IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a female leader or a politician whom you like.
You should say:
- who she is
- where she is from
- what she does for others
and explain why you like this female leader or politician.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
There are very few people, at least, people who like to remain informed about the political development of this world, who don’t know about “Angela Merkel”. In fact, she is considered one of the most powerful women in the world today. She also happened to be the de facto leader of the European Union. Well, a female leader I really like and admire is none other than the charismatic former German Chancellor, “Angela Merkel”.
This great female leader, one of the best female leaders, in my opinion, the world has ever seen, is from Germany, but she certainly has left her mark in dealing with every international political crisis since she took her office as the German Chancellor in the year of 2005. She remained in power till 2021. Also known as the “leader of the free world”, this great world political figure was born in 1954 in the city of Hamburg and had been elected to rule Germany for 4 consecutive terms, a feat which no female politician has ever achieved in history.
As a political leader, her political activities are easily noticeable, but it is the intentions behind those activities that have made her a great leader. In fact, Angela Merkel’s decision to allow more than one million political refugees, displaced because of wars, into Germany was a landmark decision which would make the world remember her for a long, long time. Besides, providing financial help to other countries, especially in Europe, is also something that the world would remember very gratefully because it helped stabilise the economy of the entire world a little over a decade ago.
Finally, I really like Angela Merkel because she seems to be a very charismatic and intelligent leader who understands the dynamics of world politics much better than many other contemporary leaders. I also like her because she is not afraid to make unpopular decisions in order to uphold the principles of humanity. Finally, I like her because her leadership approaches helped bring the world community together instead of actually dividing them over some petty differences.
Model Answer 2:
One exemplary female leader, in my opinion, who has garnered widespread admiration for her compassionate leadership is Jacinda Ardern, the ex-Prime Minister of New Zealand, whose unwavering commitment to public service and empathetic governance has earned her global acclaim. I am so pleased to be able to talk about this female leader here for this topic.
Jacinda Ardern, hailing from New Zealand, served as the country’s Prime Minister, assuming office in 2017 and becoming the world’s youngest female head of government at the age of 37. She remained in power till 2023.
Ardern’s leadership was characterised by a profound sense of empathy and inclusivity, as she advocated for progressive policies aimed at promoting social equality, environmental sustainability, and mental health awareness. Notably, her response to the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, marked by empathy, unity, and swift action, exemplified her compassionate leadership style and earned her widespread praise.
I deeply admire Jacinda Ardern. She earned this admiration for her unwavering commitment to serving her constituents with compassion, integrity, and inclusivity during the time she was the Prime Minister of New Zealand. Her ability to empathise with diverse communities, coupled with her resolute dedication to addressing pressing societal challenges, served as an inspiring model of leadership that transcends political boundaries and fosters unity and resilience in the face of adversity. Ardern’s leadership style epitomised the transformative power of empathy and collaboration in driving positive change, making her a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring leaders around the world.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
This topic asks you to describe a female leader or politician you admire. You need to mention who she is, where she comes from, what contributions she has made to society, and why you personally respect her. To make your answer strong, try to focus on her leadership qualities, achievements, and how her work has influenced people or inspired you. You can also include specific examples of her actions or decisions. Here are a few ideas to help you develop your own response. Hope you will find them helpful.
1. Jacinda Ardern:
One leader I really admire is Jacinda Ardern from New Zealand, who served as the Prime Minister and gained global attention for her empathetic leadership style. She worked actively on social welfare, child poverty reduction, and crisis management. Her response during challenging situations showed calmness and humanity. I like her because she combines strength with kindness, which is rare in politics.
2. Angela Merkel:
The politician I admire is Angela Merkel, who is from Germany and served as the Chancellor for many years. She contributed significantly to economic stability and played a key role in European politics. Her leadership during economic crises was widely appreciated. I like her because she is intelligent, practical, and known for making well-thought-out decisions.
3. Kamala Harris:
Another female leader I admire is Kamala Harris from the United States, who became the first female Vice President. She has worked on issues like justice reform and equality. Her journey itself is inspiring, as she broke many barriers in politics. I like her because she represents diversity and shows that determination can lead to success.
4. Indira Gandhi:
A well-known female politician I admire is Indira Gandhi from India, who served as the Prime Minister. She made strong decisions during her leadership and played a major role in shaping the country’s direction. She worked on improving agriculture and strengthening national policies. I like her because she was bold and confident in her leadership style.
5. Malala Yousafzai:
The leader I admire is Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan, who is an activist for girls’ education. She has worked globally to promote education and equality. Despite facing serious challenges, she continued her mission with courage. I like her because she is brave and uses her voice to bring positive change in society.
6. Sanna Marin:
One female politician I admire is Sanna Marin from Finland, who served as one of the youngest Prime Ministers. She focused on social welfare, education, and equality. She represents a modern and progressive style of leadership. I like her because she shows that young leaders can also be capable and effective.
7. Aung San Suu Kyi:
Another leader I admire is Aung San Suu Kyi from Myanmar, who became a symbol of democracy and peaceful resistance. She worked for political reforms and human rights in her country. Her long struggle made her internationally recognised. I like her because of her dedication and commitment to democratic values.
