be cultivated and enhanced through deliberate practice and exposure to diverse experiences. Innate talent may provide a head start, but the most innovative individuals often combine their natural abilities with rigorous training and a willingness to experiment. Moreover, creativity often flourishes in environments that encourage risk-taking and unconventional thinking, suggesting that external factors play a crucial role in its development.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How do you think creativity contributes to society’s progress?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Creativity is important for society’s progress because it leads to new inventions and solutions to problems. Creative people come up with ideas that can improve our lives and make things more efficient.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Creativity plays a pivotal role in driving societal progress on multiple fronts. Firstly, it’s the catalyst for innovation across all sectors, from technology to the arts, spurring economic growth and improving quality of life. Creative thinking enables us to tackle complex global challenges in novel ways, whether it’s developing sustainable energy solutions or designing more efficient urban spaces. Moreover, creativity fosters cultural evolution, allowing societies to express and redefine their identities through art, literature, and other forms of expression. It also enhances problem-solving capabilities at both individual and collective levels, making communities more resilient and adaptable to change.
Question: Do you think our education systems do enough to foster creativity?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think our education systems do enough to encourage creativity. Schools often focus too much on memorization and standardized tests, which doesn’t leave much room for creative thinking.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While there have been commendable efforts in some educational institutions to incorporate creativity into curricula, I believe there’s still significant room for improvement. Many education systems remain overly focused on standardized testing and rote learning, which can stifle creative thinking. To truly foster creativity, schools need to place greater emphasis on project-based learning, interdisciplinary approaches, and open-ended problem-solving. Additionally, encouraging risk-taking and viewing failure as a learning opportunity are crucial elements often missing in traditional education models. A more holistic approach that values creative expression alongside academic achievement would better prepare students for the challenges of an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.
Innovative classroom fostering creativity
Question: How can businesses benefit from encouraging creativity in the workplace?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Businesses can benefit a lot from encouraging creativity. It can lead to new product ideas, better ways of doing things, and help solve problems. Creative employees can also make the workplace more interesting and enjoyable.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Encouraging creativity in the workplace can yield multifaceted benefits for businesses. Firstly, it fosters innovation, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s rapidly evolving markets. Creative thinking can lead to breakthrough product developments, more efficient processes, and novel marketing strategies. Moreover, a culture that values creativity tends to boost employee engagement and satisfaction, as it empowers individuals to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas. This can result in improved retention rates and attract top talent who seek dynamic work environments. Additionally, creative problem-solving skills enhance adaptability, allowing businesses to navigate challenges more effectively and capitalize on emerging opportunities. Ultimately, creativity can drive overall organizational performance, leading to increased productivity, customer satisfaction, and financial success.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Visionary (adjective) /ˈvɪʒəneri/ – Having or showing clear ideas about what should happen or be done in the future.
Example: Elon Musk’s visionary approach to space exploration has revolutionized the industry.Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/ – Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Example: Her innovative solutions to urban planning challenges have gained international recognition.To think outside the box (idiom) – To think creatively, not limited by conventional ideas.
Example: To solve this complex problem, we need to think outside the box and consider unconventional approaches.Groundbreaking (adjective) /ˈɡraʊndbreɪkɪŋ/ – Innovative; pioneering.
Example: The scientist’s groundbreaking research opened up new possibilities in renewable energy.To push the boundaries (phrase) – To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable.
Example: Artists who push the boundaries of their medium often face initial criticism but can ultimately reshape their field.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.
Describe a time when you experienced extreme weather can also be an opportunity to demonstrate creative language use in describing unusual or intense situations.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing creativity:
Use a wide range of vocabulary related to creativity and innovation. Practice incorporating advanced terms and phrases naturally into your responses.
Provide specific examples to support your points. This demonstrates your ability to apply abstract concepts to concrete situations.
Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just state an opinion; explain your reasoning and consider different perspectives.
Practice speaking about creative individuals in various fields. This will help you become comfortable discussing creativity across different contexts.
Work on your fluency by regularly discussing creative topics with others or recording yourself speaking about innovative ideas.
Pay attention to your pronunciation, especially when using more advanced vocabulary related to creativity and innovation.
Remember, the key to success is consistent practice and a willingness to describe an exciting adventure you had with language. By pushing yourself to use more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures when discussing creativity, you’ll be better prepared for the IELTS Speaking test.