As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates tackle the speaking test. One topic that frequently appears is describing a person known for their leadership abilities. This article will guide you through answering this question effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS speaking test.
Leadership Skills
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about leadership. Here are a few examples:
- Do you think leadership skills are important? Why/Why not?
- What qualities make a good leader?
- Have you ever been in a leadership position?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely, I believe leadership skills are crucial in many aspects of life. Effective leaders can inspire and motivate others to achieve common goals, whether in a professional setting or in community initiatives. Moreover, leadership skills often encompass valuable traits like communication, problem-solving, and decision-making, which are beneficial in various life situations.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to leadership:
Describe a person who is known for their leadership abilities.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know about this person
- What leadership qualities they possess
- And explain why you think they are a good leader
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about Nelson Mandela, a renowned figure known for his exceptional leadership abilities. I first learned about him in my history classes and through documentaries.
Mandela possessed numerous leadership qualities. He was incredibly resilient, spending 27 years in prison for his beliefs without losing his determination. His ability to forgive and promote reconciliation after becoming President of South Africa was remarkable.
I believe Mandela was an outstanding leader because he led by example. He stood firm in his convictions, even in the face of great adversity. Moreover, his vision of a united South Africa and his efforts to achieve this goal inspired millions. His leadership transformed a nation and continues to influence people worldwide.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who has garnered international acclaim for her leadership abilities. I’ve been following her career through news reports and political analyses.
Ardern exemplifies numerous quintessential leadership qualities. Her empathy and compassionate approach to governance were particularly evident in her response to the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019. She demonstrated remarkable crisis management skills during the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing swift and effective measures that significantly mitigated the virus’s impact in New Zealand.
What sets Ardern apart as an exceptional leader is her ability to balance strength with compassion. She’s not afraid to make tough decisions when necessary, yet she consistently communicates with transparency and empathy. Her inclusive leadership style and focus on long-term sustainability, particularly in areas like climate change policy, have resonated with many citizens and international observers alike.
Furthermore, Ardern’s leadership breaks traditional molds. As a young woman in a high-profile leadership position, she’s challenged stereotypes and inspired a new generation of leaders. Her authentic and relatable demeanor, coupled with her unwavering commitment to her principles, has fostered trust and unity among diverse groups.”
Follow-up Questions
- What challenges do you think leaders face in today’s world?
- How do you think leadership styles have changed over the years?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Leaders in today’s world face a myriad of complex challenges. One of the most pressing issues is navigating the rapidly changing technological landscape. Leaders must stay abreast of innovations and understand how to leverage technology effectively while also addressing concerns about job displacement and data privacy.
Another significant challenge is managing diverse and often geographically dispersed teams. With globalization and remote work becoming increasingly common, leaders need to foster cohesion and maintain productivity across different cultures and time zones. This requires exceptional communication skills and cultural intelligence.
Moreover, leaders today must grapple with unprecedented levels of uncertainty and volatility in the global economy and geopolitical landscape. They need to be agile and adaptable, capable of making swift decisions based on limited information while also planning for long-term sustainability.
Lastly, there’s an increasing expectation for leaders to address social and environmental issues. Stakeholders are demanding that organizations take stands on topics like climate change, social justice, and corporate responsibility. Leaders must balance these expectations with traditional business objectives, often walking a tightrope between different stakeholder interests.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Examiner: “How do you think leadership in business differs from leadership in politics?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“There are both similarities and differences between leadership in business and politics. In both arenas, leaders need to inspire and motivate people towards a common goal. However, the context and challenges can be quite different.
Business leaders typically focus on maximizing profits and shareholder value, while political leaders need to consider the welfare of all citizens. Business decisions often have a more immediate impact, whereas political decisions may have long-term consequences that extend beyond a leader’s term.
Moreover, political leaders often face more public scrutiny and need to balance diverse interests from various constituencies. Business leaders, while accountable to shareholders and boards, generally have more autonomy in decision-making.
Despite these differences, both types of leaders need strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The realms of business and politics, while both requiring strong leadership, present distinct challenges and operate within different frameworks.
In the business world, leaders typically have a more clearly defined objective: to drive profitability and create value for shareholders. Their success is often measured in tangible metrics like revenue growth, market share, and return on investment. Business leaders generally have more autonomy in decision-making, although they’re still accountable to boards and shareholders.
Political leadership, on the other hand, operates in a more complex and nuanced environment. Political leaders must balance a multitude of competing interests from various constituencies, often with conflicting demands. Their success is measured in less tangible terms, such as public approval ratings, policy implementations, and overall societal progress. They face intense public scrutiny and must navigate a landscape where compromises are often necessary.
The timeframes these leaders work within also differ significantly. Business leaders often focus on quarterly results and annual performance, while political leaders need to consider both immediate needs and long-term impacts that may extend far beyond their term in office.
However, there are also notable similarities. Both types of leaders need to inspire and mobilize large groups of people towards a common vision. They must possess excellent communication skills, strategic thinking abilities, and the capacity to make difficult decisions under pressure.
Interestingly, we’re seeing some convergence between these two types of leadership. Many businesses are now expected to consider their social and environmental impact, not just their financial performance. Similarly, there’s a growing expectation for governments to be run more efficiently, adopting some business practices.
In essence, while the contexts differ, effective leadership in both spheres requires a blend of vision, pragmatism, and the ability to connect with and motivate people.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Exemplify (verb) /ɪɡˈzemplɪfaɪ/ – to be a perfect example of something
Example: “Nelson Mandela exemplified resilience and forgiveness in his leadership.”Quintessential (adjective) /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/ – being the most typical example or most important part of something
Example: “Empathy is a quintessential quality of effective leaders.”Garner (verb) /ˈɡɑːnə(r)/ – to gather or collect something, especially information, support, etc.
Example: “Her innovative policies garnered widespread support from the public.”Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – to make something less harmful, serious, or painful
Example: “Good leaders work to mitigate risks and negative impacts on their team.”Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to recover quickly from difficult conditions
Example: “A resilient leader can bounce back from setbacks and keep the team motivated.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a leader:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to leadership and personal qualities.
- Structure your answers clearly, using discourse markers to link your ideas.
- Provide specific examples to support your points, demonstrating your ability to give detailed responses.
- Show critical thinking by discussing both positive and negative aspects of leadership.
- Practice speaking on various topics related to leadership to improve your fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about 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 band score.
For more practice on describing influential people, you might want to check out our article on how to describe a person who motivates you to be a better person. This will help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss personal qualities and influences.