Leadership is a quality that many admire and aspire to possess. In IELTS Speaking tests, questions about admirable leaders or people with strong leadership qualities are relatively common. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express opinions on personal and professional qualities. Let’s explore how to effectively address this topic in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about leadership and admiration. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you think leadership is an important quality?
2. What qualities do you think make a good leader?
3. Have you ever been in a leadership position?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you think leadership is an important quality?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Absolutely, I believe leadership is a crucial quality in many aspects of life. Effective leaders can inspire and guide others, whether in a professional setting or within communities. They have the ability to motivate people to achieve common goals and overcome challenges. In today’s rapidly changing world, strong leadership is essential for navigating complex situations and driving positive change.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person you admire for their leadership qualities:

Describe A Person You Admire For Their Leadership Qualities.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What leadership qualities they have
• And explain why you admire these qualities

Now, let’s look at sample answers for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Response:

I’d like to talk about my former manager, Sarah, whom I worked with for three years at a marketing agency. I got to know her when I joined the company as a junior copywriter.

Sarah has several impressive leadership qualities. Firstly, she’s an excellent communicator. She always explains tasks clearly and provides constructive feedback. Secondly, she’s very supportive of her team members, encouraging us to take on new challenges and develop our skills. Lastly, she leads by example, often working alongside us on important projects.

I admire these qualities because they create a positive work environment. Her clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings, while her supportive nature boosts team morale. By leading by example, she inspires us to work harder and be more dedicated. Overall, Sarah’s leadership style makes the workplace more productive and enjoyable.

Band 8-9 Response:

I’d like to discuss a person I greatly admire for their exceptional leadership qualities – Jacinda Ardern, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Although I’ve never met her personally, I’ve closely followed her career through various media sources and her public appearances.

Jacinda Ardern possesses a remarkable array of leadership qualities that set her apart. First and foremost, she demonstrates extraordinary empathy and compassion, which was particularly evident in her response to the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019. Her ability to connect with people on an emotional level and provide comfort during times of crisis is truly commendable.

Secondly, Ardern exhibits remarkable decisiveness and courage in her decision-making. This was clearly displayed in her swift and firm action in implementing strict lockdown measures during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which proved highly effective in controlling the spread of the virus in New Zealand.

Furthermore, she exemplifies transparency and authenticity in her communication style. Ardern consistently delivers clear, honest messages to the public, even in challenging situations, which has fostered trust and strengthened her credibility as a leader.

I profoundly admire these qualities because they embody what I believe to be the essence of truly impactful leadership. Her empathy allows her to understand and address the needs of her constituents genuinely. Her decisiveness enables her to take necessary actions swiftly, even when they may be unpopular. Lastly, her transparency builds trust, which is fundamental to effective governance. Ardern’s leadership style not only achieves results but also inspires and uplifts those she leads, setting a powerful example for leaders worldwide.

Jacinda Ardern demonstrating leadership qualities

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this person’s leadership style influenced your own approach to leadership?
2. Can you give an example of a situation where their leadership skills made a significant difference?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

Certainly, Jacinda Ardern’s leadership style has had a profound impact on my own approach to leadership. I’ve learned the importance of leading with empathy and authenticity. In my role as a team leader in my current job, I make a conscious effort to truly listen to my team members’ concerns and respond with genuine care and understanding. I’ve found that this approach fosters a more positive and productive work environment.

An excellent example of Ardern’s impactful leadership was her response to the Christchurch mosque shootings. Her immediate and compassionate reaction, including wearing a hijab when meeting with the Muslim community, demonstrated incredible cultural sensitivity and solidarity. This action not only provided comfort to the affected community but also set a powerful example of unity and inclusivity for the entire nation. It showed me how a leader’s actions can transcend political boundaries and bring people together in times of crisis.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to leadership. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think leaders are born or made?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): I believe it’s a combination of both innate qualities and developed skills. Some people may naturally possess certain traits that lend themselves to leadership, such as charisma or confidence. However, I think many crucial leadership skills, like strategic thinking, effective communication, and emotional intelligence, can be learned and honed over time through experience and deliberate practice.

Examiner: How has the concept of leadership changed in recent years?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): The concept of leadership has undergone significant transformation in recent years, largely driven by changes in society and workplace dynamics. Traditionally, leadership was often associated with a more authoritarian, top-down approach. However, modern leadership styles tend to be more collaborative and inclusive.

There’s now a greater emphasis on emotional intelligence and the ability to inspire and motivate team members rather than simply direct them. Leaders are expected to be more adaptable and open to diverse perspectives, recognizing the value of different viewpoints in our increasingly globalized world.

Moreover, the rise of remote work and digital communication has necessitated new leadership skills. Leaders must now be adept at managing virtual teams, maintaining team cohesion, and fostering a sense of connection even when team members are geographically dispersed.

Sustainability and social responsibility have also become key aspects of modern leadership. Leaders are increasingly expected to consider the broader impact of their decisions on society and the environment, not just on their organization’s bottom line.

In essence, the modern concept of leadership is more about guiding and empowering others rather than exerting control, reflecting a shift towards more democratic and holistic approaches to management and governance.

Changes in modern leadership concepts

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking when discussing leadership qualities, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Visionary /ˈvɪʒəneri/ (adj): Having or showing clear ideas about what should happen in the future.
   Example: “A truly visionary leader can anticipate future trends and guide their team accordingly.”

2. Charismatic /ˌkærɪzˈmætɪk/ (adj): Having a compelling charm that inspires devotion in others.
   Example: “His charismatic personality naturally draws people to him, making him an effective leader.”

3. To galvanize /ˈɡælvənaɪz/ (v): To shock or excite someone into taking action.
   Example: “A good leader knows how to galvanize their team to achieve seemingly impossible goals.”

4. Transformational /ˌtrænsfərˈmeɪʃənl/ (adj): Causing a major change to something or someone.
   Example: “Her transformational leadership style completely revitalized the struggling company.”

5. To empower /ɪmˈpaʊər/ (v): To give someone the authority or power to do something.
   Example: “Effective leaders empower their team members to make decisions and take initiative.”

6. Integrity /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ (n): The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
   Example: “A leader’s integrity is crucial for building trust within the team and with stakeholders.”

Using these words and phrases accurately can significantly enhance the sophistication of your responses and demonstrate a high level of English proficiency.

describe a member of a team you admire

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing leadership qualities:

1. Practice describing various leaders and their qualities. This could include political leaders, business executives, or even personal acquaintances.

2. Develop a range of relevant vocabulary and phrasal verbs related to leadership and personal qualities.

3. Prepare examples and anecdotes that illustrate leadership qualities in action. This adds depth and authenticity to your responses.

4. Practice expressing your opinions on abstract concepts related to leadership, such as the impact of good leadership on society or the evolution of leadership styles.

5. Work on your fluency by regularly discussing leadership topics with others or recording yourself speaking about these themes.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.

describe a person who inspires you to pursue your dreams

By following these strategies and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss leadership qualities effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.