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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a creative person whose work you admire.

You should say:

• who this person is
• how you know this person
• what creative things he/she has done

and explain why you admire his/her work so much.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:

I don’t really have a very keen eye or mind for creativity, and as such, I don’t always know if somebody is really creative unless, of course, that person is like Mr Fuad Alam. Today, I would like to talk about Fuad Alam, whose work I really admire.

To introduce this creative person a little, he is actually a very fine and polished carpenter, and my family has been doing business with him for almost 10 years. In fact, I can’t remember an occasion over the last 10 years when we needed to make a piece of furniture for our family, and yet we didn’t ask for his help. Of course, whether he was always able to help us or not, that’s a different story. But, again, the truth is, whenever we need to make any furniture, the name of Mr Fuad Alam first comes to our mind.

Now, if you are wondering what is so special or “creative” about Fuad Alam, all I can say is that you will actually have to see some of his works to believe it since it is just not always possible to describe the creativity of a person in some simple words. But, just to give some hint, one of the wardrobes, made by him, was sold at a record price one time because it not only looked so unique and beautiful but also it was made with a bare minimum quantity of wood. Similarly, he has displayed his creativity on many other furniture pieces which have been shipped to many different parts of my country.

Anyway, I really admire the works of Mr Fuad Alam, mainly because he happens to perfectly know which designs or artworks go with what kinds of furniture. Besides, he also happens to know what type of furniture a home should have without ever destroying the natural appeal or look of that home. So, essentially, even though he just may be a carpenter with no formal degree or education, he is actually very much like an expert “interior designer” to me!

Model Answer 2:

Introduction:
First of all, thank you very much for this interesting topic. I believe that, in this modern era, countless creative people inspire us with their work. Today, I am going to talk about a creative person whose work I admire greatly. 

Who this person is:
The person is none other than Banksy, a renowned street artist known for his unique style of graffiti. Banksy is an anonymous street artist and a political activist who has made a name for himself with his graffiti art all around the world. He is a British artist whose identity remains a mystery, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his artwork.

How you know this person: 
I came across Banksy's artwork on the internet and was immediately drawn to his unique style of graffiti. His artwork is often thought-provoking, and it speaks volumes about the issues we face in society.

What creative things he/she has done:
Banksy's artwork is diverse and covers a range of topics, including politics, culture, and social issues. He has created numerous thought-provoking pieces, such as the "Flower Thrower," a mural depicting a masked protester throwing a bouquet of flowers instead of a Molotov cocktail. Another notable work is "Girl with Balloon," a stencil that has become one of his most iconic images.

And explain why you admire his/her work so much:
Banksy's work is not only aesthetically pleasing but also holds significant meaning. His artwork often challenges the status quo, and it encourages viewers to question their surroundings. His anonymity adds to the intrigue and appeal of his work, as people are drawn to the mystery surrounding the artist. I admire Banksy's work for its unique style and the important messages it conveys to the public.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

Creative individuals inspire us through their unique approaches to art, design, writing, or problem-solving. They bring new ideas and innovative solutions to the world. Here are some ideas for describing a creative person whose work you admire:

1. A famous writer -  J.K. Rowling:
One creative person whose work I admire is J.K. Rowling, the author of the "Harry Potter" series. I know her work from reading the books and watching the movies. She created an entire magical world that captivated readers of all ages, and her storytelling is imaginative and full of life. I admire her work because she not only built a fantasy world but also explored deep themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Her ability to create a universe so vivid and immersive is something I truly respect.

2. A renowned photographer - Steve McCurry:
I admire the work of Steve McCurry, a photographer famous for his powerful images, particularly the "Afghan Girl" photograph. I know his work through exhibitions and publications. McCurry’s creative ability to capture raw emotion and stories through photography is incredible. I admire his work because his images go beyond just showing what the world looks like - they convey a deeper message, telling stories of people, places, and cultures. His work inspires me to see beauty in the ordinary and the importance of capturing meaningful moments.

3. A local visual artist:
There’s a local artist in my city whose work I admire. I first saw her work in an art exhibition. She creates stunning abstract paintings that explore human emotion through colour and form. Her pieces are thought-provoking and often leave a lasting impression. I admire her work because of her ability to express complex emotions visually, and her creativity in using colour and texture to convey meaning. I respect her artistic vision and how her work invites viewers to interpret it in their own way.

4. A famous fashion designer - Coco Chanel:
I admire the work of Coco Chanel, a legendary fashion designer known for revolutionising women’s fashion. I’ve read about her and followed her designs through books and documentaries. Chanel created timeless pieces such as the little black dress and the Chanel No. 5 perfume. I admire her work because she broke away from traditional fashion norms, offering women elegant yet simple designs that empowered them to feel confident. Her legacy in the fashion world continues to influence modern designers.

