IELTS Band 9 Essay About intelligence is the most important factor for a leader

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Intelligence is the most important factor for a leader”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.

Sample IELTS Writing Task 2 Answer (Band 9)

Intelligence is the most important factor for a leader.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Intelligence is often seen as the most important trait for a leader, but I would argue that while it plays a crucial role, other qualities, such as emotional intelligence, experience, and vision, are equally vital in determining effective leadership. This essay will discuss both perspectives and provide reasons for why I believe leadership requires a broader set of skills beyond cognitive ability.

Firstly, it is undeniable that intelligence is a key factor in a leader’s success. A leader with high cognitive ability can make quick decisions, solve complex problems, and process large amounts of information efficiently. For example, leaders in the fields of science and business often rely on their intellectual capacity to navigate challenges and drive innovation. However, this alone is not sufficient to ensure that they can inspire and manage others effectively. Emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions, as well as empathize with others—plays an equally significant role in leadership. A leader who is emotionally intelligent is more likely to build trust, foster strong relationships, and motivate their team to perform well.

Moreover, a leader’s experience and vision are indispensable. While intelligence may help a leader analyze situations, experience allows them to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. A seasoned leader understands the nuances of human behavior and organizational dynamics, which is essential for leading teams successfully. Additionally, vision—the ability to see the bigger picture and set long-term goals—is a characteristic that cannot be reduced to mere intellect. Leaders with a clear vision can guide their teams through uncertainty, providing direction and purpose. Without a compelling vision, even the most intelligent leader may fail to inspire and unite their followers.

In conclusion, while intelligence is undeniably important, it is not the sole determinant of successful leadership. Emotional intelligence, experience, and vision are equally essential in shaping a leader who can inspire, motivate, and navigate complex challenges. Therefore, I believe that leadership requires a balance of these qualities, rather than a sole emphasis on cognitive ability.

5 Academic Vocabulary in the sample for intelligence is the most important factor for a leader

1. Emotional intelligence (pronunciation: /ɪˈməʊʃənl ˌɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns/)
   • Sentence: Leaders with emotional intelligence are better at managing interpersonal relationships within their teams.
2. Cognitive ability (pronunciation: /ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv əˈbɪləti/)
   • Sentence: A leader’s cognitive ability allows them to quickly analyze complex problems and devise effective solutions.
3. Experience (pronunciation: /ɪkˈspɪərɪəns/)
   • Sentence: A leader’s experience in the industry gives them a deeper understanding of the challenges their team may face.
4. Vision (pronunciation: /ˈvɪʒən/)
   • Sentence: The leader’s vision for the future inspired the entire organization to work towards a common goal.
5. Undeniable (pronunciation: /ˌʌndɪˈnaɪəbəl/)
   • Sentence: It is undeniable that a leader must possess intelligence in order to make informed decisions.

5 Grammar Structures and Their Contribution to Band 9 Writing

1. Complex Sentences:
   • Example: “A leader with high cognitive ability can make quick decisions, solve complex problems, and process large amounts of information efficiently.”
   • Contribution: Using complex sentences with multiple clauses allows the writer to present detailed arguments and explanations, showcasing grammatical range and contributing to coherence and cohesion, which are crucial for Band 9 writing.
2. Modal Verbs:
   • Example: “A leader with a clear vision can guide their teams through uncertainty.”
   • Contribution: The use of modal verbs like “can” adds subtlety and suggests possibility, which helps to express a nuanced argument, a feature of high-level writing.
3. Relative Clauses:
   • Example: “A leader who is emotionally intelligent is more likely to build trust, foster strong relationships, and motivate their team.”
   • Contribution: Relative clauses help to provide additional information and refine the meaning of nouns, demonstrating the writer’s ability to construct precise and complex sentences.
4. Passive Voice:
   • Example: “Leaders in the fields of science and business often rely on their intellectual capacity to navigate challenges.”
   • Contribution: Using the passive voice shifts the focus from the subject (the leader) to the action or outcome, making the writing sound more formal and objective, which is important for a Band 9 score.
5. Conditionals:
   • Example: “While intelligence may help a leader analyze situations, experience allows them to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.”
   • Contribution: Conditional sentences allow for exploration of hypothetical situations and contrast, which adds depth to the argument and increases the complexity of the writing.

These advanced grammar structures demonstrate proficiency in sentence variety and cohesion, which are key to achieving a Band 9 score. The ability to incorporate a range of grammatical structures enhances the clarity, coherence, and precision of the response.

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