Hello and welcome back to IELTS TIME, I’m your Archer, and today we’ve got a fascinating cue card: 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.
At first, this might feel tricky because you may wonder, “Who counts as creative?” Don’t worry. In this episode, we’ll break down exactly how to approach it.
To start, let’s listen to Joseph as he talks about a creative person he admires. Pay attention to the structure of his answer and the expressive language he uses — we’ll go over everything right after.
One creative person whose work I really admire is Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese animator and filmmaker. He’s one of the co-founders of Studio Ghibli, which is famous worldwide for its beautifully hand-drawn animated films.
I first learned about him in high school. A friend recommended the movie Spirited Away, and I was absolutely blown away by the visuals and storytelling. Since then, I’ve watched most of his films, like My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke. Over time, I read articles and watched interviews about his life and philosophy, which deepened my appreciation of his creativity. What makes him stand out is the way he combines fantasy with real-life themes. For example, Princess Mononoke isn’t just an adventure film — it also explores environmental issues and the tension between humans and nature. Similarly, Spirited Away might look like a children’s movie, but it carries subtle messages about consumerism, greed, and personal growth. Another remarkable thing is that most of his films are still hand-drawn, which is increasingly rare in an age dominated by computer animation.
I admire his work so much because it feels timeless and deeply human. He doesn’t just create stories to entertain — he uses imagination to make people think and reflect on the world. His movies are full of little details that make you feel connected to the characters, even if they live in completely imaginary worlds. That’s the essence of creativity — taking something fantastical and making it emotionally real. Watching his films always inspires me to see ordinary life in a more magical and meaningful way.
Overall, Hayao Miyazaki is a creative genius whose work has not only entertained millions of people but also shaped the way I think about art, storytelling, and life itself.
That was a great response. Let’s break down why it works so well. Joseph described the person clearly — Hayao Miyazaki, the Japanese animator and filmmaker — so we knew right away who he was talking about. He then explained how he first discovered Miyazaki, through watching Spirited Away in high school after a friend’s recommendation. That personal detail makes the story relatable and believable.
Next, Joseph described Miyazaki’s creative work, mentioning specific films like My Neighbor Totoro and Princess Mononoke, and explained how these movies combine fantasy with real-world themes, such as environmental issues. Finally, he shared why he admires Miyazaki, saying the films feel timeless, deeply human, and inspiring.
Notice how Joseph’s answer perfectly follows the cue card prompts. Instead of reading like a checklist, it flows like a story, which makes it feel natural and personal.
Now let’s look at some of the language Joseph used. He said he was “absolutely blown away” by the visuals — that phrase really shows strong surprise and admiration, much stronger than just saying “I liked it.” He described Miyazaki’s work as “timeless and deeply human,” which combines big ideas with real emotion and really sticks with you.
Another phrase he used was “the essence of creativity.” That’s a great example because it shows he’s thinking deeply about the meaning of creativity, not just listing Miyazaki’s accomplishments. He also pointed out how the films mix fantasy with real-life themes, which makes his description feel thoughtful and meaningful.
Notice how these expressions and descriptive phrases make the answer feel natural and vivid. They add impact and emotion to the response, making it easy for the listener to engage with the story. This is a great reminder that the right language can make your answer more memorable and lively.
If you’re not a film buff, you can still talk about someone who changed the world in a different way. For example, you could talk about Steve Jobs, the legendary co-founder of Apple. You could explain that you first learned about him when you saw his biography in a bookstore, which made you curious about his work and achievements. You could say that his creativity comes from taking ordinary technology and transforming it into products that are both functional and beautifully designed, like the iPhone and iPad. Then you could say that you admire his work because it completely changed how we interact with technology and inspired people around the world to think differently about what’s possible.
Or, you could choose an author who built an entire world from their imagination, like J.K. Rowling. You might explain that you first came to know her through the Harry Potter books, which became a global phenomenon. Her creativity lies in the sheer scale and intricate detail of the magical world she built—from the rules of Quidditch to the history of Hogwarts. You could say that you admire her work because it not only created a captivating story but also inspired millions of people to love reading, showing the massive cultural impact creative writing can have.
Or, you could talk about a creative force in music, like Taylor Swift. Whether you’ve been a fan since her country music days or discovered her worldwide tours, her creativity is undeniable. You could explain that it’s not just that she writes her own songs—it’s how she constantly reinvents her musical style while crafting lyrics that feel incredibly personal. You could say that you admire her work because each album shows fearless creativity, musical innovation, and the ability to forge an emotional connection with millions of listeners.
For sports fans, you could easily talk about Lionel Messi. You don’t have to be an art critic to see his creativity; you can see it every time he steps onto the pitch. You could say that you first saw his genius on a highlight reel online and were immediately hooked. His creativity isn’t about traditional art—it’s about spontaneity and improvisation. The way he glides past defenders, the unexpected passes he makes, or the way he can create a scoring opportunity from nothing is pure imagination in motion. You could say that you admire his work because it shows that creativity isn’t limited to art or music; it can be about vision, problem-solving, and inventiveness in sports.
Finally, creativity can even be found much closer to home. You could talk about a teacher or even a friend. You might say that you first noticed their creative flair in a classroom, where they turned a boring lesson into a captivating, interactive game. Their creativity shines in their ability to think outside the box to make something challenging feel exciting and effortless. You could say that you admire their work because it has a practical impact — making learning enjoyable, solving problems in new ways, and showing that creativity can improve life in meaningful, everyday ways.
The key to a great answer is making it sound personal and authentic. Even if you’re talking about a famous person, frame your answer in a way that shows your unique connection to them.
That’s all for today’s episode of IELTS TIME. Thanks for listening. If you found today’s episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe and share it with friends who are preparing for IELTS. Keep practicing, speak naturally, and look for creativity all around you.
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