IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Female Leaders (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

by Dave | Mar 19, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of female leaders from the real IELTS exam.

It’s a very interesting question – one of the most interesting I’ve ever seen on IELTS!

You should be very careful to not come off as sexist in your response…

Read mine below and check out my exclusive Patreon essays to improve more!

Dave

Before reading, listen to the audio file to improve your listening as well:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Female Leaders (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer on the topic of female leaders from the real IELTS exam.

It is one of the most interesting questions I’ve ever seen on IELTS and I really enjoyed writing about it!

I recommend writing about it yourself either before or after you’ve read my answer.

Be sure to check out my online courses here and my online corrections as well.

Dave

Listen to the audio before reading, for some extra listening practice:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Female Leaders (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

Throughout history, male leaders have led us into violence and conflict. If a society is governed by female leaders it will be more peaceful.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

Many are of the opinion the male inclination towards violence is the root of many international conflicts and societies ruled by women might be more peaceful. In my opinion, this is likely true.

The reason that some oppose this seemingly sexist viewpoint is based on past examples of female leaders. The sample size is much smaller but leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elisabeth I, Joan d’Arc and countless others have started, maintained, and escalated violent conflicts. There are very few examples of peaceful female leaders and those that exist can be matched proportionally with male leaders. The claim that women are more peaceful is not supported by historical evidence. A major caveat is that these are the exceptions and women rulers have held power in a world otherwise dominated by male hierarchy. It is impossible to know how peaceful the world would be if women held the majority of powerful positions.

Furthermore, men are naturally predisposed towards aggression. This stems from both biology and society. Men produce more testosterone than women and this has been shown to increase aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour. Men can curb this instinct but it has the potential to undermine their better nature at any moment. There are also societal forces at work that play on men’s pride. From a young age, boys are raised to be tough, to not back down, to not compromise and to idealise violent heroes. The majority of male role models are violent, ranging from historic figures to action stars and even videogame characters. It is hard to disentangle the roles of nature and nurture clearly but the end product of their combination is clear for both males and females.

In conclusion, males are more violent and women would likely be more peaceful given the opportunity to rule widely. The question of the desirability of ending all conflicts and its global impact is another matter.

Analysis

1. Many are of the opinion the male inclination towards violence is the root of many international conflicts and societies ruled by women might be more peaceful. 2. In my opinion, this is likely true.

1. Simply paraphrase the overall topic.
2. Write your opinion. You can include your topic sentences if you like.

1. The reason that some oppose this seemingly sexist viewpoint is based on past examples of female leaders. 2. The sample size is much smaller but leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elisabeth I, Joan d’Arc and countless others have started, maintained, and escalated violent conflicts. 3. There are very few examples of peaceful female leaders and those that exist can be matched proportionally with male leaders. 4. The claim that women are more peaceful is not supported by historical evidence. 5. A major caveat is that these are the exceptions and women rulers have held power in a world otherwise dominated by male hierarchy. 6. It is impossible to know how peaceful the world would be if women held the majority of powerful positions.

1. Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea at the end.
2. Begin to support it with specific female leaders.
3. Draw conclusions based on those leaders.
4. Conclude that argument.
5. Because I agree with the other side, I start to undermine this argument.
6. I finish undermining the opposing view here.

1. Furthermore, men are naturally predisposed towards aggression. 2. This stems from both biology and society. 3. Men produce more testosterone than women and this has been shown to increase aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour. 4. Men can curb this instinct but it has the potential to undermine their better nature at any moment. 5. There are also societal forces at work that play on men’s pride. 6. From a young age, boys are raised to be tough, to not back down, to not compromise and to idealise violent heroes. 7. The majority of male role models are violent, ranging from historic figures to action stars and even videogame characters. 8. It is hard to disentangle the roles of nature and nurture clearly but the end product of their combination is clear for both males and females.

1. Write another clear topic sentence with a main idea for the other viewpoint.
2. Begin developing it with specific ideas/details/examples.
3. Continue developing it.
4. Conclude how nature influences males.
5. Here I switch to the societal factors.
6. And develop those factors specifically.
7. I continue developing this.
8. I summarise how both might make men worse leaders compared to women.

1. In conclusion, males are more violent and women would likely be more peaceful given the opportunity to rule widely. 2. The question of the desirability of ending all conflicts and its global impact is another matter.

1. Repeat your opinion.
2. Add an extra detail/final thought for full marks from the examiner.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many are of the opinion the male inclination towards violence is the root of many international conflicts and societies ruled by women might be more peaceful. In my opinion, this is likely true.

