Recent accomplishments can be excellent topics for IELTS Speaking tests. The question “Describe a goal you achieved recently” is a common one that examiners often ask candidates. This topic allows you to showcase your ability to narrate a personal experience while demonstrating your English language skills. Let’s explore how to approach this question effectively to maximize your IELTS Speaking score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about goals and achievements. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you often set goals for yourself?
Candidate: Absolutely, I’m a firm believer in goal-setting. I find that having clear objectives helps me stay focused and motivated in both my personal and professional life. For instance, at the beginning of each month, I usually jot down a few key targets I want to achieve, ranging from fitness goals to work-related projects. This practice has been instrumental in my personal growth over the years.
describe a time when you felt proud of your accomplishment
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a goal you achieved recently
You should say:
- What the goal was
- Why you set this goal
- How you achieved it
- And explain how you felt after achieving it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
One of my recent accomplishments that I’m particularly proud of was successfully completing a half-marathon. I set this ambitious goal for myself about six months ago, primarily because I wanted to challenge my physical limits and improve my overall fitness level.
To achieve this goal, I devised a comprehensive training plan that included a mix of long-distance runs, interval training, and strength exercises. I gradually increased my running distance each week and paid close attention to my diet and rest. The journey wasn’t without its challenges – there were days when I felt like giving up, especially when faced with inclement weather or muscle fatigue.
However, I persevered through these obstacles by reminding myself of the sense of accomplishment I’d feel at the finish line. I also joined a local running club, which provided invaluable support and motivation throughout my training.
On the day of the race, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. As I crossed the finish line, I was overwhelmed with a sense of pride and elation. The feeling of setting such a challenging goal and seeing it through to fruition was indescribable. This achievement has bolstered my self-confidence and reinforced my belief in the power of perseverance and dedicated effort.
Proud runner after completing half-marathon
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I recently achieved my goal of learning to play the guitar. I decided to learn this instrument because I’ve always loved music and wanted to be able to play my favorite songs.
To achieve this goal, I took online lessons and practiced every day for at least 30 minutes. It was hard at first because my fingers hurt, but I kept going. I also watched YouTube tutorials to learn new techniques.
After about three months, I could play several songs. I felt really happy and proud of myself when I played a whole song without making mistakes. It made me feel good to see how much I had improved.
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How do you think achieving this goal has impacted your life?
Band 8-9 Response: Accomplishing this goal has had a profound impact on various aspects of my life. Firstly, it has significantly boosted my self-confidence, reinforcing the belief that with dedication and perseverance, I can overcome challenges that initially seem daunting. This newfound confidence has spilled over into other areas, such as my professional life, where I now feel more capable of taking on complex projects.
Moreover, the discipline and time management skills I developed during my training have proven invaluable in my daily routine. I’ve become more adept at prioritizing tasks and making the most of my time, which has led to increased productivity in both my personal and work life.
Band 6-7 Response: Achieving this goal has made me more confident. I now believe I can learn new things if I try hard. It has also helped me manage my time better because I had to make time to practice every day. I think these skills will help me in other parts of my life too, like at work or in my studies.
describe something that made you feel proud
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to set goals? Why or why not?
Band 8-9 Response: I firmly believe that setting goals is crucial for personal growth and success. Goals provide a clear direction and purpose, acting as a roadmap for one’s aspirations. They help individuals focus their efforts and resources on what truly matters to them, rather than getting lost in the day-to-day minutiae of life.
Moreover, goals serve as a powerful motivational tool. When we set specific, achievable targets, we’re more likely to push ourselves beyond our comfort zones and tap into our full potential. The process of working towards a goal also fosters valuable skills such as perseverance, time management, and problem-solving.
However, it’s important to note that goals should be realistic and flexible. Overly ambitious or rigid goals can lead to frustration and burnout. The key is to strike a balance between challenging oneself and maintaining a sense of achievability.
Band 6-7 Response: Yes, I think setting goals is important. Goals help people know what they want to achieve and give them something to work towards. When people have goals, they are more likely to try harder and do better in life. Goals can also help people feel good about themselves when they achieve them. However, it’s important that goals are not too hard, or people might get upset if they can’t reach them.
describe a goal you set for yourself
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Ambitious goal /æmˈbɪʃəs ɡoʊl/ (adj + n): A goal that requires great effort and determination to achieve.
Example: Running a marathon was an ambitious goal for someone who had never jogged before.To devise a plan /dɪˈvaɪz ə plæn/ (v + n): To create or invent a method for doing something.
Example: She devised a comprehensive study plan to prepare for her exams.To persevere /ˌpɜːrsəˈvɪr/ (v): To continue trying to do something despite difficulties.
Example: Despite facing numerous setbacks, he persevered and eventually succeeded.Overwhelming sense of pride /ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ sens əv praɪd/ (adj + n + prep + n): An extremely strong feeling of satisfaction and pleasure in one’s achievements.
Example: An overwhelming sense of pride washed over her as she received her diploma.To bolster confidence /ˈboʊlstər ˈkɑːnfɪdəns/ (v + n): To increase or strengthen one’s self-assurance.
Example: Winning the competition bolstered her confidence in her abilities.
describe a movie character you relate to
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a goal you’ve achieved:
Use a variety of vocabulary related to goals, achievements, and emotions. This demonstrates your language range and flexibility.
Employ complex sentence structures to showcase your grammatical prowess. Mix simple, compound, and complex sentences for a more sophisticated response.
Provide specific details and examples to make your answer more engaging and authentic. This also helps to fully address all parts of the question.
Use appropriate tenses consistently, especially when narrating past events and their outcomes.
Practice fluency by speaking at a natural pace without long pauses. However, don’t sacrifice accuracy for speed.
Show enthusiasm in your tone when discussing your achievement. This can positively impact the examiner’s perception of your communication skills.
Reflect on the impact of achieving your goal. This demonstrates critical thinking and the ability to analyze experiences in English.
Remember, regular practice with a variety of topics will help you become more comfortable and confident in expressing your ideas fluently during the IELTS Speaking test.
describe a challenging project you completed
IELTS candidate practicing speaking skills
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver a compelling response when asked to describe a goal you achieved recently in your IELTS Speaking test.