The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal goals and aspirations. One common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a goal they have set for themselves in the current year. This theme has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature and ability to reveal a candidate’s language proficiency and personal insights.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask questions related to goals and ambitions. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you often set goals for yourself?
2. What kind of goals do you usually set?
3. How do you plan to achieve your goals?
4. Do you think it’s important to have goals in life?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the question: “Do you often set goals for yourself?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, I do. I believe setting goals is crucial for personal growth and motivation. I typically set both short-term and long-term goals for various aspects of my life, such as my career, education, and personal development. For instance, this year, I’ve set a goal to improve my public speaking skills by joining a local Toastmasters club and participating in at least one speech contest. Having clear objectives helps me stay focused and measure my progress over time.”

describe a friend who is very organized

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe A Goal You Have Set For Yourself This Year
You should say:

• What the goal is
• Why you set this goal
• How you plan to achieve it
• And explain why this goal is important to you

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“The goal I’ve set for myself this year is to learn a new language, specifically Mandarin Chinese. I decided to set this goal because China is becoming increasingly important in the global economy, and I believe that being able to speak Mandarin will give me a competitive edge in my career.

To achieve this goal, I’ve enrolled in an online language course that offers daily lessons and practice sessions. I’ve also downloaded language learning apps on my phone to practice vocabulary and pronunciation during my commute. Additionally, I plan to find a language exchange partner to practice speaking with a native Mandarin speaker.

This goal is important to me because it not only enhances my professional prospects but also broadens my cultural understanding. Learning a new language opens up opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds and explore a rich cultural heritage. It’s a challenging goal, but I’m excited about the journey and the potential doors it may open in the future.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“This year, I’ve set myself the ambitious goal of becoming fluent in Mandarin Chinese. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate nature of tonal languages, and given China’s growing influence in global affairs, I believe mastering Mandarin will be invaluable for my personal and professional growth.

To achieve this goal, I’ve devised a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I’ve enrolled in an intensive language program at a reputable institute, which includes daily immersion classes and one-on-one tutoring sessions. Secondly, I’ve committed to consuming Chinese media regularly, including news broadcasts, podcasts, and classic literature, to improve my comprehension and cultural understanding. Additionally, I’ve arranged a language exchange partnership with a native Mandarin speaker, allowing for authentic conversation practice.

The significance of this goal extends beyond mere language acquisition. It represents a bridge to a new culture, a way to challenge my cognitive abilities, and a tool to expand my global perspective. In our increasingly interconnected world, I believe that linguistic versatility is not just an asset but a necessity. This goal embodies my commitment to continuous learning and cross-cultural communication, which I consider paramount in both my personal development and future career aspirations in international relations.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a goal set for the year

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How do you stay motivated when working towards your goals?
2. Have you ever failed to achieve a goal? How did you handle it?

Sample answer for “How do you stay motivated when working towards your goals?” (Band 8-9):

“Maintaining motivation while pursuing long-term goals can indeed be challenging, but I’ve developed several strategies to keep myself on track. Firstly, I break down my main goal into smaller, manageable milestones. This approach allows me to celebrate small victories along the way, which is crucial for maintaining momentum. Additionally, I use visualization techniques, imagining myself having achieved the goal and the positive impact it will have on my life. This mental imagery serves as a powerful motivator during tough times.

I also believe in the power of accountability, so I’ve shared my goal with friends and family who support and encourage me. Furthermore, I maintain a progress journal where I regularly reflect on my journey, acknowledging both successes and setbacks. This practice helps me stay self-aware and adaptable in my approach.

Lastly, I make a conscious effort to remind myself of the ‘why’ behind my goal. Understanding the deeper purpose and potential benefits keeps me focused and resilient, even when faced with obstacles or temporary setbacks.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. Do you think people today set different types of goals compared to previous generations?
2. How do cultural differences affect the way people set and pursue their goals?
3. What role do you think technology plays in helping people achieve their goals?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the question: “Do you think people today set different types of goals compared to previous generations?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I believe there are indeed notable differences in the types of goals people set today compared to previous generations. The rapid pace of technological advancement and globalization has significantly influenced our aspirations and priorities.

Firstly, many people today set goals related to digital literacy and technological proficiency, which weren’t as relevant for previous generations. For instance, learning coding languages or mastering social media marketing are common goals now, reflecting the digital-centric nature of our current job market.

Secondly, there’s a growing emphasis on work-life balance and personal well-being. While previous generations might have primarily focused on career advancement and financial stability, many people today set goals around mental health, self-care, and achieving a harmonious balance between their professional and personal lives.

Additionally, environmental consciousness has become a significant factor in goal-setting for many individuals today. Goals related to reducing carbon footprints, adopting sustainable lifestyles, or contributing to environmental causes are much more prevalent now than they were for previous generations.

However, it’s important to note that some fundamental goals, such as financial security, career success, and personal relationships, remain constant across generations. The difference lies more in how these goals are pursued and the additional layers of complexity added by our modern, interconnected world.”

describe a recent accomplishment at work or school

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, consider incorporating these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Ambitious /æmˈbɪʃəs/ (adjective): Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.
   Example: “I’ve set myself an ambitious goal of learning Mandarin in just one year.”

2. To devise /dɪˈvaɪz/ (verb): To plan or invent a complex procedure for a particular purpose.
   Example: “I’ve devised a comprehensive strategy to achieve my language learning goal.”

3. Multi-faceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “Learning a new language requires a multi-faceted approach, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.”

4. Paramount /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ (adjective): More important than anything else; supreme.
   Example: “Continuous learning is paramount in today’s rapidly changing job market.”

5. To broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand one’s range of interests, experiences, and knowledge.
   Example: “Setting challenging goals helps to broaden one’s horizons and foster personal growth.”

describe a person who is good at resolving conflicts

Examiner’s Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, consider the following tips:

1. Practice regularly: Engage in daily speaking exercises, perhaps with a language partner or by recording yourself.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a wide range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions relevant to common IELTS topics.

3. Work on fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, without long pauses or hesitations.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points and provide relevant examples to support your ideas.

5. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Demonstrate your language proficiency by using a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.

6. Improve your pronunciation: Focus on clear articulation and proper stress and intonation patterns.

7. Stay informed: Keep up with current affairs and global issues to be prepared for a wide range of discussion topics.

8. Be authentic: While it’s important to showcase your language skills, remember to be genuine in your responses.

By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score.

describe a person who motivates you to follow your dreams

IELTS Speaking Practice Session

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to communicate effectively and confidently on a wide range of topics. Regular practice and exposure to diverse subjects will help you achieve this goal.