When preparing and studying for the IELTS test, one of the areas that you have to exert effort in is the ‘cue card’ section, which is the second part of the IELTS Speaking Test.
It only lasts for two minutes, so you have to maximize your time well. We want to help you as much as we can.
In this article, we will provide you with sample answers for the cue card topic ‘Describe a person who you think is a good leader.’ Keep reading.
What is the IELTS Cue Card Question?
A ‘cue card‘ is the topic card given to you at the beginning of IELTS Speaking Part 2. It is a sheet of paper with the subject that you will talk about written on it.
You must take notes as soon as you receive the cue card, using the paper and pencil that are also provided because you only have a minute to prepare.
You have no option of asking the examiner to change the topic, and you must speak about it irrespective of how much or how little your knowledge about it is.
After the 60-second preparation period, the examiner will direct you to begin your speech, and you must use as much of the two minutes as feasible.
After that, the examiner will ask you follow-up queries about your speech, to which you must also respond.
How to Answer this Question – “Describe a Person Who You Think is a Good Leader”?
Topic/Question:
Describe a Person Who You Think is a Good Leader
Guidelines to answer this question:
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- How people behave around them
And explain why you perceive this person as a good leader.
- Think of a person whom you have witnessed good leadership skills. How old (or young) this person does not matter. However, this person should have accomplished a lot when it comes to leading, so you would have a lot to discuss later on.
- Before you take notes, make sure you will not change your mind. Any other person with a history of leading will suffice. What is more crucial is that you will be able to coherently explain and justify your reasons.
- Start taking notes on who this person is and the qualities that make him a good leader. Enumerate his achievements and explain why you think he leads well. Include also what other people think about him and how people act around him. There is no need for you to write sentences. Just write keywords and phrases.
- Make use of a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammar structures to impress the examiner. Remember that these two areas contribute to your overall marks in this part of the test.
- Make sure you will be able to comprehend whatever it is that you write on the paper. The examiner will not grade you based on what you wrote.
- While talking about your topic, take a look at your notes every now and then. It is fine. You will not lose marks for looking at them.
Sample Responses for “Describe a Person Who You Think is a Good Leader”
Sample Response 1:
“Leaders are said to be born rather than made. In some circumstances, I believe that is correct. Luke Tan, one of my friends, appears to be like that. He is still a young boy, but he possesses all of the characteristics of a great leader. The most appealing quality of this young man is his desire to assist others in need. He is very courteous and enjoys meeting new people while also taking care of the ones he already knows.
I remember him being the first person I met at my school. In fact, we were both educated at the same school. The first meeting with him was entertaining, and I can still recall the day when we had a disagreement about taking a seat in class. Actually, it was my fault; I shoved his bag off the table in order to take my seat. I attempted to replace the bag, but he noticed and walked over to discuss the situation. I started arguing with myself. I’m embarrassed that I lied to him that day in order to have a front-row seat. We eventually worked out our differences and sat at the same table.
Yes, people act differently around him. They are fully aware of his qualities, in fact. He enjoys assisting people and other students in his class, but he is hesitant to assist those who take advantage of his simplicity. He strives to stay away from them and never lets them come to him for aid. This particular aspect appeals to me much. When he meets people, he enjoys making them feel at ease. It makes no difference if you are older or younger than him. He speaks with a lovely smile on his face that draws everyone’s attention. When he is angry, he does not yell at people; instead, he smiles and tells them that he can no longer help and assist them. His behavior differs from that of others.
A good leader is always concerned about his or her followers. He possesses a comparable trait. He is always seeking means to aid individuals in need, and he does so selflessly. He is also a pride of our community and has a strong rapport with a large number of individuals at this early stage. He knows how to handle difficult situations without jeopardizing anyone’s interests. In reality, he uses his quick brain to solve problems. That being said, I believe he has the potential to be an excellent leader in the future.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Do you think age or gender matters in leadership?
Response:
“No, not at all. I believe that leadership does not have anything to do with age and gender. A 16-year-old person can be as good of a leader as a 40-year-old person, regardless of their gender. Time has proven that women can be great leaders as well. Look at Queen Elizabeth of England, she is in her 90s, and yet she remains to be one of the most powerful people in the world.”
Follow-up Question 2:
What do you believe is the most significant quality that a leader should possess?
Response:
“Taking the leadership role is a huge responsibility and for someone to be a good leader, he or she must possess outstanding qualities that make him or her different from everybody else. I think one of the most essential qualities that a leader should possess is integrity. I believe that once a person possesses integrity, everything else will follow.”
Sample Response 2:
“The term ‘leadership’ varies to different people. If you were to ask me, a person becomes a leader only when he understands the righteousness by which he can assist others, solve their problems, and motivate them to accomplish their best. I know quite a few people that are natural leaders. However, I’d like to talk about my cousin, Sam. He is, in my opinion, a great leader.
Sam is 28 years old. He is a self-assured and upfront individual. He never hesitates to state what he believes is correct. He has outstanding communication abilities and knows how to effortlessly present his thoughts. He has been involved in extracurricular activities since he was in school. I recall him taking part in every debate and speech competition he could find and winning all of them.
Sam was the class president in college. He went to work as a head developer for a multinational corporation after finishing his studies. According to his coworkers, he is always the first to take charge of a project and propose answers to problems. Sam is trusted by the company’s CEO to present at critical meetings. In addition, he is involved in social work. He also donates 10% of his monthly pay to the less fortunate.”
Follow-up Question 1:
Do you feel and believe that there would be more female leaders in the future?
Response:
“Absolutely! I think that more and more women these days are being given the chance to lead and this makes a lot of other women empowered and want to be leaders as well. I think that we have come a long way since the era when only men get the chance to lead. It’s a good sign because it goes to show how fair and just society is becoming.”
Follow-up Question 2:
Should leaders consult team members when making a decision?
Response:
“Yes, I strongly believe that before making a decision, all members should be consulted first. Two heads are always better than one. No matter how brilliant and smart a leader is, there are still some things that he or she needs to consider when deciding, and talking about it with his or her members would definitely help everyone’s interest.”
Vocabulary Tips for Answering this IELTS Cue Card Question (Describe a Person Who You Think is a Good Leader):
Here are some words in the sample responses for the cue card topic ‘Describe a person who you think is a good leader.’ with their meanings and sample sentences for your reference.
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition | Example Usage of the Word in a Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| appealing | adjective | Attractive or interesting | “One of the most appealing traits of Jane is her generosity.” |
| circumstance | noun | A condition that is related to or affects an occurrence or action | “I wouldn’t leave my family under any circumstance.” |
| comparable | adjective | Able to be likened, similar | “My mother attempts to persuade me that store-bought butter is comparable to name-brand butter, but I can tell the difference.” |
| consult | verb | To seek information or advice from someone | “You have to consult your physician if the pain does not go away.” |
| courteous | adjective | Polite, respectful | “Customers quickly abandon a seller who is not courteous.” |
| critical | adjective | Of decisive importance in terms of the outcome | “The next few days will be critical in identifying the cause of his illness.” |
| embarrass | verb | To cause to feel ashamed or shy | “The party was a deliberate attempt to embarrass the manager.” |
| empower | verb | To make someone stronger or more confident | “They empower children in becoming more self-assured in their ability to address challenges in their own lives.” |
| extracurricular | adjective | Pursued in addition to a regular academic program | “Football was seen as an extracurricular pastime.” |
| hesitant | adjective | Unsure and tentative | “We were hesitant about speaking openly in front of Dan.” |
| jeopardize | verb | To put someone or something in a position where they are at risk of losing, harming, or failing | “I’m not going to jeopardize my position by asking a bunch of questions.” |
| multinational | adjective | Including several countries or individuals of several nationalities | “Dell is a multinational corporation best known for selling desktop and laptop computers.” |
| propose | verb | Bring forward an idea or proposal for others to consider or discuss | “The tax has been proposed by a number of senators. I recommend that the bylaws be revised.” |
| rapport | noun | A conducive and pleasant relationship in which the persons or groups involved are aware of each other’s thoughts or views and are able to communicate effectively with one another | “Her intellectual rigor, as well as her rapport and affinity with others, are clear.” |
| righteousness | noun | The quality of being morally upright | “She had a semblance of moral righteousness and a deep apprehension about her own boredom.” |
| self-assured | adjective | Assured in one’s own abilities or character | “She appears self-assured, but she is secretly weak and believes that money can buy a career.” |
| selflessly | adverb | In a way that is more concerned about others’ wants and desires than one’s own | “When he aided the elderly lady in distress, he did selflessly.” |
| shove off | phrasal verb | To go or push away | “He angrily told his cousin to shove off.” |
| strive | verb | To make a concerted attempt to pursue or obtain a goal | “They continue to strive toward their objectives.” |
| upfront | adjective | Frank, honest and bold | “She’s upfront about why she wants the job: she’d make a lot more money there.” |
Additional Reading — IELTS Speaking Cue Card Questions
- Describe a Person You Admire
- Describe Your Best Friend
- Describe Someone Famous that You Want to Meet
- Describe a Neighbor You Like
- Describe a Place You Want to Travel Next
- Describe a Historical Place that You Have Been to
- Describe a Place You and Your Friend Went to Recently
- Describe a Place Where You Spend Most of Your Free Time
- Describe a Country that You Want to Visit
- Describe a Gift that You Have Received Recently
- Describe an Item of Clothing that You Bought for Someone
- Describe a Piece of Art that You Want to Buy
- Describe Something that You Recently Lost
- Describe a Vehicle that You Want to Buy
- Describe an Activity that You Find Enjoyable
- Describe a Place Where You Love to Shop
- Describe an Event that You Recently Attended
- Describe One of the Busiest Days of Your Life
- Describe a Hobby that You Do with Your Family
- Describe a Difficult Decision that You Made
- Describe a Time When You Felt Lucky
- Describe the First Time You Had a Mobile Phone
- Describe a Time When You Helped a Stranger
- Describe a Time When You Tried to Do Something but Weren’t Successful
- Describe Your Favorite Teacher
- Describe Your Favorite Subject in School
- Describe a Situation that Made You Upset
- Describe a Time When You Had an Argument with Someone
- Describe One of the Happiest Travels You Ever Had
- Describe an Incident When You Got Scared
- Describe a Time When You Felt Relieved
- Describe a Workaholic Person You Know
- Describe an Interesting Course You Took
- Describe a Time When Someone at Work Gave You a Compliment
- Describe a Quiet Place at School Where You Like Spending Your Free Time
- Describe a Time When Something Unfortunate Happened at Work
