When discussing goals in IELTS Speaking, candidates often encounter questions about their personal aspirations and current objectives. Similar to describe a person who encourages you to achieve your goals, this topic requires careful preparation and thoughtful responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions about goals include:
- What are your short-term goals?
- Do you think it’s important to have goals in life?
- How do you plan to achieve your current goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“One of my primary objectives right now is to enhance my professional qualifications. I’m actively working towards obtaining my master’s degree while maintaining a balance between work and studies. I believe having clear goals is absolutely essential as they provide direction and motivation in life.”
IELTS candidate discussing personal goals with examiner
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a goal you are currently working towards
You should say:
- What the goal is
- When you set this goal
- What steps you are taking to achieve it
- And explain why this goal is important to you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my goal of establishing my own digital marketing agency. I set this ambitious target about six months ago after gaining substantial experience in the corporate sector.
To achieve this objective, I’m taking systematic steps. Firstly, I’m expanding my professional network through LinkedIn and industry events. Secondly, I’m enhancing my expertise by completing advanced certifications in digital marketing. I’m also building a portfolio of freelance projects to demonstrate my capabilities.
This goal is particularly significant because it aligns with my passion for describe a local business that is successful. It represents not just professional growth, but also personal fulfillment. The digital marketing landscape is constantly evolving, and having my own agency would allow me to implement innovative strategies while helping businesses thrive.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to start my own marketing company. I decided to do this last year after working for other companies. I’m studying online courses and trying to get more clients. It’s important because I want to be my own boss and earn more money.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do some people fail to achieve their goals?
A: (Band 8-9)
“There are several complex factors that contribute to goal failure. Many individuals set unrealistic expectations or fail to break down their objectives into manageable steps. Additionally, the lack of a robust support system and proper planning can significantly impact goal achievement. Just as describe a technology you want to use more proficiently, success requires dedication and structured learning.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Milestone: /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ (n) – an important stage in progress
- Strategic approach: /strəˈtiːdʒɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (phrase) – carefully planned method
- Quantifiable results: /ˈkwɒntɪfaɪəbl rɪˈzʌlts/ (phrase) – measurable outcomes
- Long-term vision: /lɒŋ tɜːm ˈvɪʒən/ (phrase) – future aspirations
- Implementation plan: /ɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən plæn/ (phrase) – action strategy
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your goals
- Demonstrate clear organization in your responses
- Employ a range of tenses accurately
- Show awareness of goal-setting methodology
- Connect your personal experience with broader perspectives
Remember to maintain natural fluency while incorporating sophisticated vocabulary naturally, similar to discussing describe a job that is commonly misunderstood.