5. A talented musician - Beethoven:
One musician whose work I admire is Beethoven. I first learned about his compositions through music classes and my personal interest in classical music. Despite facing personal challenges, including his eventual deafness, Beethoven created some of the most powerful and emotionally stirring music ever composed. I admire his work because of his ability to transform personal hardship into beautiful music that resonates with listeners to this day. His compositions, like the "Ode to Joy", are timeless pieces that continue to inspire musicians and listeners worldwide.

6. A graphic designer - Paula Scher:
I admire the work of Paula Scher, a renowned graphic designer known for her innovative and bold use of typography in design. I discovered her work through design books and online resources. Scher has created iconic designs for clients such as Microsoft and the Museum of Modern Art. I admire her work because she combines creativity with functionality, making her designs not only visually striking but also highly effective in communicating the intended message. Her ability to transform simple elements into powerful visual statements is truly inspiring.

7. An influential figure in history - Leonardo da Vinci:
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most creative and influential figures in history. I first learned about his work in history books and art classes. Da Vinci was a painter, inventor, and scientist, known for masterpieces such as the "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper". I admire his work because of his exceptional creativity and his ability to blend art with science. His contributions to art and his innovative ideas in engineering and anatomy show a level of genius that continues to inspire countless individuals across various fields.

8. A famous architect - Frank Lloyd Wright:
I admire the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, a famous American architect known for designing iconic buildings like the "Fallingwater" house and the Guggenheim Museum. I discovered his work through architecture books and documentaries. Wright’s approach to integrating buildings with their natural environment and his use of innovative designs made him a true visionary. I admire his work because of his ability to blend functionality with beauty, creating structures that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing, while respecting the surrounding environment.

9. A famous poet  - Rumi:
One poet whose work I deeply admire is Rumi, a 13th-century Persian poet whose spiritual and philosophical poems continue to resonate today. I first encountered Rumi’s work through his poems and translated texts. His words are often mystical and reflect deep wisdom about love, life, and the human soul. I admire his work because of the timeless relevance and universal truth in his poetry. His ability to express profound emotions and insights in simple yet powerful language has had a lasting impact on my understanding of spirituality and human connection.

10. A famous writer - George Orwell:
George Orwell, the author of "1984" and "Animal Farm", is a writer whose work I greatly admire. I read his works during high school, and they made a lasting impression on me. Orwell’s creative ability to use literature to explore political and social issues is unparalleled. I admire his work because he didn’t just write stories; he used his novels to warn readers about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of freedom. His clear, direct writing style and deep social consciousness continue to make his works relevant in today’s world.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing a creative person whose work you admire, it's important to use vocabulary that highlights their innovative qualities, the impact of their work, and the reasons for your admiration. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate your appreciation effectively. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Visionary artist: – An artist who has original and imaginative ideas about the future.
Example: I truly admire her as a visionary artist who constantly pushes boundaries.

Exceptional talent: – An unusually high level of natural ability.
Example: He possesses exceptional talent in the field of graphic design.

Innovative approach: – Using new and original methods or ideas.
Example: Her innovative approach to filmmaking is what makes her work stand out.

Pushing boundaries: – Challenging accepted limits or norms in a particular field.
Example: I admire how he is always pushing the boundaries of contemporary sculpture.

Thought-provoking creations: – Works that make people think deeply about important issues.
Example: Her thought-provoking creations often explore complex social themes.

Masterful execution: – Showing great skill and precision in carrying out a task or creating something.
Example: The masterful execution of his paintings is truly breathtaking.

Inspires others: – Encourages or motivates other people through their work.
Example: His dedication and passion inspire many aspiring artists.

Evokes strong emotions: – Creates powerful feelings in those who experience their work.
Example: Her music often evokes strong emotions in her listeners.

A fresh perspective: – A new and original way of looking at things.
Example: He brings a fresh perspective to traditional storytelling.

Unconventional methods: – Ways of doing things that are different from what is generally accepted.
Example: I am fascinated by her unconventional methods in photography.

A profound impact: – Having a significant and lasting effect.
Example: Her work has had a profound impact on the contemporary art scene.

Originality and imagination: – The quality of being new and inventive; the ability to form mental images of things not present to the senses.
Example: I am constantly impressed by the originality and imagination evident in their designs.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe a creative person whose work you admire", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe a creative or talented person whom you admire.
2) Describe a well-known person you know or admire.
3) Describe a business person whom you admire.
4) Describe a celebrity whom you like.
5) Describe a person who is famous for his creative work.
6) Describe an interesting profession or career you know about.
 

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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