Discuss an occasion when someone excelled in a team (e.g., academic or community setting) | IELTS Speaking Part 2 + 3

Part 2: Describe a time when someone excelled in a team (e.g., academic or community setting)

Describe a time when someone who did quite well in a team (e.g. schoolwork or a community)You should say:Who this person isWhen you worked togetherWhat he/she did in the teamAnd explain why you think he/she was a great team player

Below is a sample essay for the topic “Discuss an occasion when someone excelled in a team (e.g., academic or community setting).”

1. Sample Essay

2. Vocabulary

• extrovert: người hướng ngoại
• a strong impression on: để lại ấn tượng mạnh mẽ
• majoring in: học chuyên ngành
• freshmen: tân sinh viên
• major: chính, quan trọng
• looked forward to: mong đợi
• The thing is: tuy nhiên/ thế nhưng mà
• the budget was tight: ngân sách eo hẹp
• manage: xoay sở
• translated into: quy đổi
• determined: kiên định
• presence: sự có mặt
• highlight
  : điểm nhấn
• according to plan: theo kế hoạch
• beyond compare: không gì so sánh được
• clueless: không biết
• got what it takes: có những phẩm chất cần thiết

Part 3

What characteristics should a leader possess?
What happens in the absence of a good team leader?
Can the best player in a team be a good leader?
Why do some individuals dislike teamwork?
Do you believe young people excel in team environments?
What are the benefits of working as part of a team?

1. Essential Qualities of a Leader

In my view, there are numerous factors that contribute to an effective leader. Initially, I don’t believe leaders need to possess extensive expertise in a specific area. Instead, they should excel in managing their team members, understanding their strengths and weaknesses before assigning suitable roles. It’s also crucial to be a supportive leader. Many employees express willingness to work harder when their efforts are recognized and appreciated.

• acquire in-depth knowledge: có được kiến thức sâu sắc
• by that I mean: ý tôi là
• an appreciative boss: người sếp biết ơn, biết trân trọng

2. Challenges Without a Competent Team Leader

It’s a challenging scenario. Initially, team members might need to critique the leadership style. If the delegation of tasks isn’t appropriate or team members aren’t given opportunities to develop their strengths, they should voice their concerns and propose solutions. If the leader doesn’t take their feedback seriously or fails to address the issues, team members might consider leaving or suggesting an alternative leader.

• the allocation of work : phân bổ công việc
• speak up: lên tiếng
• take them seriously: cân nhắc nghiêm túc
• nominating: bầu cử

3. Can the Best Player in a Team Become a Good Leader?

Certainly, there are both affirmative and negative perspectives. The most outstanding member within a team can assume a leadership role due to their deep understanding of the team's activities. Profound knowledge of the tasks, combined with an awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of other members, allows such a leader to achieve significant milestones. However, I lean more towards the idea that within a team, there exist individuals who can lead and others who excel in execution. Those who excel in their specific domains hardly find time to manage an entire team with diverse personalities and aspirations.

• got insights: hiểu sâu
• can go far: tiến xa trong sự nghiệp
• execute: thực hiện
• Executives: chuyên viên
• expertise: chuyên môn

4. What causes some individuals to dislike teamwork? 

I refer to them as independent operators. These individuals possess the capability to accomplish tasks independently without relying on others' assistance. Additionally, I perceive them as introverts who may not find comfort in sharing their challenges and receiving advice that may or may not be effective. An interesting observation about introverts is that their strength stems from within, and they can achieve peak productivity when working alone. 

• lone wolves: những con sói đơn độc
• introverts : người hướng nội
• work: hiệu quả

5. Are young individuals effective team players?  

I don't believe this is linked to specific age groups or generations. In my view, there have always been and will continue to be independent operators and team players in this world. I believe that whether someone works in a team or not, each individual contributes uniquely to life. However, if you ask me whether young people should collaborate more, my answer is affirmative. Throughout history, collaborative efforts have consistently led people to great achievements.

• has something to do: có liên quan gì đến 
• joint effort: sức mạnh tập thể

6. What are the benefits of collaborating as part of a group? 

The advantages differ. Initially, team members have someone supporting them, particularly in areas of weakness. Second, they seize the chance to learn from others in practice. If there's something they don't grasp, teammates can elaborate in detail. Lastly, there's a common saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.” This proverb underscores how combined efforts can achieve what an individual cannot. 

• merits: ưu điểm
• backs: hỗ trợ
• grasp the opportunity: nắm bắt cơ hội
• collective effort: sức mạnh tập thể

Bài mẫu bởi cô Quỳnh Anh – Giáo viên Mytour HN