The reason that some oppose this seemingly sexist viewpoint is based on past examples of female leaders. The sample size is much smaller but leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elisabeth I, Joan d’Arc and countless others have started, maintained, and escalated violent conflicts. There are very few examples of peaceful female leaders and those that exist can be matched proportionally with male leaders. The claim that women are more peaceful is not supported by historical evidence. A major caveat is that these are the exceptions and women rulers have held power in a world otherwise dominated by male hierarchy. It is impossible to know how peaceful the world would be if women held the majority of powerful positions.

Furthermore, men are naturally predisposed towards aggression. This stems from both biology and society. Men produce more testosterone than women and this has been shown to increase aggressive tendencies and violent behaviour. Men can curb this instinct but it has the potential to undermine their better nature at any moment. There are also societal forces at work that play on men’s pride. From a young age, boys are raised to be tough, to not back down, to not compromise and to idealise violent heroes. The majority of male role models are violent, ranging from historic figures to action stars and even videogame characters. It is hard to disentangle the roles of nature and nurture clearly but the end product of their combination is clear for both males and females.

In conclusion, males are more violent and women would likely be more peaceful given the opportunity to rule widely. The question of the desirability of ending all conflicts and its global impact is another matter.

Answers

are of the opinion believe

male inclination towards violence men’s tendency to hurt others

root source

international conflicts fights between countries, wars

likely true probably the case

seemingly sexist viewpoint apparently demeaning men or women

sample size example group

countless others many more

maintained continued

escalated violent conflicts increased the scale of wars

matched proportionally mirrored with the same number of

claim argue

not supported no evidence for

historical evidence unsupported by the past

major caveat factor undermining this view

exceptions outside the norm

held power were in charge

otherwise dominated by male hierarchy besides that controlled by men

powerful positions in charge

naturally predisposed genetic inclinations

aggression violent behaviour

stems from comes from/is caused by

testosterone the hormone that makes males aggressive

increase aggressive tendencies make more violent

curb this instinct slow down this tendency

potential possible

undermine their better nature at any moment work against their reasoning powers

play on interfere with

pride arrogance

not back down stand up to

compromise work together on a deal

idealise look up to

ranging from including

disentangle separate from

nature and nurture genetics and upbringing

end product final result

rule widely have power everywhere

desirability something that we want

Pronunciation

ɑːr ɒv ði əˈpɪnjən 
meɪl ˌɪnklɪˈneɪʃən təˈwɔːdz ˈvaɪələns
ruːt 
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl ˈkɒnflɪkts 
ˈlaɪkli truː
ˈsiːmɪŋli ˈsɛksɪst ˈvjuːpɔɪnt 
ˈsɑːmpl saɪz 
ˈkaʊntlɪs ˈʌðəz 
meɪnˈteɪnd
ˈɛskəleɪtɪd ˈvaɪələnt ˈkɒnflɪkts
mæʧt prəˈpɔːʃənli 
kleɪm 
nɒt səˈpɔːtɪd 
hɪsˈtɒrɪkəl ˈɛvɪdəns
ˈmeɪʤə ˈkeɪvɪæt 
ɪkˈsɛpʃənz 
hɛld ˈpaʊə 
ˈʌðəwaɪz ˈdɒmɪneɪtɪd baɪ meɪl ˈhaɪərɑːki
ˈpaʊəfʊl pəˈzɪʃənz
ˈnæʧrəli ˌpriːdɪsˈpəʊzd 
əˈgrɛʃ(ə)n
stɛmz frɒm 
tɛˈstɒstəˌrəʊn 
ˈɪnkriːs əˈgrɛsɪv ˈtɛndənsiz 
kɜːb ðɪs ˈɪnstɪŋkt 
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl 
ˌʌndəˈmaɪn ðeə ˈbɛtə ˈneɪʧər æt ˈɛni ˈməʊmənt
pleɪ ɒn 
praɪd
nɒt bæk daʊn
ˈkɒmprəmaɪz 
aɪˈdɪəlaɪz
ˈreɪnʤɪŋ frɒm 
ˌdɪsɪnˈtæŋgl 
ˈneɪʧər ænd ˈnɜːʧə 
ɛnd ˈprɒdʌkt 
ruːl ˈwaɪdli
dɪˌzaɪərəˈbɪlɪti 

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks:

Many a_________________n the m_________________________________e is the r______t of many i__________________________s and societies ruled by women might be more peaceful. In my opinion, this is l______________e.

