When discussing goals and achievements in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to structure your response clearly and use appropriate vocabulary. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about goals and achievements, which frequently appear in describe a goal you set for yourself and achieved.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions about goals and achievements:
- What kind of goals do you usually set for yourself?
- Do you think it’s important to have goals in life?
- How do you plan to achieve your goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I typically set both short-term and long-term goals for myself. For instance, I’m currently working on improving my public speaking skills while also pursuing my long-term career objective of becoming a senior marketing manager. I believe having clear goals helps provide direction and motivation in life.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Task
Describe a goal you recently achieved
You should say:
- What the goal was
- How you achieved it
- How long it took you
- And explain how you felt after achieving it
Student Working Diligently Towards Academic Goals
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about how I passed my driver’s license test last month. It was something I’d been wanting to do for a while. I took lessons twice a week and practiced with my father on weekends. It took me about three months to feel confident. When I finally passed, I felt really happy and proud of myself.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience of successfully completing my first marathon, which was a significant milestone in my fitness journey. I implemented a systematic training regimen that involved running progressively longer distances over six months. This encompassed not only physical preparation but also careful attention to nutrition and recovery.
The preparation phase was particularly challenging, requiring me to wake up at 5 AM for training runs and maintain strict discipline with my diet. After accomplishing this goal, I felt an overwhelming sense of achievement and learned valuable lessons about perseverance and self-discipline.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do some people fail to achieve their goals?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“There are several underlying factors that contribute to goal failure. Firstly, many people tend to set unrealistic or overly ambitious goals without breaking them down into manageable steps. Additionally, the lack of a clear action plan and proper time management can significantly impede progress. Another crucial factor is the absence of a strong support system or accountability mechanism.”
Professional Goal Planning and Strategy Implementation
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- To implement a strategy: To put a plan into action
- To overcome obstacles: To successfully deal with problems
- To demonstrate commitment: To show dedication to something
- To maintain momentum: To keep moving forward with consistent progress
- To achieve milestones: To reach important stages in your progress
For those interested in describe a personal goal that you are working toward, these vocabulary items will be particularly useful.
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Demonstrate range in vocabulary and grammar
- Maintain good fluency and coherence
- Show natural enthusiasm when discussing achievements
- Include relevant details and elaborate appropriately
Similar to describe a recent accomplishment that made you feel proud, focus on expressing genuine emotion and personal significance when describing your achievements.
