IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic: Describe a friend who is a good leader
You should say,
- who this person is
- how you know them
- how they behaved
- and explain why you think they are a good leader
Sample Answer Band 8
(who this person is) (how you know them) Some people are born influential (having great influence on someone or something). They have a knack (a skill or an ability to do something well and easily) of dealing with people. I believe it is inborn (natural to a person or animal). Of course, there are classes conducted to inculcate (to fix beliefs or ideas in someone’s mind) leadership qualities, but not everybody becomes one. My friend in school, Susan had some special qualities, and I always admired her. We became friends from sixth grade. Her parents worked for the Central Government and were deputed to the southern part of India. So, she joined our school.’
(how they behaved) She was exceptional (outstanding, much greater than usual). She was very sincere in her studies and was also very good at tennis. In fact, she was the captain (the leader of a team) of the tennis team. She was very helpful and was always ready to lend her notebooks when someone who was on leave (absent from duty with permission) asked for them. When students struggling in math approached her, she would gladly help. She never lied. She also helped the teachers carry the pile of notebooks to the staff room. She was appointed as the leader of the class.
(explain why you think they are a good leader) If someone could become a leader of a class in sixth grade, they could definitely become the school pupil leader in twelfth grade, and she did become one, but in another school. She could motivate people and get things done from them. She was a doer with a positive attitude. If someone could be a leader of a school, I believe that they can definitely climb the leadership ladder in any field that they choose.
Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic: Describe a friend who is a good leader
Influential (adj) – having great influence on someone or something.
Eg: Tony was a very influential person in ABC company.
Inborn (adj) – natural to a person or animal.
Eg: Linda had an inborn talent for painting.
Captain (noun) – the leader of a team, especially in sports.
Eg: Jane was the captain of the basketball team.
Doer (noun) – a person who acts rather than merely talking or thinking.
Eg: Jack was a doer.
Leadership (noun) – the action of leading a group of people or an organization.
Eg: She soon reached the leadership position in ABC company.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions (Discussion)
Who is the head of the family in your culture?
(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Generally, the oldest male is the head of the family. But in cases of death of the male, the oldest female becomes the head.
Are men better at decision making in a family?
(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Usually, older people are considered to be good at making decisions because of their experience and wisdom. It includes older men and women in the family. Also, there is no scientific evidence that men are good decision-makers. Women are equally good at making good decisions. In fact, it depends on how much knowledge they have on a particular topic. (Give an example) For example, if the wife is a chartered accountant, she may make better decisions w.r.t making investments.
Do you think that in the future there will be more women leaders?
(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Women are indeed encouraged more. As society is supportive, there may be more women leaders. Also, there are reservations for women in every field. (Give an example) For example, corporate companies and major investment banks have made it mandatory to have at least a few women leaders on board.
Should a leader discuss with team members when making decisions?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Yes, of course. (Explain your reason or reasons) Every team member must be consulted before arriving at a conclusion. But the leader should also have a hold on his/her team members. The leader must not let anyone dominate him. The leader’s decision should be final; however, the opposition it may face. In fact, the leader should be able to convince everyone.
How do you see a leader now and in the future?
(Give a direct answer to the question) (Explain your reason or reasons) Leadership qualities remain the same, whether it is past, present, or future. A good leader will have admirable traits like honesty, integrity, helpfulness. So, there would not be much difference between leaders now and in the future. In fact, as we take examples from leaders of our past, so would the future generations.
Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 3
Wisdom (noun) – the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement; the quality of being wise.
Eg: He listened to his grandfather’s words of wisdom.
Topic (noun) – a matter dealt with in a text, discourse, or conversation; a subject.
Eg: She spoke spontaneously on the topic given.
Reservations (noun) – the action of reserving something.
Eg: Some colleges have reservations for scheduled tribes.
Have a hold (phrase) – Have a controlling influence over.
Eg: Ashley’s father had a hold on her.
Convince (verb) – persuade (someone) to do something.
Eg: The doctor convinced the patient for surgery.