The reason that some oppose this s__________________________t is based on past examples of female leaders. The s_____________e is much smaller but leaders like Margaret Thatcher, Cleopatra, Hilary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Queen Elisabeth I, Joan d’Arc and c___________________s have started, m_____________d, and e_________________________s. There are very few examples of peaceful female leaders and those that exist can be m__________________________________y with male leaders. The c________m that women are more peaceful is n___________________d by h____________________e. A m________________t is that these are the e________________s and women rulers have h______________r in a world o________________________________________________y. It is impossible to know how peaceful the world would be if women held the majority of p_________________________s.

Furthermore, men are n__________________________d towards a______________n. This s______________m both biology and society. Men produce more t_______________e than women and this has been shown to i______________________________s and violent behaviour. Men can c_________________________t but it has the p________________l to u____________________________________________t. There are also societal forces at work that p________n men’s p________e. From a young age, boys are raised to be tough, to n_______________n, to not c_______________e and to i______________e violent heroes. The majority of male role models are violent, r__________________m historic figures to action stars and even videogame characters. It is hard to d_____________e the roles of n___________________________e clearly but the e__________________t of their combination is clear for both males and females.

In conclusion, males are more violent and women would likely be more peaceful given the opportunity to r_____________y. The question of the d_________________y of ending all conflicts and its global impact is another matter.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

There’s a great playlist from TedEd on this topic, starting with Cleopatra:

Reading Practice

Read the article below for more examples you can use in your writing or speaking:

https://www.historyextra.com/100-women/100-women-results/

Speaking Practice

Answer the questions below from the real IELTS speaking test:

Celebrities

1. Do you know any celebrities?
2. Which celebrity do you know the most about?
3. Are there are any celebrities you would like to meet?
4. Who is the most famous person in your country?

Writing Practice

Answer the related writing topic and then check with my sample answer essay below:

Some believe that people are naturally born as leaders while others feel that leadership skills can develop.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Learning from History (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

by Dave | Mar 17, 2020 | Real Past Tests

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of learning from history from the real IELTS exam.

It is a simple question, but very hard to develop and think of examples for.

Read below to see what I did with it!

Please consider signing up for my Patreon here in order to support my efforts and receive exclusive Ebooks and materials related to IELTS!

Dave

Before reading, you can also listen to the audio file for extra practice:

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Learning from History (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

Some believe that history has little to teach us about today while others think that the study of the past helps us to understand the present.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Recent Past IELTS Exam/Test

Many feel that the study of the past does little to inform the present while others believe it can help aid understanding. In my opinion, history certainly holds insights but they are so deeply woven into a specific context so as to be as misleading as enlightening.

Those who argue in favour of learning from history can point to the importance of understanding a culture. A frequently cited example of this is the war between Vietnam and the United States in the mid 1960s to early 1970s. Both before and during the war, the United States President and his advisors understood little about the history of Vietnam with its successive invasions from foreign nations including China and Japan. A deeper understanding of the unity and resilience of Vietnam might have led them to make different decisions regarding splitting the country in half and the escalation of ground troops. Mistakes born of ignorance take place all the time in international relations and even domestic politics.

Regardless, history only holds lessons for the keenest observors. Every historical moment passes through a complex set of circumstances, many of which are hidden from history books, and cannot be reduced to simple lessons. For example, the Vietnam war is often summed up with the platitude that it is impossible to invade and occupy a foreign nation. This ignores the myriad reasons that led to defeat and supposes that other conflicts are identical. After the invasion of Iraq proved to be a quagmire, many relished the historical lessons of Vietnam without considering the very diverse set of circumstances that led to failure in each country. There are certainly insights to be gained from studying past conflicts, but they will rarely result in fixed, black and white rules applicable to every new situation.

In conclusion, history is not a simple road map for the future. Those who are too avid to accept seemingly apparent lessons are doomed to lead themselves astray and make new mistakes.

Analysis

1. Many feel that the study of the past does little to inform the present while others believe it can help aid understanding. 2. In my opinion, history certainly holds insights but they are so deeply woven into a specific context so as to be as misleading as enlightening.

1. Paraphrase what the whole essay is about.
2. Write a clear opinion. You don’t have to include your main ideas like I did but it will help your cohesion and coherence score.

