How to Be Creative on Demand

A B2 ESL CONNECT lesson: the video explores how creativity can be encouraged through constraints, practice, incubation and deliberate routines.

Section 8 of 9

1. Before watching

Discuss these questions before watching. Try to give examples from work, study or daily life.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

Discuss with a partner. Give examples, include a counterargument and reach a clear conclusion.

2. Watch

Watch the video using the image from YouTube, then complete the comprehension and language tasks.

3. Comprehension

Choose the best answer based on the video’s main ideas.

Answers: 1 B, 2 B, 3 B, 4 B.

4. Five-paragraph gap-fill

Choose the correct word or phrase from each dropdown. The paragraphs are adapted from the video topic for classroom use.

Creativity is often treated as a mysterious talent, but it can also be supported by habits and conditions. People are more likely to generate original ideas when they can explore alternatives and work within useful .

A creative process usually involves more than waiting for inspiration. Ideas can develop through trial, feedback and , especially when people return to a problem with a fresh perspective.

The video gives examples so learners can connect the main ideas to real situations and make the topic more .

A useful lesson is to notice both the language and the practical in the video.

After watching, students should discuss the topic and apply the ideas to their own experience.

Answers: Complete the dropdowns in order. Extra answers may include memorable, advice, critically.

5. Phrasal verbs

Match each phrasal verb or phrase with the best meaning.

Answers: 1 A, 2 B, 3 C, 4 D, 5 E.

6. Vocabulary

Vocabulary matching

Match each word or phrase with the correct meaning.

Answers: 1 B, 2 D, 3 A, 4 F, 5 C, 6 E.

Drag and drop: creativity strategies

Drag each answer into the correct sentence.

Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Drop the answer here
Answers: 1 routine, 2 constraint, 3 ideas, 4 block, 5 perspectives.

7. Grammar

Grammar focus: modal verbs for advice

Choose the best option.

Answers: 1 should, 2 shouldn’t, 3 could, 4 might want to.

Grammar practice: conditionals

Complete the sentences with your own ideas.

Example answers:
1. If I have to be creative quickly, I will start with a simple list.
2. If a team shares too many ideas too early, they may lose focus.
3. If I worked in a more creative environment, I would take more risks.
4. If people were less afraid of failure, they would experiment more.

8. Discussion

Use the useful language and questions below to discuss the topic.

Five discussion questions

  1. 1. Is creativity mainly talent, practice or environment?
  2. 2. Can strict limits make people more creative?
  3. 3. Should companies give employees time to do nothing and think?
  4. 4. What is the biggest enemy of creativity: fear, perfectionism, pressure or distraction?
  5. What is the main idea of the video?

9. Speaking task

Design a short creativity routine for a team that needs ideas quickly.