The topic of long-term goals is a recurring theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2 and Part 3. It’s a versatile subject that allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to articulate future plans, aspirations, and the steps required to achieve them. Given its prevalence, it’s crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared to discuss their long-term goals confidently and fluently.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to goals and ambitions, albeit in a more general context. Here are some potential questions and suggested responses:
Do you often set goals for yourself?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I find that setting goals helps me stay focused and motivated. I typically set both short-term and long-term goals for various aspects of my life, such as my career, personal development, and health. It gives me a sense of direction and purpose.”How do you usually plan to achieve your goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I follow a systematic approach to achieving my goals. First, I break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks. Then, I create a timeline with specific milestones to track my progress. I also make sure to regularly review and adjust my plans as needed. Additionally, I often seek advice from mentors or experts in the relevant field to gain insights and refine my strategies.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve
You should say:
- What the goal is
- When you set this goal
- What you need to do to achieve it
- And explain why this goal is important to you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a long-term goal that I’ve set for myself, which is to become a renowned marine biologist and contribute significantly to ocean conservation efforts.
I first set this goal during my final year of high school when I participated in a coastal cleanup drive. The experience opened my eyes to the devastating impact of pollution on marine ecosystems and ignited my passion for marine biology.
To achieve this goal, I need to take several crucial steps. Firstly, I’m currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, which will provide me with a solid foundation in the field. After graduation, I plan to gain practical experience through internships at marine research institutes. Eventually, I aim to complete a Ph.D. in marine conservation, focusing on innovative solutions for protecting endangered marine species.
Additionally, I’m actively working on improving my scuba diving skills and obtaining advanced certifications. This will enable me to conduct firsthand research in diverse underwater environments. I’m also learning to use sophisticated marine research equipment and staying updated with the latest developments in ocean conservation technologies.
This goal is immensely important to me for several reasons. Primarily, it aligns with my deep-rooted passion for marine life and my desire to make a tangible difference in environmental conservation. The oceans play a crucial role in maintaining the Earth’s ecological balance, and I believe that by dedicating my career to their preservation, I can contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.
Moreover, this goal challenges me intellectually and personally, pushing me to continually expand my knowledge and skills. It also offers the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals from around the world, fostering global cooperation in addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time.
In essence, this long-term goal not only defines my career path but also gives me a sense of purpose and the motivation to work tirelessly towards a cause I deeply believe in.”
Marine biologist conducting underwater research
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- How do you stay motivated when working towards long-term goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Maintaining motivation for long-term goals can indeed be challenging, but I’ve developed several strategies to keep myself on track. Firstly, I break down my larger goal into smaller, achievable milestones. This allows me to experience a sense of progress and accomplishment more frequently, which is incredibly motivating.
Additionally, I regularly remind myself of the reasons behind my goal. In the case of my marine biology aspiration, I often read about the latest developments in ocean conservation or watch documentaries about marine life. This reignites my passion and reinforces the importance of my goal.
I also believe in the power of visualization. I’ve created a vision board that includes images of marine biologists at work, healthy coral reefs, and cutting-edge research facilities. This visual reminder helps me stay focused on what I’m working towards.
Lastly, I’ve built a support network of like-minded individuals, including mentors and peers with similar interests. Engaging in discussions about our shared passion and exchanging ideas not only keeps me motivated but also provides valuable insights and perspectives.”
- Do you think it’s important for everyone to have long-term goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While I believe that having long-term goals can be incredibly beneficial, I don’t think it’s necessarily crucial for everyone. The importance of long-term goals can vary depending on individual personalities, circumstances, and cultural backgrounds.
For many people, long-term goals provide a sense of direction and purpose. They can serve as a roadmap for personal and professional development, helping individuals make informed decisions and prioritize their efforts. Long-term goals can also boost motivation and resilience, as they give people something to strive for, even in the face of setbacks.
However, it’s important to recognize that some individuals thrive on more short-term objectives or prefer to remain flexible and open to opportunities as they arise. In certain cultures or life situations, the concept of long-term planning might not be as relevant or practical.
Moreover, an excessive focus on long-term goals can sometimes lead to anxiety or disappointment if things don’t go according to plan. It’s crucial to balance long-term aspirations with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and appreciate the present moment.
In my opinion, the key is to find an approach that works best for each individual. This might involve setting long-term goals, focusing on short-term objectives, or adopting a more flexible life strategy. The most important thing is that people feel fulfilled and motivated in their personal and professional lives, regardless of whether this comes from long-term goal setting or other sources of inspiration.”
Person visualizing future goals and aspirations
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
- Examiner: Do you think people’s goals change as they get older?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe that people’s goals often evolve as they age, reflecting changes in their circumstances, priorities, and understanding of themselves and the world around them.
In our younger years, many of us set goals that are heavily influenced by societal expectations or a limited understanding of our own capabilities and interests. For instance, a teenager might aspire to become a famous actor or a professional athlete, driven by the allure of fame and success.
As we mature, our goals tend to become more nuanced and aligned with our authentic selves. We gain a clearer understanding of our strengths, weaknesses, and what truly brings us fulfillment. This self-awareness often leads to more realistic and personally meaningful goals.