8. Margaret Thatcher:
The politician I admire is Margaret Thatcher from the United Kingdom, who was the first female Prime Minister. She introduced major economic reforms and was known for her strong leadership. She made tough decisions that shaped her country’s economy. I like her because she was firm, confident, and not afraid to take bold steps.
9. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf:
The female leader I admire is Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from Liberia, who became Africa’s first elected female president. She worked to rebuild her country after the conflict and focused on peace and development. Her leadership helped stabilise the nation. I like her because she showed resilience and dedication in difficult circumstances.
10. Khaleda Zia:
The female leader I admire is Khaleda Zia, who is from Bangladesh and served as the Prime Minister of the country. She played an important role in strengthening democratic practices and contributed to infrastructure development during her tenure. She also focused on improving education and communication systems. I like her because she showed strong determination in a challenging political environment and remained influential in national politics for many years.
11. Theresa May:
One politician I admire is Theresa May from the United Kingdom, who served as the Prime Minister. She worked on issues like national security, immigration and Brexit negotiations. Despite facing many challenges, she remained committed to her responsibilities. I like her because she showed resilience and continued working even under strong criticism.
12. Benazir Bhutto:
Another female politician I admire is Benazir Bhutto from Pakistan, who became the first female Prime Minister of a Muslim-majority country. She worked to promote democracy and women’s rights. Her leadership inspired many women to participate in politics. I like her because she was courageous and broke many social barriers.
13. Nancy Pelosi:
The leader I admire is Nancy Pelosi from the United States, who served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives. She played a key role in legislative decision-making and policy development. She has worked on healthcare, economic and social issues. I like her because of her strong communication skills and ability to lead in a complex political environment.
14. Golda Meir:
The leader I admire is Golda Meir from Israel, who served as Prime Minister. She played a significant role in shaping her country’s political landscape. She worked on national security and international relations. I like her because she was confident and determined in a leadership role dominated by men.
15. Dilma Rousseff:
The female politician I admire is Dilma Rousseff from Brazil, who served as President. She focused on economic policies and social welfare programs. Her leadership aimed to reduce poverty and improve living standards. I like her because she showed strength and persistence during difficult times.
16. Sheikh Hasina:
The female leader I admire is Sheikh Hasina, who is from Bangladesh and has served as the Prime Minister for several terms. She has played a major role in developing infrastructure, improving education, and promoting economic growth in the country. I particularly appreciate her efforts in women’s empowerment and digital transformation. I like her because she is determined, experienced, and has shown strong leadership during difficult times.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card:
Trailblazer: A person who is the first to do something; an innovator who shows that a certain path is possible for others.
Example: She is considered a trailblazer in politics, being the first woman to hold such a high-ranking office in her country.
Diplomacy: The profession, activity, or skill of managing international relations and negotiations.
Example: Her approach to diplomacy helped resolve several long-standing conflicts between neighbouring nations.
Advocate: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy.
Example: She has been a lifelong advocate for children’s education and healthcare reform.
Charisma: Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion and enthusiasm in others.
Example: Her natural charisma makes it easy for her to connect with people from all walks of life during her campaigns.
Visionary: Thinking about or planning the future with great imagination and wisdom.
Example: As a visionary leader, she proposed environmental policies that were decades ahead of their time.
Grassroots: The most basic level of an activity or organisation, involving the ordinary people rather than the leaders.
Example: She started her career at the grassroots level, working directly with local communities to solve housing issues.
Empowerment: The process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights.
Example: Her main goal has always been the economic empowerment of women in rural areas.
Humanitarian: Concerned with or seeking to promote human welfare and social reform.
Example: Aside from her political duties, she is well-known for her extensive humanitarian work during natural disasters.
Integrity: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change.
Example: Even her political opponents respect her for her unwavering integrity and dedication to the truth.
Resilient: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions or setbacks.
Example: She remained resilient despite the harsh criticism she faced during the early years of her administration.
Oratory: The art or practice of formal speaking in public; the ability to speak eloquently.
Example: Her skill in oratory is so great that her speeches often move the entire audience to tears.
Reform: To make changes in something (typically a social, political, or economic institution) in order to improve it.
Example: One of her most significant achievements was the reform of the national healthcare system.
Policy-maker: A person responsible for making new rules, laws, or strategic plans for a government or organisation.
Example: As a senior policy-maker, she has a direct influence on the country’s economic future.
Pragmatic: Dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
Example: She is known for her pragmatic solutions to complex social problems, rather than sticking strictly to party ideology.
Legacy: The long-lasting impact of particular events or actions that took place in the past or of a person’s life.
Example: Her greatest legacy will be the peace treaty she negotiated, which has lasted for over twenty years.
Compassionate: Feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others.
Example: She is often described as a compassionate leader who truly listens to the grievances of the public.
If you prepare for the topic “Describe a female leader or a politician whom you like”, you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a famous person you would like to meet.
2) Describe a famous person you know who is from your country.
3) Describe a political leader whom you admire.
4) Describe someone who has done a lot of work to help others.
5) Describe a person in the news whom you would like to meet.
I want some new cue card topics.