‘Leadership can be learnt’ – critically reflect on this statement, using evidence from both leadership theory and leadership practice

The debate over whether
leadership
Use synonyms
can be learnt or is primarily an innate gift remains one of the most enduring questions in organisational studies. For centuries, great leaders were portrayed as exceptional individuals endowed with natural charisma, vision, and decisiveness. From the “Great Man” theories of the nineteenth century to contemporary perspectives on political and corporate
leadership
Use synonyms
,
this
Linking Words
view has positioned leaders as individuals set apart by inherent traits.
However
Linking Words
, as organisations and societies have become increasingly complex,
leadership
Use synonyms
has shifted from being seen as a personal attribute to being regarded as a process of influence and adaptation.
This
Linking Words
essay argues that
although
Linking Words
certain personality traits may offer initial advantages,
leadership
Use synonyms
is largely a skill that can be cultivated through education, training, and lived experience. To develop
this
Linking Words
argument, the essay critically examines
leadership
Use synonyms
theories, evaluates real-world evidence, and considers structural limitations that shape opportunities for
leadership
Use synonyms
learning.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

strength
Your opening shows a clear view and a plan for the essay.
tip
Add 2–3 body paragraphs. Each one should give one main point, a small example, and a link back to your view.
tip
Use link words to show how ideas fit, for example: also, however, for this.
tip
Make sure you talk about both sides and then give a clear view.
tip
Finish with a short and strong end that restates your view and the main points.
strength
Clear thesis and plan in the intro.
strength
Mentions both old and new ideas about leaders.
strength
The plan to use theory and evidence is clear.

Include an introduction and conclusion

A conclusion is essential for IELTS writing task 2. It is more important than most people realise. You will be penalised for missing a conclusion in your IELTS essay.

The easiest paragraph to write in an essay is the conclusion paragraph. This is because the paragraph mostly contains information that has already been presented in the essay – it is just the repetition of some information written in the introduction paragraph and supporting paragraphs.

The conclusion paragraph only has 3 sentences:

  • Summary
  • Restatement of thesis
  • Prediction or recommendation

Example:

To summarize, a robotic teacher does not have the necessary disciple to properly give instructions to students and actually works to retard the ability of a student to comprehend new lessons. Therefore, it is clear that the idea of running a classroom completely by a machine cannot be supported. After thorough analysis on this subject, it is predicted that the adverse effects of the debate over technology-driven teaching will always be greater than the positive effects, and because of this, classroom teachers will never be substituted for technology.

Start your conclusion with a linking phrase. Here are some examples:

  • In conclusion
  • To conclude
  • To summarize
  • Finally
  • In a nutshell
  • In general
What to do next:
Look at other essays: