IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a time when you proposed a creative solution to a problem.
You should say:
- when it was and what the situation was
- what was the problem
- what creative solution you proposed
and explain how you felt about it.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you’re going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
Introduction:
Thank you so much for this interesting topic, and I’m really glad that I’ve got the chance to talk about it. Here, I’d like to describe a time when I proposed a creative solution to a problem, and it actually worked quite well.
When it was and what the situation was:
Well, this happened during my college days, about two years ago. We had a group activity in one of our classes, where students were supposed to participate in weekly discussions and presentations.
What was the problem:
The main problem was low attendance and very little participation. Most students didn’t show much interest, and even when they attended, they stayed quiet and avoided taking part. As a result, the whole activity felt dull and ineffective.
What creative solution you proposed:
So, I suggested a slightly different approach. Instead of making it a formal presentation every week, I proposed turning it into a more interactive and engaging session. I recommended introducing small rewards, like bonus marks or recognition, for active participation. I also suggested dividing the class into small teams and assigning each team a fun, real-life topic to discuss, rather than purely academic ones. On top of that, I encouraged using short games or quick quizzes at the beginning of each session to warm everyone up. The idea was to create a relaxed and enjoyable environment instead of a strict classroom setting. Not to mention, my teacher liked it very much, and I was highly praised for coming up with this solution.
And explain how you felt about it:
To my surprise, the idea worked really well. Attendance improved, and more students started contributing to discussions. The classroom atmosphere became much more lively, and people actually looked forward to the sessions. Our teacher also noticed the change, and they were so pleased with the whole solution. I felt extremely satisfied and a bit proud, to be honest, because my idea made a real difference.
Model Answer 2:
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this excellent topic. This topic actually reminds me of a situation where I had to think on my feet a bit! It wasn’t anything huge, but the outcome made me feel surprisingly proud.
This happened during a group project at university. We had to prepare a presentation as a team, and everything seemed fine at the beginning. But just a few days before the deadline, things started to fall apart. You can realise how panicked as young students we were back then.
As for the problem, the main issue was that our team members were not coordinating properly. Everyone worked individually, but no one checked how the pieces fit together. As a result, our content became repetitive in some parts and completely disconnected in others. Honestly, it looked like five different presentations stitched together.
So instead of trying to fix everything separately, I suggested something different. I proposed that we restructure the whole presentation into a “story flow.” I asked everyone to forget their individual slides for a moment and think of the presentation as one continuous narrative.
Then I quickly created a simple outline that connected all sections logically, like a beginning, middle, and conclusion. I reassigned small parts, edited transitions between slides, and even added a short opening hook to grab attention. It wasn’t complicated, but it brought everything together.
Well, to be honest, at first, I wasn’t sure if everyone would agree, but surprisingly, they supported the idea. When we finally presented, everything flowed smoothly, and even the teacher commented on how well-structured it was. I felt genuinely satisfied. We got a good grade, and I was happy that I had been able to help turn a messy situation into something coherent. That moment made me realise that creativity isn’t always about big ideas; sometimes it’s just about seeing a problem differently.
Idea Generation for this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card Topic:
This topic asks you to describe a time when you proposed a creative solution to a problem. You should explain when it happened, what the situation was, what the problem was, how complex it was, why it needed to be solved, what creative solution you suggested, and how you felt about it. For a great, include the challenge, how your idea was different from others, and what the outcome was. Here are a few really good ideas to help you develop your own response to this topic.
1. Solving a group project issue:
The situation happened during a group project at university when our team was struggling to organise the work properly. The problem was that everyone had different ideas, and we were wasting time arguing. I suggested using a shared online document where each member could contribute and track progress clearly. I felt very satisfied because the idea worked well and helped us complete the project efficiently.
2. Fixing low attendance in a class activity:
This happened during my school days when very few students were interested in participating in a class activity. The problem was lack of motivation among students. I suggested turning the activity into a fun competition with small rewards. I felt proud because participation increased significantly, and everyone became more engaged.
3. Managing time during exams:
The situation occurred when I had difficulty managing time during exams. The problem was that I spent too much time on difficult questions. I created a strategy where I answered easy questions first and returned to harder ones later. I felt confident because this method improved my performance and reduced stress.
4. Improving communication in a team:
This happened at my workplace when team members were not communicating effectively. The problem was confusion about tasks and deadlines. I suggested having short daily meetings to update progress and clear doubts. I felt satisfied because communication improved and the team became more organised.
5. Reducing waste at an event:
The situation happened during an event where a lot of food and materials were being wasted. The problem was poor planning and a lack of awareness. I suggested using reusable items and planning quantities more carefully. I felt happy because my idea helped reduce waste and made the event more environmentally friendly.
6. Helping a friend understand a difficult topic:
This happened when a friend was struggling to understand a complex subject. The problem was that traditional explanations were too difficult. I suggested using simple real-life examples and visual explanations. I felt proud because my friend finally understood the topic and became more confident.
7. Organising a study routine:
The situation occurred when I found it hard to stay consistent with my studies. The problem was a lack of structure in my daily routine. I created a timetable that included short breaks and varied subjects. I felt satisfied because it made my study sessions more productive and manageable.
8. Solving a technical issue:
This happened when I faced a technical problem while working on a computer project. The problem was that the software kept crashing repeatedly. I searched online and found a creative workaround by using an alternative tool temporarily. I felt relieved and accomplished because I managed to complete my work on time.
9. Making an event more engaging:
The situation happened during a school or college event that seemed boring to the audience. The problem was a lack of interaction. I suggested adding interactive games and audience participation segments. I felt excited because the event became more lively and enjoyable for everyone.
10. Budget planning for a group trip:
This happened when planning a trip with friends, and we had a limited budget. The problem was managing expenses without compromising the experience. I suggested sharing costs, choosing affordable options and planning in advance. I felt satisfied because the trip turned out to be enjoyable and within budget.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card:
When describing a creative solution to a problem, focus on words that highlight your ability to think differently and the effectiveness of your idea. The following terms will help you transition from the “crisis” stage to the “resolution” stage smoothly. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Innovative: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
Example: I suggested an innovative way to reorganise the database that cut processing time in half.
Think on your feet: To make a quick decision or give an answer quickly.
Example: This was such an urgent and complex situation that I had to think on my feet!
Think outside the box: To explore ideas that are creative and unusual and are not limited or controlled by rules or tradition.
Example: We were stuck with a limited budget, so I had to think outside the box to find free resources.
Bottleneck: A situation that causes delay in a process or system.
Example: The main problem was a communication bottleneck between the design and development teams.
Ingenious: (Of a person) clever, original, and inventive.
Example: It was an ingenious solution that used existing materials rather than requiring new purchases.
Spearhead: To lead a movement or attack; to take the lead in a project.
Example: I decided to spearhead a new initiative to digitise all our old records.
Hurdle: A problem or difficulty that must be overcome.
Example: The biggest hurdle was convincing the senior management that the change was necessary.
Implement: To put a decision, plan, or agreement into effect.
Example: Once the board approved my proposal, we began to implement the changes immediately.
Novel: New or unusual in an interesting way.
Example: I proposed a novel approach to the marketing campaign that focused on social media influencers.
Resolution: The action of making a firm decision to do or not to do something.
Example: The resolution of the conflict led to a much more harmonious working environment.
Brainwave: A sudden bright idea.
Example: I had a sudden brainwave while walking home that solved the logic error I’d been struggling with.
Trial run: A preliminary test of a new product, system, or procedure.
Example: We conducted a trial run of my suggestion on a small scale before applying it to the whole company.
Viable: Capable of working successfully; feasible.
Example: My goal was to find a solution that was both creative and economically viable.
Streamline: To make an organisation or system more efficient and effective.
Example: My proposal helped to streamline the registration process for new students.
Aha moment: A moment of sudden realisation, inspiration, or insight.
Example: The “aha moment” came when I realised we could repurpose the old software instead of buying a new one.
Resourceful: Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties.
Example: Being resourceful is essential when you are working with limited time and manpower.
Validated: Feeling that one’s feelings or opinions are valued and respected.
Example: I felt incredibly validated when the team successfully adopted my strategy.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a time when you proposed a creative solution to a problem”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a situation when someone suggested a clever solution.
2) Describe a time when you needed to use your imagination.
3) Describe an idea you had for improving something at work or college.
4) Describe a competition (e.g. TV, college/work or sports competition) that you took part in.
5) Describe a memorable event in your life.
Thanks a lot for this great IELTS resource.