Additionally, life experiences such as starting a family, facing health challenges, or experiencing significant world events can dramatically shift our perspectives and, consequently, our goals. Someone who once prioritized career advancement might later set goals centered around work-life balance or giving back to their community.
The accumulation of knowledge and skills over time also opens up new possibilities that we might not have considered earlier in life. For example, a mid-career professional might set a goal to start their own business, leveraging years of industry experience.
However, it’s worth noting that while the specific goals may change, the underlying values and motivations often remain consistent. A person who valued creativity in their youth might shift from aspiring to be a painter to setting a goal of fostering creativity in others through teaching or mentoring.
In essence, the evolution of our goals as we age is a natural and often beneficial process, reflecting our personal growth and adaptability to life’s changing circumstances.”
- Examiner: How can governments encourage young people to set and achieve long-term goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Governments can play a crucial role in fostering a culture that encourages young people to set and pursue long-term goals. There are several strategies they could employ to achieve this:
Firstly, integrating goal-setting and long-term planning into the education system would be highly beneficial. This could involve incorporating life skills courses that teach students how to set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and develop action plans to achieve them. By making this a fundamental part of the curriculum, governments can ensure that young people are equipped with the necessary tools to think about and work towards their future aspirations.
Providing mentorship programs is another effective approach. Governments could establish nationwide mentorship initiatives that connect young people with experienced professionals across various fields. These mentors can offer guidance, share their experiences, and help young individuals set realistic long-term goals aligned with their interests and aptitudes.
Offering financial incentives and support can also be a powerful motivator. This could include scholarships for higher education, grants for entrepreneurial ventures, or subsidies for skill development programs. By reducing financial barriers, governments can empower young people to pursue goals that might otherwise seem out of reach.
Creating platforms for youth engagement in policy-making is another crucial step. When young people feel that their voices are heard and that they can influence the future of their communities and country, they’re more likely to think long-term and set ambitious goals for themselves and society.
Investing in career counseling services is also vital. By providing accessible, high-quality career guidance, governments can help young people explore various career paths, understand the steps required to achieve their goals, and make informed decisions about their future.
Lastly, governments should focus on creating a stable economic environment and job market. When young people feel confident about their future prospects, they’re more likely to set and work towards long-term goals rather than focusing solely on short-term survival.
By implementing a combination of these strategies, governments can create an environment that not only encourages young people to set long-term goals but also provides them with the support and resources needed to achieve them. This approach can lead to a more motivated, skilled, and forward-thinking youth population, which is ultimately beneficial for the entire nation.”
Government-sponsored youth mentorship program
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To set/establish goals [verb phrase] /tə set/ɪˈstæblɪʃ ɡəʊlz/: To decide on specific objectives one wishes to achieve.
Example: “I always set clear goals at the beginning of each year to guide my personal development.”Long-term aspirations [noun phrase] /ˌlɒŋ ˈtɜːm ˌæspɪˈreɪʃnz/: Ambitions or aims that extend far into the future.
Example: “My long-term aspirations include becoming a leading expert in sustainable energy solutions.”To pursue a goal [verb phrase] /tə pəˈsjuː ə ɡəʊl/: To actively work towards achieving an objective.
Example: “She is relentlessly pursuing her goal of running a marathon in every continent.”Milestone [noun] /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/: A significant stage or event in the development of something.
Example: “Completing my master’s degree was a major milestone in my academic journey.”To align with [phrasal verb] /tə əˈlaɪn wɪð/: To be in agreement with or match closely.
Example: “My career choices have always aligned with my passion for environmental conservation.”To contribute to [phrasal verb] /tə kənˈtrɪbjuːt tuː/: To play a part in bringing about a result or helping something to advance.
Example: “I hope to contribute to the field of artificial intelligence through my research.”To stay motivated [verb phrase] /tə steɪ ˈməʊtɪveɪtɪd/: To remain enthusiastic and committed to achieving something.
Example: “I stay motivated by regularly reminding myself of the reasons behind my goals.”To overcome obstacles [verb phrase] /tə ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ˈɒbstəklz/: To successfully deal with or get past difficulties.
Example: “Perseverance is key when trying to overcome obstacles on the path to success.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing long-term goals:
Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of goals from different areas of life (career, personal development, social impact) ready to discuss.
Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to goal-setting and achievement.
Provide detailed explanations: Don’t just state your goals; explain the reasoning behind them and the steps you’re taking to achieve them.
Show critical thinking: Discuss both the positive aspects and potential challenges of long-term goal setting.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, with minimal hesitation.
Demonstrate awareness: Connect your personal goals to broader societal or global issues when appropriate.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and conditional statements to showcase your language proficiency.
Be authentic: While it’s important to impress the examiner, ensure your responses reflect your genuine thoughts and experiences.
Regular practice with these tips in mind will help you articulate your long-term goals effectively and achieve a higher score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a person who you are happy to know can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking preparation. It allows you to showcase your ability to describe personal relationships and emotions, which are valuable skills in the test.