Leadership is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when discussing influential people or personal role models. Just like describe a time when you met someone you look up to, this topic requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to articulate personal experiences and opinions clearly.
IELTS candidate preparing for speaking test about leadership
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you think you have leadership qualities?
- What makes someone a good leader?
- Have you ever been in a leadership position?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe I possess certain leadership traits, particularly when it comes to team coordination and decision-making. I’ve had several opportunities to demonstrate these skills through group projects at university, where I often take the initiative to guide team discussions and delegate responsibilities effectively.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a person you think is a good leader
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do
- And explain why you think they are a good leader
Similar to describe a person who is very humorous, this task requires detailed description and personal insight.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my former manager, Sarah Thompson, who exemplifies exceptional leadership qualities. I worked under her supervision at a multinational technology company for three years, where she headed our software development team.
What sets Sarah apart is her remarkable ability to combine professional expertise with genuine empathy. She consistently demonstrates strategic thinking while remaining approachable and supportive. For instance, during a particularly challenging project, she implemented an innovative solution by restructuring our team dynamics and establishing clear communication channels.
Her leadership style is characterized by her ability to foster individual growth while maintaining focus on team objectives. She regularly conducts one-on-one mentoring sessions and encourages professional development through various initiatives. What I find most admirable is how she maintains composure during crises and empowers team members to contribute their ideas freely.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about my boss, Mr. Lee. He is the manager of our department and has worked here for 10 years. He is good at his job and helps everyone in the team. He always listens to our problems and tries to find solutions. He is friendly but also professional. I think he is a good leader because he knows how to manage people and get good results.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Just as describe a memorable moment at a family event requires deeper reflection, these questions explore broader aspects of leadership:
Q: How has leadership changed in recent years?
A (Band 8-9): “Leadership has undergone a significant transformation, particularly with the advent of remote work. Modern leaders must now demonstrate exceptional adaptability and emotional intelligence. There’s been a marked shift from traditional hierarchical structures to more collaborative and inclusive approaches.”
Q: Do you think leaders are born or made?
A (Band 8-9): “While some individuals may possess natural leadership inclinations, I firmly believe that leadership is predominantly developed through experience and conscious effort. Effective leadership requires a combination of learned skills such as strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution – all of which can be cultivated over time.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To spearhead (v): To lead an activity or project
- Visionary (adj): Having clear ideas about what should happen in the future
- To delegate (v): To give parts of a task to others
- Decisive (adj): Able to make decisions quickly and effectively
- Charismatic (adj): Having the ability to attract and inspire others
Visual representation of key leadership vocabulary terms
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Demonstrate range in vocabulary related to leadership
- Show critical thinking when discussing leadership qualities
- Maintain good eye contact and confident body language
- Structure your response logically with clear transitions
Remember to check out describe a skill you have improved recently for more speaking practice strategies.
