B2 – Upper Intermediate
Creativity is not a singular moment, but a continuous and iterative journey. It challenges the notion that creativity occurs only in spontaneous events. It involves a deliberate and evolving process.
The summary highlights the importance of consistent effort, exploration, and refinement in fostering creativity, urging individuals to view it as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time occurrence.
Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “train of thought” mean? “The falling apple was merely the beginning of a train of thought that continued for decades.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What does the idiomatic expression “eureka moment” mean? “It is a symbol of the inspired genius that fills your brain during those “eureka moments” when creative conditions are just right.” Use the expression in your own sentence.
- What does the expression “to wrestle with something” mean? “Newton isn’t the only one to wrestle with a great idea for years.” Give 2 synonyms and use ‘to wrestle with something’ in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Share a personal experience when you had a “eureka moment” or a flash of creative brilliance. How did that moment influence your perspective on creativity?
- Discuss the notion that creativity is a process that requires years of commitment and deliberate practice. How do you approach the long-term development of your creative skills or talents?
- The article suggests that being in the top 1 percent of intelligence doesn’t necessarily correlate with being fantastically creative. How do you perceive the relationship between intelligence and creative thinking? Share examples that support or challenge this idea.
- Share practical strategies mentioned in the article, such as constraining oneself, writing more, broadening knowledge, and embracing positive thinking. Which strategies resonate with you, and how do you apply them in your creative pursuits?
- How does maintaining a positive mindset contribute to thinking more broadly and making creative connections between ideas in your experience?