In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates are assessed on various criteria such as fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. For a question like “Describe a time when you solved a problem in a creative way,” the examiner expects you to vividly narrate a personal experience, demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and creatively.
Such questions are quite common in IELTS Speaking tests as they not only assess your language skills but also your ability to think critically and solve problems, a skill that is highly valued in many contexts.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions and Suggested Answers
- Can you tell me about a problem you recently solved?
- Sample Answer: “Recently, I had to fix my laptop’s audio system which suddenly stopped working. I tried restarting it, but it didn’t help. So, I watched some tutorial videos online and followed the steps to update the drivers and check the system settings. Eventually, I figured out that the audio cable was loose. After securing it, the audio started working perfectly again.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a time when you solved a problem in a creative way.
- What the problem was
- How you solved it
- Why you chose this method
Sample Answer
“There was a time when I needed to organize a surprise birthday party for my best friend. The challenge was that she was always around, making it hard to plan anything secretly. I came up with a creative solution by pretending to plan an entirely different event. I told her that we were setting up a community volunteer project. This gave us the perfect excuse to meet frequently and discuss ‘plans’ without raising her suspicion. On the day, we led her to believe there was a meeting about the project, but instead, she walked into a fully decorated party room with all of her friends and family waiting to surprise her. The look on her face was priceless, and it was a tremendous success due to our creative strategy.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner might ask:
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“Do you think creative problem-solving skills are important? Why?“
- Suggested Answer: “Absolutely, creative problem-solving skills are crucial because they allow individuals to look at problems from different perspectives and devise unique solutions. This not only helps in overcoming obstacles effectively but also fosters innovation and adaptability.”
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“Can you compare solving problems with a creative approach to using traditional methods?“
- Suggested Answer: “Using creative approaches often leads to more effective and unique solutions and can inspire innovation and change. Traditional methods, while reliable, may not always address the specific nuances of a problem and can sometimes be less effective in dynamic situations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Suggested Answers
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“How important are creative skills in our daily life?”
- Suggested Answer: “Creative skills are incredibly important in our daily lives as they help us navigate challenges and come up with novel solutions. They foster innovation and keep our minds flexible, making it easier to adapt to changes and unforeseen circumstances.”
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“Can creativity be taught or is it an innate ability?”
- Suggested Answer: “While some people may have a natural inclination towards creativity, I believe it can also be nurtured and developed through education and practice. Activities that encourage thinking outside the box and problem-solving can enhance one’s creative abilities significantly.”
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary:
- Creative [kriˈeɪtɪv]: Involving the use of the imagination or original ideas to create something.
- Example: “Her creative approach to marketing drastically improved our sales.”
- Innovative [ˈɪnəvətɪv]: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
- Example: “Their innovative design solved the issue of space constraint.”
- Strategy [ˈstrætədʒi]: A plan of action designed to achieve a long-term or overall aim.
- Example: “The strategy to pretend we were planning a different event worked perfectly.”
Useful Structures:
- There was a time when…: Useful for narrating past experiences.
- I came up with a solution by…: Demonstrates creative thinking.
- This gave us the perfect excuse to…: Shows logical connection and cohesion.
Examiner’s Professional Tips and Recommendations
- Practice fluency and coherence: Avoid long pauses and hesitations. Practice speaking on various topics to build confidence.
- Enrich your lexical resource: Use a wide range of vocabulary accurately. Reading widely can help with this.
- Improve grammatical range: Mix simple and complex sentences. Use varied tenses and structures accurately.
- Focus on pronunciation: Ensure clarity. Practice using intonation and stress to make your speech more engaging.
For more on handling IELTS Speaking tasks effectively, you might find these articles useful: Describe a time when you handled a difficult situation at work, or Describe a time when you had to solve a complex problem.
By following these tips and continually practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!