Similar to describe a public figure you admire for their work, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests. The ability to articulate leadership qualities and personal admiration requires strong vocabulary and clear structure.
IELTS Speaking Test Preparation for Leadership Description Topic
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- What qualities make a good leader?
- Have you ever been in a leadership position?
- Do you think leadership skills can be learned?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe effective leadership requires a combination of innate qualities and developed skills. The most crucial aspects are emotional intelligence, clear communication, and the ability to inspire others. While some people may have natural leadership tendencies, I’m convinced these skills can be cultivated through experience and dedicated practice.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a person you admire for their leadership skills
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What their leadership style is like
- And explain why you admire their leadership skills
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my former manager, Sarah Chen, who exemplifies exceptional leadership in the tech industry. I had the privilege of working under her guidance for three years at a software development company.
What sets Sarah apart is her transformational leadership style. She consistently demonstrates a perfect balance between setting high standards and providing unwavering support to her team members. She’s particularly skilled at identifying individual strengths and creating opportunities for professional growth.
Her leadership approach is characterized by transparency and inclusive decision-making. During challenging projects, she would facilitate open discussions where team members could voice concerns and contribute ideas. This created an environment where everyone felt valued and empowered.
The reason I deeply admire her leadership skills is her ability to maintain composure under pressure while fostering innovation and team cohesion. She taught me that effective leadership isn’t just about managing tasks but about inspiring people to exceed their own expectations.”
For those interested in describe a historical figure you admire, similar principles of description can be applied.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my team leader at work, John. He’s been leading our department for about two years. His leadership style is friendly and supportive. He helps team members when they have problems and makes sure everyone understands their tasks. I admire him because he’s good at solving problems and keeping the team motivated.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How has leadership changed in the modern workplace?
Similar to describe a challenging work or school project, this requires analysis of workplace dynamics.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Modern leadership has undergone a paradigm shift, moving from hierarchical structures to more collaborative approaches. Leaders today must be adept at managing remote teams, fostering digital collaboration, and promoting inclusive work environments. The emphasis has shifted towards emotional intelligence and cultural competence rather than just technical expertise.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Transformational leadership: A leadership style focused on positive changes in followers
- Emotional intelligence: The ability to understand and manage emotions effectively
- Cultural competence: Understanding and effectively interacting with people across cultures
- Paradigm shift: A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
Those looking to describe a skill you wish to improve for your future career can incorporate these leadership concepts into their responses.
