Writing Task 2Reported 17 July 2026

Is intelligence the most important quality of a leader?

The question

Some people believe that intelligence is the most important quality of a good leader. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

How to answer it

'Most important' is a superlative, so the essay is a comparison and you must name the rival quality you are backing — judgement, integrity, or the ability to make people follow you. Concede that intelligence is necessary, then argue it is not sufficient: history is full of clever leaders who could not carry anyone with them. Define intelligence narrowly at the start or the argument slips.

What moves the band

Superlative prompts fail when candidates praise everything; commit to a ranking.
Leadership lexis: sound judgement, decisiveness, command respect, a strategic thinker, out of touch.

These are candidate recalls. These are questions reported by test-takers after their exams, not official or leaked IELTS material. Wording varies by test version, location and memory. Use them for timed practice — never as a prediction of what you will be asked.

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Know the number. Now move it.

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