Task summary
The task is a 500-word brief discussion on Are leaders born or made? Consider both sides of the
argument while clearly indicating your opinion on the topic. Referencing is Harvard (AGPS) Style Guide.
Purpose
requires you to write a short essay in academic style (500 words total).
Task
Complete these three parts (A, B & C) to produce an academic writing sample in Microsoft Word.
Write a discussion of about 500 words on the following question:
Are leaders born or made? Consider both sides of the argument while clearly indicating your opinion on
the topic.
Part A: Read and plan
Read the extracts from the following articles.
‘An enduring leadership myth: Born a leader or made a leader?’ (Avolio & Hannah 2020)
‘Point/Counterpoint: Are outstanding leaders born or made?’ (Boerma et al. 2017)
Part B: Write
Write an introduction to the question which includes two to three sentences of background and a
purpose statement (approx. 50-70 words).
Write a paragraph (approx. 200 words) in which you provide evidence for the side you least support.
Make your opinion clear, for example through the use of tentative language (can, may, in some
circumstances).
Write a second paragraph (approx. 200 words) in which you provide evidence for the argument you
believe is stronger. Make your opinion clear by refuting the evidence in the first paragraph and/or using
language which implies the argument for this side is stronger (in most situations, far more often).
Write a conclusion that summarises your main ideas. Finish with a comment that sums up your opinion.
This may be a clear statement that one belief prevails over the other (and why) or a qualified opinion
(with justification) that sits somewhere in the middle (approx. 50 words).
As you are using information and ideas from an external source, you will need to reference the articles
using in-text citations and provide a reference list at the end.
Part C: Edit
Requirements
The word count for this document is 500 words (plus 10% tolerance).
In terms of structure, follow the instruction in Part B (introduction, paragraph 1, paragraph 2, conclusion
and references)