Setting and achieving goals is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal aspirations, discuss future plans, and express motivation. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about goals you’d like to achieve, with sample responses for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you questions about your goals. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you often set goals for yourself?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I find that setting clear objectives helps me stay focused and motivated. For instance, I recently set a goal to describe a skill you are currently developing, which has really helped me track my progress and stay committed to improving myself.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a goal:
Describe a goal that you would like to achieve
You should say:
- What the goal is
- When you set this goal
- Why you want to achieve it
- And explain how you plan to achieve this goal
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my goal of becoming fluent in Spanish. I set this goal about six months ago when I realized how beneficial it would be for my career and personal growth.
I want to achieve this goal because Spanish is widely spoken, and it would open up new opportunities for me professionally. Additionally, I love Spanish culture and would like to connect with more people when I travel.
To achieve this goal, I’ve enrolled in an online Spanish course and try to practice speaking for at least 30 minutes every day. I also watch Spanish movies and listen to Spanish podcasts to improve my listening skills. I plan to join a language exchange group soon to practice with native speakers.
It’s challenging, but I’m determined to stick to my plan and hopefully become fluent within the next two years.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to discuss my ambitious goal of establishing a non-profit organization focused on providing educational resources to underprivileged children in rural areas. This aspiration crystallized in my mind about a year ago after I volunteered at a local school and witnessed firsthand the stark disparities in educational opportunities.
The driving force behind this goal is my firm belief that education is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for social mobility. By bridging the educational gap, we can empower these children to break the cycle of poverty and create a more equitable society.
To bring this vision to fruition, I’ve devised a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I’m actively networking with professionals in the non-profit sector to gain insights and potential mentorship. Simultaneously, I’m honing my skills in project management and fundraising through online courses and workshops.
I’ve also begun the process of drafting a comprehensive business plan, outlining our mission, operational strategy, and financial projections. In the coming months, I plan to assemble a team of like-minded individuals who share this passion and can contribute diverse skills to the organization.
While I’m aware that this is an audacious undertaking that will require unwavering dedication and perseverance, I’m committed to seeing it through. The potential to make a tangible difference in children’s lives is incredibly motivating, and I’m excited about the challenges and growth opportunities this journey will present.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How do you stay motivated when working towards your goal?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“To maintain my motivation, I employ several strategies. Firstly, I break down my overarching goal into smaller, manageable milestones. This allows me to celebrate small victories along the way, which boosts my morale and keeps me engaged. Additionally, I make a conscious effort to visualize the end result and remind myself of the positive impact this organization will have on children’s lives. I also find that surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who share similar aspirations helps keep my enthusiasm high. Lastly, I maintain a reflective journal where I document my progress, challenges, and learnings, which serves as a powerful motivator when I look back and see how far I’ve come.”
- Do you think it’s important to set deadlines for achieving goals?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe setting deadlines is crucial when working towards goals. Deadlines provide a sense of urgency and help prevent procrastination. They also allow us to measure our progress and adjust our strategies if needed. However, it’s important to set realistic deadlines to avoid unnecessary stress. In my case, I’ve set a timeline of three years to get the non-profit fully operational, with several interim deadlines for key stages like completing the business plan and securing initial funding.”
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 their changing priorities, experiences, and circumstances. In our youth, we might be more focused on personal achievements or career advancement. However, as we mature, our goals often shift towards more altruistic endeavors or finding a deeper sense of purpose.
For instance, a young professional might initially aim for a high-powered corporate position, but later in life, they might reassess their values and set goals related to work-life balance or giving back to the community. This shift could be attributed to various factors such as increased self-awareness, life experiences, or changing societal roles.
Moreover, as we age, our goals tend to become more holistic and interconnected. Rather than pursuing isolated objectives, we might set goals that encompass multiple aspects of our lives, such as personal growth, relationships, and leaving a positive legacy.
That being said, while the nature of our goals may change, the importance of having goals remains constant throughout our lives. They continue to provide direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose, regardless of our age or stage in life.”
Examiner: How do cultural differences affect goal-setting?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Cultural differences can significantly impact goal-setting in various ways. Firstly, collectivist cultures might prioritize goals that benefit the family or community, while individualistic cultures may focus more on personal achievement. For example, in some Asian cultures, a common goal might be to support one’s parents in old age, whereas in Western cultures, there might be more emphasis on individual career success.
Additionally, cultural values influence the types of goals people set. In cultures that highly value education, like describe a famous beach you would like to visit, academic goals might take precedence. In contrast, cultures that prioritize work-life balance might set goals related to personal time and leisure activities.
The timeline for achieving goals can also vary culturally. Some cultures may encourage long-term planning, while others might focus more on short-term objectives. Furthermore, the way success is measured can differ; some cultures might value material success, while others prioritize spiritual or personal growth.
It’s important to note that these are generalizations, and individual experiences may vary. In our increasingly globalized world, many people are influenced by multiple cultures, leading to more diverse and nuanced approaches to goal-setting.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Crystallize (verb) /ˈkrɪstəlaɪz/: To become clear and definite.
Example: “My career goals crystallized after I attended the industry conference.” - Audacious (adjective) /ɔːˈdeɪʃəs/: Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks.
Example: “Setting up a non-profit organization is an audacious goal, but I’m determined to achieve it.” - Bring to fruition (idiom): To make something happen or become successful.
Example: “It took years of hard work to bring my business idea to fruition.” - Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/: Not changing or becoming weaker.
Example: “Despite the challenges, she showed unwavering commitment to her goals.” - Multi-faceted approach (phrase): A strategy that considers many different aspects of a situation.
Example: “Achieving this goal requires a multi-faceted approach, including financial planning, networking, and skill development.”
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing goals:
- Use a range of vocabulary related to goal-setting and achievement.
- Provide specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Discuss both personal goals and broader societal implications.
- Show your ability to analyze and reflect on the goal-setting process.
- Practice expressing your ideas fluently and coherently.
- Be prepared to discuss goals in various contexts – personal, professional, and academic.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about the content of your answers, but also how you express yourself. Focus on clarity, fluency, and using a variety of language structures. Regular practice and describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult conversation will help you improve your speaking skills and confidence.