The topic of describing a great leader is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. It allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to discuss leadership qualities, personal experiences, and abstract concepts related to leadership. Given its relevance to various fields and its potential to showcase vocabulary and critical thinking skills, this topic is likely to remain popular in future IELTS exams.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter general questions about leadership. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you think leadership skills are important in daily life?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely. I believe leadership skills are crucial in various aspects of daily life. They help us navigate complex situations, inspire others, and make informed decisions. Whether it’s managing a household, coordinating a group project at work, or even organizing a social event, leadership skills enable us to take initiative and guide others towards a common goal. These skills also foster better communication and problem-solving abilities, which are invaluable in both personal and professional settings.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card on describing a great leader:
Describe a person who you think is a great leader
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they do
- What qualities make them a great leader
- And explain why you admire them as a leader
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
I’d like to talk about Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, whom I consider to be an exceptional leader.
Jacinda Ardern served as New Zealand’s Prime Minister from 2017 to 2023, during which time she faced numerous challenges head-on, including the Christchurch mosque shootings, the White Island volcano eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her leadership during these crises was widely praised both domestically and internationally.
What makes Ardern a great leader, in my opinion, are her remarkable qualities. Firstly, her empathy and compassion are evident in how she connects with people from all walks of life. She has an innate ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which was particularly apparent in her response to the Christchurch attacks. Secondly, her decisiveness and clarity of communication were crucial during the pandemic, where she implemented swift and effective measures to protect New Zealand’s population. Lastly, her authenticity and approachability have made her relatable to many, breaking down barriers between leadership and the public.
I admire Ardern as a leader because she embodies a new kind of leadership that prioritizes empathy, inclusivity, and effective communication. Her approach demonstrates that it’s possible to be both strong and compassionate, decisive and understanding. She has shown that leaders can be human, admitting when they’ve made mistakes and being open about the challenges they face. Her leadership style has inspired many, particularly young women, showing that it’s possible to lead with both strength and kindness.
Jacinda Ardern delivering a speech
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: How do you think leadership styles have changed in recent years?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in leadership styles. Traditional authoritarian approaches are giving way to more collaborative and empathetic models. Leaders today are expected to be more transparent, inclusive, and adaptable. There’s a greater emphasis on emotional intelligence, with leaders being valued for their ability to inspire and motivate teams rather than simply direct them. Additionally, the rise of technology and global interconnectedness has necessitated leaders who are digitally savvy and can navigate complex, multicultural environments. This evolution reflects changing societal values and the need for more agile, responsive leadership in our fast-paced world.
Examiner: Do you think great leaders are born or made?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I believe it’s a combination of both innate qualities and developed skills. While some individuals may possess natural charisma or intuitive leadership abilities, these alone are not sufficient to make a great leader. Effective leadership requires a range of skills that can be learned and honed over time, such as strategic thinking, communication, and emotional intelligence. Great leaders often cultivate their abilities through experience, education, and self-reflection. They continuously adapt to new challenges and learn from their mistakes. So, while certain traits might give someone a head start, becoming a truly great leader is a journey of ongoing growth and development.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do cultural differences affect leadership styles around the world?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Cultural differences profoundly impact leadership styles globally. In some cultures, hierarchical structures are respected, leading to more top-down decision-making processes. For instance, in many Asian countries, leaders may be expected to be more directive and authoritative. In contrast, Western cultures often value participative leadership, encouraging open dialogue and collaborative decision-making.
The concept of cultural influences on school leadership and governance is a prime example of how these differences manifest in specific sectors. Educational leaders must navigate these cultural nuances to be effective.
Moreover, communication styles vary significantly. In some cultures, direct communication is valued, while in others, indirect or contextual communication is preferred. This affects how leaders convey their vision, give feedback, and resolve conflicts.
Understanding these cultural differences in educational leadership and other sectors is crucial for global leaders. It requires cultural intelligence and adaptability to effectively lead diverse teams and organizations in our interconnected world.
Examiner: In what ways can leadership in business differ from leadership in politics?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Leadership in business and politics, while sharing some core principles, differ significantly in several key aspects.
Firstly, the ultimate goal varies. Business leaders primarily focus on profitability and shareholder value, while political leaders must balance diverse societal needs and public welfare. This fundamental difference shapes their decision-making processes and priorities.
Secondly, the accountability structures differ. Business leaders are accountable to boards and shareholders, with clear metrics like financial performance. Political leaders, however, are accountable to a broader electorate with often conflicting interests and less tangible success measures.
The timeframe for decisions also varies. Business leaders often work with quarterly or annual targets, while political leaders may need to consider much longer-term impacts, sometimes spanning generations.
Additionally, the level of public scrutiny differs significantly. While high-profile business leaders face media attention, political leaders operate under constant public and media scrutiny, affecting their communication strategies and public personas.
Lastly, the scope of influence varies. Business leaders’ decisions primarily affect their companies and industries, while political leaders’ choices can have far-reaching impacts on entire populations and international relations.
Understanding these differences is crucial for leaders who transition between these spheres, as they need to adapt their leadership styles accordingly.
Business and political leaders in discussion
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Exemplary /ɪɡˈzempləri/ (adjective): Serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind.
Example: “Her exemplary leadership during the crisis set a new standard for emergency management.” -
Visionary /ˈvɪʒənerɪ/ (adjective): Thinking about or planning the future with imagination or wisdom.
Example: “As a visionary leader, she anticipates market trends and positions the company for future success.” -
Charismatic /ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk/ (adjective): Exercising a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.
Example: “His charismatic personality naturally draws people to him and inspires their loyalty.” -
Resilient /rɪˈzɪliənt/ (adjective): Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Example: “A resilient leader bounces back from setbacks and keeps the team motivated despite challenges.” -
To galvanize /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ (verb): To shock or excite (someone) into taking action.
Example: “Her passionate speech galvanized the employees to embrace the new company vision.” -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “His innovative approach to customer service created a paradigm shift in the retail industry.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing leadership:
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Prepare a range of examples: Have several leaders in mind from different fields (business, politics, sports, etc.) to draw upon for various questions.
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Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced leadership-related terms naturally in your responses.
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Provide detailed explanations: Don’t just list qualities; explain why they’re important and give specific examples of how they manifest.
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Show critical thinking: Discuss both positive and negative aspects of leadership styles or decisions to demonstrate balanced reasoning.
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Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses, especially when transitioning between ideas.
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Develop your ideas: Extend your answers with relevant details, personal opinions, and real-world connections.
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Use a variety of grammatical structures: Showcase your language skills by using complex sentences, conditionals, and passive voice where appropriate.
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Stay relevant: Always keep your answers focused on the question asked, using the topic as a springboard for showcasing your English proficiency.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score.
