The IELTS Speaking test assesses various aspects of your English speaking abilities, including fluency, coherence, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Understanding how to structure your answers and articulate your thoughts clearly can significantly improve your chances of scoring higher. One popular IELTS Speaking topic is describing a person who is goal-oriented. In this guide, we will provide comprehensive tips, sample answers, and vocabulary to help you effectively tackle this topic.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions:
- Do you set goals for yourself and try to achieve them?
- Can you describe a person (live or historical) you admire for their goal-oriented nature?
- How do you usually keep track of your goal progress?
Sample Question and Answer:
Question: “Do you set goals for yourself and try to achieve them?”
Answer: “Yes, I am quite goal-oriented. Setting clear, achievable objectives helps me stay focused and motivated. For example, during my university years, I set a goal to graduate with honors, and by creating a detailed study schedule and adhering to it, I managed to achieve that.”
Analysis: This answer highlights the person’s goal-setting behavior and provides a specific example, demonstrating clarity, coherence, and relevant vocabulary.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is very goal-oriented.
You should say:
- Who the person is
- How you know the person
- What goals he/she has achieved
- And explain how you think this person is goal-oriented.
Sample Answer:
“The person I want to describe is my older sister, Jane. Ever since I can remember, Jane has been remarkably goal-oriented. I know Jane because, quite obviously, she is my sibling, but she also doubles as my role model. Over the years, she has achieved numerous goals, including graduating at the top of her class, landing a prestigious job in a multinational company, and even running several marathons.
One such instance that stands out is when she decided she wanted to run a marathon. She wasn’t a runner to begin with, but she meticulously planned her training regime, set incremental milestones, and stuck to her schedule religiously. Over six months, she transformed herself from a novice to successfully completing the marathon. This unwavering commitment to her goals is what makes her truly goal-oriented. She not only sets her sights high but also devises and follows through with a clear plan to achieve her objectives.”
Analysis: This answer demonstrates the use of relevant vocabulary, showcases an organized structure, and employs specific examples, all of which are crucial for scoring high in the IELTS Speaking test.
Follow-Up Questions:
-
Examiner: “How important is it to set goals in personal and professional life?”
Candidate: “Setting goals is fundamentally important in both spheres. In personal life, goals guide our actions and keep us motivated, while in professional life, they drive productivity and career growth.” -
Examiner: “Can people learn to be more goal-oriented, or is it an innate trait?”
Candidate: “I believe people can definitely learn to be more goal-oriented. Through self-discipline, setting realistic goals, and actively tracking progress, anyone can become more focused on achieving their goals.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Sample Question and Discussion:
Examiner: “Why do you think some people find it difficult to achieve their goals?”
Candidate: “There are various reasons why people struggle to achieve their goals. Firstly, they might set goals that are too ambitious or unrealistic, leading to frustration and eventual abandonment. Secondly, some might lack a structured plan to follow through. Lastly, external factors like unforeseen circumstances or lack of support can also impede goal attainment. It’s crucial to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) and to break them down into manageable tasks to improve the likelihood of success.”
Analysis: This discussion indicates proficiency in discussing abstract topics and connecting ideas, which is important for a high score in Part 3.
Key Vocabulary and Structures
Vocabulary:
- Goal-oriented (adjective): focused on setting and achieving goals /ɡoʊl ˈɔriəntɪd/
- Ambitious (adjective): having a strong desire for success /æmˈbɪʃəs/
- Structured plan (noun): an organized approach to achieving something /ˈstrʌk.tʃɚd plæn/
- Milestones (noun): significant stages or events in the development of something /ˈmaɪlstoʊnz/
- Incremental (adjective): increasing gradually by regular degrees /ˌɪŋkrəˈmɛntl/
Usage Example:
- “She created a structured plan with incremental goals to ensure she stayed on track.”
- “His ambitious nature propels him to set higher milestones each year.”
Examiner’s Advice:
- Practice Regularly: Regularly practice speaking on various topics to build fluency and coherence.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary and use a mixture of simple and complex words naturally.
- Be Specific: Provide specific examples to support your answers.
- Work on Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation can significantly impact your score.
- Stay Calm and Focused: Maintain composure and clarity of thought throughout the test.
By following these tips and practicing consistently with tailored examples, you can aim for a higher band score in the IELTS Speaking test.