Discussing future goals is a common topic in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly when answering the question “describe a goal you want to achieve in the future”. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. To help you excel in this area, let’s explore effective strategies and sample answers for each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:
- Do you have any goals for the future?
- How do you plan to achieve your goals?
- Do you think it’s important to set goals?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have any goals for the future?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! One of my primary objectives for the near future is to enhance my proficiency in Mandarin Chinese. I believe that mastering this language will not only broaden my cultural horizons but also open up new career opportunities in the increasingly globalized business world. Additionally, I’m aiming to complete a marathon within the next two years, which I see as both a personal challenge and a way to improve my overall health and fitness.”
This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, clear pronunciation, and the ability to expand on ideas, which are key factors in achieving a higher band score.
Part 2: Long Turn
For this section, let’s consider the following cue card:
Describe a goal you want to achieve in the future
You should say:
- What the goal is
- When you want to achieve it
- Why you want to achieve it
- And explain how you plan to achieve it
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my ambitious goal of establishing my own tech startup within the next five years. This long-term objective has been a driving force in my career decisions and personal development for quite some time now.
The primary motivation behind this goal is my passion for innovation and my desire to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry. I believe that by creating a company focused on developing cutting-edge solutions for environmental challenges, I can contribute to sustainable development while also pursuing my entrepreneurial dreams.
To achieve this goal, I’ve devised a comprehensive strategy. Firstly, I’m actively expanding my knowledge base by pursuing an advanced degree in sustainable technology. This will provide me with the technical expertise necessary to develop innovative products. Simultaneously, I’m honing my business acumen through online courses and workshops on entrepreneurship and startup management.
Networking is another crucial aspect of my plan. I’m regularly attending industry conferences and joining professional associations to build connections with potential mentors, investors, and collaborators. These relationships will be invaluable as I navigate the challenges of launching a startup.
Additionally, I’m gaining practical experience by working on side projects and participating in hackathons. These activities not only help me refine my technical skills but also provide opportunities to test and validate my ideas in a low-risk environment.
Financially, I’m diligently saving a portion of my income and exploring funding options such as angel investors and venture capital firms. I understand that securing adequate funding will be critical to turning my vision into reality.
While I acknowledge that this goal is ambitious and challenging, I’m fully committed to putting in the hard work and perseverance required to make it a reality. I believe that with careful planning, continuous learning, and a resilient mindset, I can overcome the obstacles and achieve my dream of launching a successful tech startup that makes a positive difference in the world.”
Examiner’s follow-up questions:
- What challenges do you anticipate in achieving this goal?
- How might your goal benefit others?
Sample answers (Band 8-9):
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“The path to establishing a successful startup is undoubtedly fraught with challenges. One of the most significant hurdles I anticipate is securing adequate funding. The tech industry is highly competitive, and convincing investors to back a new venture requires not only a compelling business plan but also a proven track record. Additionally, assembling a talented team of professionals who share my vision and can contribute diverse skills will be crucial yet challenging. Moreover, navigating the complex regulatory landscape in the tech industry, especially when dealing with environmental solutions, could present significant obstacles. However, I view these challenges as opportunities for growth and learning, and I’m committed to developing the resilience and problem-solving skills necessary to overcome them.”
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“I believe my goal has the potential to benefit others in multiple ways. Firstly, by focusing on environmental challenges, the solutions we develop could contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability, which would have far-reaching positive impacts on communities worldwide. Secondly, as the company grows, it would create employment opportunities, potentially stimulating economic growth in the local area. Furthermore, our innovative approach could inspire other entrepreneurs and researchers to tackle environmental issues, creating a ripple effect of positive change. Lastly, by demonstrating that it’s possible to build a successful business while prioritizing environmental concerns, we could encourage other companies to adopt more sustainable practices, leading to a broader shift towards responsible business models.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of goals and future plans. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think people’s goals change as they get older?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that people’s goals often evolve significantly as they age, reflecting the dynamic nature of personal growth and changing life circumstances. In our younger years, many of us tend to focus on ambitious career aspirations or material achievements, such as climbing the corporate ladder or acquiring wealth. However, as we mature and gain life experience, our priorities often shift towards more intrinsic values.