1. Those who argue in favour of learning from history can point to the importance of understanding a culture. 2. A frequently cited example of this is the war between Vietnam and the United States in the mid 1960s to early 1970s. 3. Both before and during the war, the United States President and his advisors understood little about the history of Vietnam with its successive invasions from foreign nations including China and Japan. 4. A deeper understanding of the unity and resilience of Vietnam might have led them to make different decisions regarding splitting the country in half and the escalation of ground troops. 5. Mistakes born of ignorance take place all the time in international relations and even domestic politics.

1. Write a clear topic sentence with your main idea for the whole paragraph at the end.
2. Develop it with a specific example.
3. Continue using the example to develop your main idea.
4. Don’t switch to a new main idea or example, if possible.
5. Conclude by related your main idea back to the overall essay topic.

1. Regardless, history only holds lessons for the keenest observors. 2. Every historical moment passes through a complex set of circumstances, many of which are hidden from history books, and cannot be reduced to simple lessons. 3. For example, the Vietnam war is often summed up with the platitude that it is impossible to invade and occupy a foreign nation. 4. This ignores the myriad reasons that led to defeat and supposes that other conflicts are identical. 5. After the invasion of Iraq proved to be a quagmire, many relished the historical lessons of Vietnam without considering the very diverse set of circumstances that led to failure in each country. 6. There are certainly insights to be gained from studying past conflicts, but they will rarely result in fixed, black and white rules applicable to every new situation.

1. Another topic sentence with a clear main idea.
2. Explain your main idea if you need to.
3. Being another example.
4. Explain why your example proves your main idea.
5. Continue with the same example.
6. Draw conclusions from your example.

1. In conclusion, history is not a simple road map for the future. 2. Those who are too avid to accept seemingly apparent lessons are doomed to lead themselves astray and make new mistakes.

1. Repeat your opinion.
2. Add in an extra detail or final thought for full points for task achievement from the examiner.

Vocabulary

What do the words in bold below mean?

Many feel that the study of the past does little to inform the present while others believe it can help aid understanding. In my opinion, history certainly holds insights but they are so deeply woven into a specific context so as to be as misleading as enlightening.

Those who argue in favour of learning from history can point to the importance of understanding a culture. A frequently cited example of this is the war between Vietnam and the United States in the mid 1960s to early 1970s. Both before and during the war, the United States President and his advisors understood little about the history of Vietnam with its successive invasions from foreign nations including China and Japan. A deeper understanding of the unity and resilience of Vietnam might have led them to make different decisions regarding splitting the country in half and the escalation of ground troops. Mistakes born of ignorance take place all the time in international relations and even domestic politics.

Regardless, history only holds lessons for the keenest observors. Every historical moment passes through a complex set of circumstances, many of which are hidden from history books, and cannot be reduced to simple lessons. For example, the Vietnam war is often summed up with the platitude that it is impossible to invade and occupy a foreign nation. This ignores the myriad reasons that led to defeat and supposes that other conflicts are identical. After the invasion of Iraq proved to be a quagmire, many relished the historical lessons of Vietnam without considering the very diverse set of circumstances that led to failure in each country. There are certainly insights to be gained from studying past conflicts, but they will rarely result in fixed, black and white rules applicable to every new situation.

In conclusion, history is not a simple road map for the future. Those who are too avid to accept seemingly apparent lessons are doomed to lead themselves astray and make new mistakes.

Answers

does little almost no impact

inform add to/enlighten

holds insights has important information

so deeply woven into a specific context so as to be as misleading as enlightening wrapped up in the situation so much that it gives bad information

