In the IELTS Speaking test, being able to discuss artistic or innovative individuals is a common requirement. One of the most frequently appearing prompts is to describe a creative person whose work you admire, which allows you to demonstrate your ability to use descriptive adjectives and express personal opinions. This guide provides a Band 9 model answer, a Band 7 alternative, and deep-dive analysis to help you succeed.

The Cue Card

Describe a creative person whose work you admire. You should say:
• Who this person is
• How you know about this person
• What kind of creative work they do
• And explain why you admire this person’s work.

Band 9 Sample Answer

To be honest, I’ve always been fascinated by people who can conjure up entirely new worlds from thin air, so today I’d like to talk about a digital artist named Elena Rossi. I first stumbled upon her work about three years ago while I was browsing a platform called ArtStation, looking for some visual inspiration for a small hobby project I was tinkering with. Elena is a concept artist who specializes in what is known as ‘solarpunk’ aesthetics—basically envisioning a future where advanced technology and nature coexist harmoniously rather than in conflict. What makes her work so remarkable is her meticulous attention to detail; she doesn’t just paint a city, she designs the entire ecosystem, from the bioluminescent plants that light the streets to the intricate wind turbines integrated into the architecture of skyscrapers. I admire her because her creativity isn’t just about surface-level beauty; it’s deeply rooted in a sense of hope and environmental activism. In an era where most science fiction is quite dystopian and bleak, her vibrant, verdant landscapes are a real breath of fresh air. I find myself constantly checking her social media for new releases because her pieces have this uncanny ability to transport you to another dimension. If I had even a fraction of her talent, I’d probably spend all day drawing. Her work really resonates with me because it challenges the status quo and pushes the boundaries of what we think the future could look like. She’s definitely a visionary in my eyes, and her dedication to her craft is truly inspiring. Every time I look at one of her illustrations, I’m reminded that creativity can be a powerful tool for social change, not just a form of entertainment.

Band 7 Sample Answer

I want to talk about a creative person I admire, who is a local potter named David. I first saw his work at a craft fair in my hometown about two years ago. He makes very beautiful ceramic plates and bowls. What I like about his work is that he uses colors from nature, like deep blues and earthy browns. He told me that he gets his ideas from the forest near his house, which I find quite interesting. I think he is very creative because every piece he makes is unique; no two plates are exactly the same. I really admire him because he actually left a high-paying office job to follow his passion for art, which I think is very brave and inspiring. Also, he teaches classes to children in our community, so he is sharing his skills with the next generation. I bought a small vase from him last year, and it’s the centerpiece of my living room. Whenever I look at it, I feel very calm and relaxed. He is a very hardworking and imaginative person, and I really enjoy seeing what he creates next. Even though I’m not very artistic myself, his work makes me appreciate the effort that goes into handmade things.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The Band 9 answer flows naturally without noticeable effort or hesitation. The speaker uses a variety of cohesive devices to link ideas, such as “to be honest,” “basically,” and “what makes her work so remarkable is…”. These phrases act as signposts, guiding the examiner through the narrative. Similar to the structure found in our guide on how to describe a person who always has interesting ideas, this response maintains a logical progression from introducing the person to explaining the emotional impact of their work.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise. Instead of saying “she is good at details,” the speaker uses “meticulous attention to detail.” Phrases like “conjure up,” “solarpunk aesthetics,” “dystopian and bleak,” and “uncanny ability” demonstrate a high level of lexical resource. The speaker also uses idiomatic language such as “a breath of fresh air” and “thin air,” which are used naturally in context. For more examples of high-level adjectives, you can check our list of 90 personality vocabulary words.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The response showcases a wide range of complex structures. For instance, the speaker uses a second conditional to express a hypothetical situation: “If I had even a fraction of her talent, I’d probably spend all day drawing.” There is also effective use of relative clauses (“who specializes in…”) and present perfect continuous (“I’ve always been fascinated…”). The grammar is consistently accurate, which is essential for hitting the highest bands, as noted on the IELTS official website.

Pronunciation

While the text doesn’t show pronunciation, a Band 9 speaker would use word stress and intonation to emphasize key points. For example, placing emphasis on “remarkably” or “visionary” helps convey the speaker’s genuine admiration. The use of contractions like “I’ve” and “I’d” contributes to a natural, spoken rhythm rather than a robotic, memorized tone.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Relative Clauses: “I admire the way in which she combines traditional techniques with modern themes.”
• Conditionals (Type 2): “If I were to meet him in person, I would ask him about his creative process.”
• Present Perfect Continuous: “I have been following her career since she was an unknown student.”
• Passive Voice for focus: “His work is highly regarded by critics all over the world.”
• Cleft Sentences: “What I find most impressive about his work is the use of light.”
• Not only… but also: “She is not only a talented painter but also a brilliant sculptor.”
• Participle Phrases: “Having studied in Italy, he brings a European flair to his designs.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

Do you think creativity can be taught in schools?

