The IELTS Speaking Exam assesses candidates on several key factors, including fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One popular topic in the Speaking Exam is describing a commendable leader. Understanding how to answer such questions can help you achieve a higher band score.
In this guide, we’ll break down the topic “Describe A Person Who Is A Good Leader” and provide example answers and analysis for each part of the IELTS Speaking Exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself, your home, work, studies, or interests. Here are some example questions and a model answer:
Example Questions
- Do you prefer to work alone or with others?
- Can you tell me about a time when you were inspired by someone?
Model Answer
Examiner: Can you tell me about a time when you were inspired by someone?
Candidate: Yes, I can. I remember being inspired by my high school teacher, Mrs. Thompson. She was not only extremely knowledgeable but also very approachable and empathetic. Her dedication to teaching and her ability to motivate students were truly remarkable. Mrs. Thompson always encouraged us to think critically and pursue our goals, no matter the obstacles.
Analysis: This answer is straightforward and provides specific reasons why the teacher was inspiring, aligning with the qualities of a good leader. The response also demonstrates fluency and strategic use of vocabulary such as “knowledgeable,” “empathetic,” and “motivated.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will receive a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You will have one minute to prepare and then need to speak on the topic for about 2 minutes.
Cue Card
Describe a person who is a good leader. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What qualities they have that make them a good leader
- And explain how this person has influenced you.
Model Answer
I would like to talk about Elon Musk, a person I genuinely believe is a good leader. I got to know about him through various media sources and his involvement in numerous groundbreaking projects such as Tesla and SpaceX.
One of the prominent qualities that make him a remarkable leader is his visionary mindset. He’s always thinking ahead and looking for innovative solutions to complex problems, whether it’s about sustainable energy or space exploration. Besides, he has an extraordinary work ethic. He often works long hours and is deeply involved in different aspects of his companies.
Musk’s ability to motivate and inspire his teams is also exceptional. He sets ambitious goals and encourages his staff to achieve them, often leading by example. His unwavering commitment to his vision has not only driven significant advancements in technology but also inspired many, including myself.
Personally, Musk has influenced me to think outside the box and pursue my ideas relentlessly. His journey has taught me the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on long-term goals despite short-term setbacks.
Analysis: The response is well-structured, focusing on the required points: who Elon Musk is, his qualities, and how he has influenced the candidate. The use of vocabulary like “visionary mindset,” “work ethic,” and “commitment” is strategic and enhances the overall fluency and coherence.
elon musk leading meeting
Follow-Up Questions
- Why do you think some people are naturally good leaders?
- Can leadership qualities be taught, or are they inherent?
- How important is communication in effective leadership?
Suggested Answers
Examiner: Can leadership qualities be taught, or are they inherent?
Candidate: I believe that while some people naturally possess certain leadership traits, many leadership qualities can indeed be taught and developed over time. For instance, skills such as effective communication, empathy, and strategic thinking can be nurtured through experience and training. It’s a combination of inherent talent and continuous development that fosters great leadership.
Analysis: The candidate offers a balanced view, demonstrating critical thinking and the ability to articulate their thoughts clearly. Important phrases like “can be taught and developed” and “combination of inherent talent and continuous development” show a nuanced understanding of the topic.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask further questions related to the topic in Part 2 but on a more abstract or general level.
Discussion Questions
- How do leadership styles differ between cultures?
- What are some advantages and disadvantages of being a leader?
- How has the concept of leadership changed in the modern world?
Model Answer
Examiner: How do leadership styles differ between cultures?
Candidate: Leadership styles indeed vary significantly across cultures. For instance, in many Western countries, leadership tends to be more individualistic and democratic, where leaders encourage open communication and team participation. Conversely, in many Eastern cultures, leadership is often more hierarchical and authoritative, emphasizing collectivism and respect for seniority. Understanding these cultural differences is crucial for global businesses to ensure effective collaboration and management across diverse teams.
Analysis: This answer highlights cultural differences in leadership styles, using comparative phrases such as “contrary to” and demonstrating a clear understanding of the topic. Vocabulary like “individualistic,” “democratic,” “hierarchical,” and “authoritative” are appropriately used to enhance lexical resource.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some important words and phrases that can help boost your Lexical Resource score:
- Visionary (n) /ˈvɪʒəˌnɛri/: someone with original ideas about what the future will or could be like.
- Example: Steve Jobs was a true visionary who revolutionized the technology industry.
- Empathetic (adj) /ˌɛmpəˈθɛtɪk/: showing an ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
- Example: Being empathetic is a crucial quality for effective leaders.
- Inherent (adj) /ɪnˈhɛrənt/: existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.
- Example: Some leadership qualities are inherent, but many can be cultivated over time.
- Hierarchical (adj) /ˌhaɪəˈrɑrkɪkəl/: arranged in order of rank.
- Example: The company’s hierarchical structure sometimes stifles creativity.
Pro Tips for Achieving a High Score in IELTS Speaking
- Practice Fluency: Regularly practice speaking English to enhance your fluency. Focus on delivering your thoughts coherently and cohesively.
- Expand Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases relevant to diverse topics. This will help you articulate your ideas more precisely.
- Use Varied Sentence Structures: Demonstrate your grammatical range by using different tenses, conditional sentences, and more complex structures.
- Work on Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is vital. Practice regularly and consider recording yourself to identify areas for improvement.
Related Articles
- Describe a Time When You Were Satisfied With Your Work
- Describe a Project You Worked On
- Describe a Person Who Has Been a Good Influence on You
Conclusion
Describing a person who is a good leader during the IELTS Speaking Exam requires a strategic approach and thorough practice. Utilize the provided model answers, vocabulary, and tips to structure your responses impressively. Remember, consistent practice and expanding your language skills will lead to success in your IELTS speaking exam.