The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Success - TOEFL Writing Academic Discussion Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, the writing test assesses a candidate's ability to write academically, where they are required to successfully integrate the knowledge into their work and organize the ideas coherently. The two Writing Sections, such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing, make up the Writing Section.

In this practice test on 'The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Success', you will hear a lecture on a certain subject from a professor in the Academic Discussion activity. After that, you'll take part in a conversation where you'll have to voice your opinion and provide solid justification for it

The best method to get ready for this part of the test is to practice on tests specifically made for the Academic Discussion format. Let's start your study with our "The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Success"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam.

Writing Instructions:

• You will read a discussion related to an academic topic in class where your classmates have written their opinions on the said topic.
• You have 10 minutes to prepare and write your personal opinion on the academic topic. 
• Try to answer the question based on the discussion. You can also take ideas from the opinions posted by your classmates.
• There is no maximum word limit. However, an effective response should be a minimum of 100 words.
• Your response will be judged on the quality and clarity of your writing with well-supported reasons.

Professor: In our upcoming class, we will explore the role of understanding and managing emotions in leadership success. Understanding and managing emotions means understanding and managing your own emotions. It also means understanding the emotions of others. Some argue that understanding and managing emotions is important for effective leadership, while others believe that technical skills and knowledge are more important. What do you think is more essential for leadership success: understanding and managing emotions or technical skills? Why?

Ella: I think understanding and managing emotions is more important for leadership success. Leaders who are good at understanding and managing emotions can build strong relationships, handle conflicts well, and inspire their teams. For example, a leader who gets what their team is feeling can motivate them better and create a positive work environment. Although technical skills matter, they can be learned or passed on to others. Understanding and managing emotions, but, is harder to develop but key for long-term success.

Henry: Although understanding and managing emotions matters, I believe technical skills and knowledge are more important for leadership success. A leader needs to know their field well to make good decisions and lead their team. For example, in a tech company, a leader with technical skills can solve problems and create new ideas. Understanding and managing emotions can add to these skills, but without technical know-how, a leader might struggle to earn the respect and trust of their team.

Before delving into sample responses, let us examine the parameters of a strong TOEFL score!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Success

Below are the two responses for the Academic Discussion Writing question where one of them showcases a mid-level proficiency while the other exhibits a high level of skills. Through examining the distinctions, you will acquire valuable insights into the components that lead to attaining an exceptional score in the Writing section.

Score 3 Response

I think both understanding emotions and technical skills are important, but managing emotions is more essential for leadership success. Leaders who can understand their team's feelings can create a better work environment. For example, if a leader knows when their team is stressed, they can take steps to reduce that stress. This makes the team more productive. Technical skills are important too, but they can be learned or delegated. A leader who only has technical skills might not be able to keep their team motivated. Ella mentioned that emotional skills are harder to develop, and I agree with that. It's easier to teach someone technical skills than to teach them how to manage emotions. (Word Count - 114)

Rater’s Comment

This response attempts to address the prompt by arguing that understanding and managing emotions is more essential for leadership success than technical skills. The writer provides a relevant example of how a leader can reduce team stress by understanding their emotions, which supports their argument. However, the response lacks depth and coherence in some areas. For instance, the sentence "This makes the team more productive" could be expanded to explain how reducing stress leads to increased productivity. Additionally, there are minor grammatical errors, such as "managing emotions is more essential" instead of "managing emotions are more essential," and redundancy in "both understanding emotions and technical skills are important." Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and contributes to the discussion, but it could benefit from more detailed reasoning and examples.

Score 5 Response

While both understanding and managing emotions and technical skills are crucial for leadership success, I believe that emotional intelligence holds a slight edge. Leaders who excel in emotional intelligence can foster a positive work environment, which is essential for team cohesion and productivity. For instance, a leader who can empathize with their team members' struggles and triumphs can build stronger relationships and trust. This emotional connection often leads to higher morale and motivation, which are critical for achieving long-term goals. On the other hand, technical skills, while important, can often be delegated to team members who specialize in those areas. A leader's primary role is to guide and inspire, and this is best achieved through a deep understanding of human emotions. Henry makes a valid point that technical skills are necessary for making informed decisions, especially in specialized fields like technology. However, without the ability to manage and understand emotions, even the most technically skilled leader may fail to inspire and retain their team. Therefore, while technical skills are indispensable, the ability to understand and manage emotions is what truly sets exceptional leaders apart. (Word count - 184 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by presenting a clear and well-reasoned argument that understanding and managing emotions is more essential for leadership success than technical skills. The writer acknowledges the importance of technical skills, as highlighted by Henry, but argues that emotional intelligence is what truly distinguishes exceptional leaders. The response is well-organized, with a logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion. The writer provides specific examples, such as the ability to empathize with team members and build trust, to support their argument. The language is clear and concise, with no major grammatical errors. Overall, this response demonstrates a strong understanding of the topic and contributes meaningfully to the discussion.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task 

The TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task may seem difficult and can cause you to become nervous. But don't feel scared! You can do this task effectively by incorporating a few vital strategies to ace your proficiency in academic writing.

• It is important to have a detailed examination of the question which is necessary to comprehend both the main idea and the setting for that specific question. It is necessary to consider the provided guidelines, such as providing a response that addresses all relevant angles.
• Finding the key arguments is made simpler by dissecting the question into its constituent parts. It's critical to successfully manage each component at the same time while organising the response.
• Before attempting to write the answer, always plan and come up with ideas and use them as examples so that you can showcase a range of perspectives.
• Making an outline ensures that the response is cohesive and the concepts are well-organized.
• Giving evidence or statistics to support assertions and points of view demonstrates your grasp of the subject.
• Avoid using any slang or informal language; instead, stick to professional language and academic terminologies, paying close attention to grammar and punctuation.

Finally, it's time for you to shine! Attempt the practice question and share your response in the comments! 

Our TOEFL experts are more than willing to provide valuable feedback which would help you achieve your target score!  Let's improve your writing skills together!

Additional Reads:

• Teamwork - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Questions with Answer Key
• Is a Vegetarian Diet Healthier for the Environment and Humans - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test
• Should High School Education Be Extended to Five Years - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test
• Wearing Masks During Pandemic - TOEFL Speaking Independent Practice Questions with Answer Key
• The Role of Space Exploration in Advancing Science - TOEFL Writing Integrated Practice Test