In my opinion, creativity is a bit of a double-edged sword when it comes to education. While you can certainly teach the technical skills associated with creative fields—like color theory in art or syntax in creative writing—the actual ‘spark’ of imagination is much harder to instill. However, I believe schools can foster an environment where creativity flourishes by encouraging students to experiment without the fear of failure. If the curriculum is too rigid, it tends to stifle original thought. Therefore, while you can’t exactly ‘hand over’ creativity to a student, you can definitely provide the tools and the freedom they need to discover it for themselves.

Why are some people more creative than others?

That’s a fascinating question. I think it’s a combination of nature and nurture. Some people might have a biological predisposition toward divergent thinking, allowing them to see connections that others miss. On the other hand, upbringing plays a massive role. If a child is raised in an environment that values curiosity and questioning the status quo, they are far more likely to develop a creative mindset. It’s often about how much ‘mental furniture’ someone has to move around; the more diverse experiences and knowledge a person has, the more material they have to create something truly unique and innovative.

How has technology changed the way people express their creativity?

Technology has been an absolute game-changer for the creative arts. It has democratized the tools of production, meaning that anyone with a smartphone can now be a filmmaker or a photographer. Software like Procreate or Photoshop has removed the physical barriers to entry for many artists. However, there is a flip side; with the advent of AI-generated art, we are entering a territory where the definition of ‘creativity’ is being challenged. While technology provides incredible new mediums for expression, it also creates a lot of noise, making it harder for truly talented individuals to stand out in a saturated digital landscape.

Is it important for children to learn about art in school?

Absolutely, I think it’s vital. Art education isn’t just about learning how to draw a bowl of fruit; it’s about developing critical thinking and emotional intelligence. When children engage with art, they learn how to interpret the world through different lenses and express complex feelings that they might not have the vocabulary for yet. Furthermore, it provides a necessary balance to STEM subjects. A well-rounded education should treat the arts with the same level of importance as mathematics or science, as creativity is the engine behind most scientific breakthroughs anyway. It helps children become more empathetic and observant individuals.

Do you think creative people should be supported by the government?

I strongly believe that the government has a responsibility to subsidize the arts. Creative industries contribute significantly to a country’s GDP and its ‘soft power’ on the global stage. Without grants or public funding, many groundbreaking artists would never have the financial stability to produce their work. We often see that in cities with thriving art scenes, the quality of life is higher and the economy is more robust. If we leave art entirely to the mercy of the free market, we risk losing the more experimental or ‘challenging’ works that don’t have immediate commercial appeal but are culturally essential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too generic: Avoid saying “I like him because he is good.” Be specific about what they create and why it is unique.
• Focusing only on famous people: You don’t have to talk about Leonardo da Vinci. Talking about a local artist or a friend often feels more natural and less rehearsed.
• Ignoring the “Why”: Many candidates spend too much time on the “Who” and “What” and forget to explain the admiration part, which is where the complex vocabulary usually sits.
• Repetitive Vocabulary: Try not to use the word “creative” or “admire” in every sentence. Use synonyms like “innovative,” “imaginative,” “look up to,” or “respect.”
• Lack of specific examples: Don’t just say they are “detailed.” Mention a specific piece of work or a specific technique they use.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Record and Review: Use our speaking tips to record yourself answering this prompt. Listen back for “ums” and “ahs.”
• Build a ‘Creative’ Word Bank: Collect 5-10 adjectives specifically for describing art (e.g., vibrant, subtle, textures, abstract).
• Think of a Backup: If you can’t think of an artist, think of a creative chef, a programmer who writes elegant code, or even a gardener. Creativity isn’t just limited to painting.
• Practice the “Transition”: Work on moving smoothly from the description of the person to the explanation of your feelings using phrases like “What really strikes me about…”
• Check Current Trends: Stay updated with the IELTS speaking topics for Jan-Apr 2026 to see how this prompt might be slightly modified in future exams.

Mastering the ability to describe a creative person whose work you admire is a fantastic way to boost your score. By using specific details and a range of high-level vocabulary, you can show the examiner that you are a confident and articulate speaker. For more personalized feedback and structured practice, consider enrolling in our IELTS English Speaking Course today!