point to argue

frequently cited example of this is well-known instance

mid 1960s to early 1970s around 1965 – 1974

advisors cabinet/confidants

successive invasions attacks one after another

deeper understanding to know something very well

unity together

resilience determination

regarding splitting in connection with dividing

escalation of ground troops sending in more soldiers

mistakes born of ignorance take place errors from lack of understanding happen

international relations relationships between countries

domestic politics politics inside a country

regardless nonetheless

holds lessons has lessons/things to learn from

keenest observors sharpest interpreters

historical moment passes through event goes through

complex complicated

reduced to simple lessons easily distilled

summed up with summarised by

platitude cliche

invade attack

occupy remain in

myriad various

supposes assumes

identical the same

proved to be turned out

quagmire very difficult/tricky situation

relished took joy in

without considering not thinking of

diverse set of circumstances many factors to consider

black and white clearcut

applicable can be applied

road map clear outline

avid excited, enthusiastic

seemingly apparent lessons ostensibly obvious take-aways

doomed inevitable

lead themselves astray get lost

Pronunciation

dʌz ˈlɪtl 
ɪnˈfɔːm 
həʊldz ˈɪnsaɪts 
səʊ ˈdiːpli ˈwəʊvən ˈɪntuː ə spɪˈsɪfɪk ˈkɒntɛkst səʊ æz tuː biː æz mɪsˈliːdɪŋ æz ɪnˈlaɪtnɪŋ
pɔɪnt tuː 
ˈfriːkwəntli ˈsaɪtɪd ɪgˈzɑːmpl ɒv ðɪs ɪz 
mɪd 1960ɛs tuː ˈɜːli 1970ɛs
ədˈvaɪzəz 
səkˈsɛsɪv ɪnˈveɪʒənz 
ˈdiːpər ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ 
ˈjuːnɪti 
rɪˈzɪlɪəns 
rɪˈgɑːdɪŋ ˈsplɪtɪŋ 
ˌɛskəˈleɪʃən ɒv graʊnd truːps
mɪsˈteɪks bɔːn ɒv ˈɪgnərəns teɪk pleɪs 
ˌɪntə(ː)ˈnæʃənl rɪˈleɪʃənz 
dəʊˈmɛstɪk ˈpɒlɪtɪks
rɪˈgɑːdlɪs
həʊldz ˈlɛsnz 
ˈkiːnɪst əbˈzɜːvəz
hɪsˈtɒrɪkəl ˈməʊmənt ˈpɑːsɪz θruː 
ˈkɒmplɛks 
rɪˈdjuːst tuː ˈsɪmpl ˈlɛsnz
sʌmd ʌp wɪð 
ˈplætɪtjuːd 
ɪnˈveɪd 
ˈɒkjʊpaɪ 
ˈmɪrɪəd 
səˈpəʊzɪz 
aɪˈdɛntɪkəl
pruːvd tuː biː 
ˈkwægmaɪə
ˈrɛlɪʃt 
wɪˈðaʊt kənˈsɪdərɪŋ 
daɪˈvɜːs sɛt ɒv ˈsɜːkəmstənsɪz 
blæk ænd waɪt 
ˈæplɪkəbl 
rəʊd mæp
ˈævɪd 
ˈsiːmɪŋli əˈpærənt ˈlɛsnz 
duːmd 
liːd ðəmˈsɛlvz əsˈtreɪ 

Listen and repeat:

Vocabulary Practice

Many feel that the study of the past d_____________________m the present while others believe it can help aid understanding. In my opinion, history certainly h________________s but they are s_______________________________________________________________________g.

Those who argue in favour of learning from history can p___________o the importance of understanding a culture. A f_____________________________________________s the war between Vietnam and the United States in the m__________________________s. Both before and during the war, the United States President and his a____________s understood little about the history of Vietnam with its s_____________________s from foreign nations including China and Japan. A d_____________________g of the u______y and r___________e of Vietnam might have led them to make different decisions r_____________________g the country in half and the e________________________________s. M____________________________________e all the time in i_____________________________________s and even d________________________s.

R________________s, history only h_____________________s for the k_________________________s. Every h_________________________________h a c_____________x set of circumstances, many of which are hidden from history books, and cannot be r_______________________________s. For example, the Vietnam war is often s________________________h the p_____________e that it is impossible to i_____________e and o_____________y a foreign nation. This ignores the m___________d reasons that led to defeat and s____________s that other conflicts are i_______________l. After the invasion of Iraq p_____________e a q________________e, many r___________d the historical lessons of Vietnam w_______________________g the very d_______________________________s that led to failure in each country. There are certainly insights to be gained from studying past conflicts, but they will rarely result in fixed, b__________________e rules a__________________e to every new situation.

In conclusion, history is not a simple r____________p for the future. Those who are too a_______d to accept s_________________________s are d____________d to l___________________________y and make new mistakes.

Listen and check:

Listening Practice

Watch my opinion of history here:

Learn an historical warning about flus here:

Reading Practice

Read an interesting article from The Atlantic on this topic here:

https://www.theatlantic.com/notes/2018/03/learning-from-history-a-goal-a-delusion-a-trap/556496/

Speaking Practice

Practice this topic from the real IELTS speaking test. You should talk for 1-2 minutes:

Talk about a person who taught you how to do something. Include:

Who it was

What they taught you

If you can still do it

Writing Practice

Write about the question below then check with my sample answer:

Some people say history is one the most important school subjects. Other people think that, in today’s world, subjects like science and technology are more important than history.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Real Past IELTS Exam/Test