For instance, many individuals in their later years place greater emphasis on goals related to personal fulfillment, such as nurturing relationships, giving back to the community, or pursuing long-held passions. This shift can be attributed to a deeper understanding of what truly brings contentment and a heightened awareness of life’s finite nature.
Moreover, external factors like technological advancements, economic fluctuations, and societal changes can necessitate adjustments to our goals. The rapid pace of innovation in today’s world means that career goals that seemed relevant in our youth might become obsolete, prompting us to adapt and redefine our objectives.
That being said, while the specifics of our goals may change, I believe the underlying motivations often remain consistent. Whether it’s the desire for security, personal growth, or making a positive impact, these core drivers tend to persist throughout our lives, even as the means of achieving them evolve.”
Examiner: How do cultural differences affect people’s goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Cultural differences can have a profound impact on people’s goals, shaping not only the specific objectives individuals pursue but also the ways in which they approach goal-setting and achievement. This influence stems from the fact that culture fundamentally informs our values, beliefs, and perceptions of success.
In collectivist cultures, for instance, we often see goals that prioritize group harmony and familial obligations. Individuals from these backgrounds might be more inclined to set career goals that allow them to support their extended family or contribute to their community’s well-being. Conversely, in more individualistic societies, personal achievement and self-actualization tend to take precedence, leading to goals focused on individual success and recognition.
The time orientation of a culture also plays a crucial role. Cultures with a long-term orientation might encourage goals that emphasize perseverance, thrift, and planning for the future, such as building generational wealth or investing in education. On the other hand, cultures with a more short-term focus might value immediate gratification, leading to goals centered around present enjoyment or quick returns.
Moreover, cultural attitudes towards risk can significantly influence goal-setting. Societies that embrace uncertainty might foster more entrepreneurial goals, while those that prefer stability might lead individuals to seek security-oriented objectives.
It’s important to note, however, that in our increasingly globalized world, these cultural influences are becoming more nuanced. Many individuals are exposed to multiple cultural perspectives, leading to a blending of goal orientations. This cross-cultural exposure can result in more diverse and complex personal objectives that draw from various cultural influences.
Ultimately, while cultural differences substantially shape our goals, it’s crucial to recognize that individual variations within cultures are also significant. Personal experiences, education, and individual personality traits all interact with cultural factors to determine a person’s unique set of goals and aspirations.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
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Ambitious goal /æmˈbɪʃəs ɡoʊl/ (adj. + n.) – A goal that requires great effort and determination to achieve.
Example: “Becoming fluent in Mandarin within a year is certainly an ambitious goal.” -
To devise a strategy /dɪˈvaɪz ə ˈstrætədʒi/ (v. + n.) – To create a plan of action.
Example: “I’ve devised a strategy to improve my English skills through daily practice and immersion.” -
Long-term objective /lɔːŋ tɜːrm əbˈdʒektɪv/ (adj. + n.) – A goal that is intended to be achieved over an extended period.
Example: “My long-term objective is to establish my own international business.” -
To hone skills /hoʊn skɪlz/ (v. + n.) – To refine or perfect a particular ability through practice.
Example: “I’m constantly looking for opportunities to hone my public speaking skills.” -
Resilient mindset /rɪˈzɪliənt ˈmaɪndset/ (adj. + n.) – A mental attitude that allows one to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Developing a resilient mindset is crucial for overcoming challenges in pursuit of your goals.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing future goals:
- Practice articulating your goals clearly and concisely, focusing on providing specific details and reasons.
- Develop a wide range of vocabulary related to goal-setting, achievement, and future planning.
- Work on your fluency by regularly discussing your aspirations and plans with others in English.
- Prepare examples and anecdotes that illustrate your commitment to your goals.
- Practice linking your ideas coherently, using a variety of connecting phrases and discourse markers.
- Reflect on the broader implications of your goals to prepare for more abstract questions in Part 3.
- Record yourself speaking about your goals and analyze areas for improvement in pronunciation and intonation.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having impressive goals, but about expressing them eloquently and thoughtfully. By following these tips and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your future aspirations confidently and articulately in your IELTS exam.
To further enhance your IELTS preparation, consider exploring related topics such as describing an outdoor activity you tried for the first time or discussing a place you want to visit to explore nature. These topics can help you broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various aspects of personal experiences and future plans.