You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people are born to be leaders, while others believe leadership can be learnt.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
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Sample Essay 1
Some people consider leadership as a gift, while the others state that people can learn this expertise. However, the idea of inherent leadership ability might seem fascinating, but I believe that this skill can be acquired only with strong commitment and hard work.
On the one hand, there were many great leaders with inherent talents over the years, for instance, Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of them who were born with incredible leadership qualities and creative mindsets that were used to generate revolutionary ideas and mobilise huge crowds. Though the potentials are usually different from person to person, it is an overall belief that talented leaders have higher influence on the mass as they are born with such strong and rabble-rousing characteristics that can handsomely convince people to follow along. In fact, there is a general mindset among people that natural leaders have such excellent intrinsic skills that can bring them better fortunes than the benefits provided by the rest.
However, a great leader might partly come by genetic factors, but is mostly by hard work and perseverance. Having only a great instinct is not enough for being leaders, they should also apply efficient tactics and be able to build a good rapport with others. Moreover, a leader must build a long-term connection with his / her peers. In other words, leadership is a process that includes social interaction along with the ability to influence the behaviour of the followers to achieve a better performance. Even the strongest person with incredible innate capabilities cannot be considered as a leader if he or she does not have a strong sense of lead and control. Therefore, the ability to acquire a proper communication skill and understand the feelings of the others define a true leader, and this whole process demands intensive training and practice accordingly.
In conclusion, even though leadership is considered an inborn capacity by a group of people, in my opinion, it can be acquired only by proper training of presence of mind and consistent hard work, because these help a person understand and interact convincingly with the rest.
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Sample Essay 2
The perennial debate surrounding the origins of leadership - whether it is an innate ability one is born with or a skill that can be cultivated - continues to engage scholars and practitioners alike. The statement "Some people are born to be leaders, while others believe leadership can be learnt" encapsulates this dichotomy, offering a nuanced exploration into the essence of leadership. This essay endeavors to unpack both perspectives, ultimately advocating for a harmonized view that acknowledges the synergy between inherent attributes and learned skills in the making of a leader.
The argument that leadership is an inherent trait is supported by the observation that certain individuals naturally exhibit qualities such as charisma, vision, and an intuitive understanding of human dynamics. These leaders, often seen as prodigies in their fields, possess a magnetism and a decisiveness that seem to be woven into the very fabric of their being. Historical exemplars such as Queen Elizabeth I and Nelson Mandela are frequently cited as embodiments of this theory, their leadership seeming to spring from an innate well of capability and foresight.
However, the counterargument posits that leadership is not the exclusive domain of the naturally gifted but rather a skill set that can be developed through dedication, education, and experience. This perspective is bolstered by stories of individuals who, despite lacking natural leadership inclinations, have risen to prominence through sheer perseverance and a commitment to personal growth. The emphasis here is on the transformative potential of learning and development, suggesting that leadership acumen can indeed be acquired over time.
In reconciling these viewpoints, it becomes apparent that the genesis of effective leadership lies at the intersection of innate potential and cultivated expertise. While certain innate qualities may predispose individuals to leadership, the full expression of leadership ability is achieved through a continuous process of learning, self-reflection, and real-world application.
In conclusion, the discourse on whether leaders are born or made reveals a deeper truth: leadership is a multifaceted phenomenon that transcends simplistic categorizations. It is the alchemy of inherent predispositions and the intentional development of skills that forges exemplary leaders. Thus, the journey to leadership excellence is not reserved for a predestined few but is accessible to all who are willing to embark on the path of continuous learning and self-improvement.
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Sample Essay 3
The debate over whether leadership is an innate trait or a skill that can be developed has long intrigued society. On one hand, the adage "Some people are born to be leaders, while others believe leadership can be learnt" encapsulates the essence of this discussion, suggesting that leadership prowess is either a natural endowment or an acquired competency. This essay aims to dissect both viewpoints before presenting a stance that leadership, while influenced by inherent qualities, predominantly flourishes through deliberate cultivation.
Proponents of the notion that leadership is inherent argue that certain individuals possess a natural charisma, decisiveness, and an innate ability to inspire and influence others. This perspective is buoyed by historical figures like Winston Churchill and Martin Luther King Jr., whose extraordinary leadership seemed to stem from an inner reservoir of qualities not readily replicable in the general populace. The argument hinges on the belief that such leaders are born with a unique set of traits that predispose them to command respect and loyalty, traits that are perceived as difficult, if not impossible, to teach.
Conversely, the school of thought advocating for leadership as a learned skill posits that through education, experience, and perseverance, anyone can acquire the qualities necessary for effective leadership. This viewpoint is supported by the numerous leadership development programs and courses that aim to instill leadership skills in individuals. Advocates of this perspective argue that traits such as effective communication, strategic planning, and empathy can be cultivated. They highlight the journeys of self-made leaders who have ascended to prominence not through inherent traits but through continuous learning and adaptation.
In synthesizing both viewpoints, it becomes evident that while certain innate qualities may set the stage for leadership, the capacity to lead effectively is predominantly honed through experience and deliberate practice. Leadership is less about the cards one is dealt and more about how one plays them. The essence of leadership lies in the ability to grow, adapt, and inspire, qualities that are cultivated over time rather than bestowed at birth.
In conclusion, the discourse on whether some people are born to be leaders, while others believe leadership can be learnt presents a false dichotomy. True leadership is a symphony of innate dispositions and meticulously developed skills. It is through the crucible of life's challenges and the commitment to personal growth that the most effective leaders are forged.
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