For many IELTS candidates, describe a goal you are currently working towards is a common speaking topic that requires careful preparation and strategic response.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common Questions:
- Do you have any goals in life?
- How do you plan to achieve your goals?
- What motivates you to pursue your goals?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Well, I constantly set myself various goals, both short-term and long-term. Currently, I’m dedicated to enhancing my professional skills through advanced certification in digital marketing. I believe in setting measurable milestones and maintaining unwavering focus to achieve my objectives.”
IELTS examiner and candidate discussing personal goals
Part 2: Cue Card
Topic:
Describe a personal goal that you are working toward.
You should say:
- What the goal is
- When you set this goal
- What steps you are taking to achieve it
- And explain why this goal is important to you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my goal of establishing my own educational technology startup by the end of next year. This ambition crystallized in my mind during the pandemic when I witnessed firsthand the challenges students faced with remote learning.
To transform this vision into reality, I’m taking several strategic steps. Firstly, I’m pursuing advanced courses in business management and technology integration. Additionally, I’m building a network of potential investors and mentors who can guide me through this journey. I’ve also started developing a prototype of my educational platform, which incorporates innovative features like adaptive learning algorithms.
This goal is particularly significant to me because it aligns perfectly with my passion for education and technology. I firmly believe that by leveraging cutting-edge technology, we can revolutionize the way students learn and make quality education more accessible.”
Professional discussing educational technology goals
Similar to describe a time when you felt excited about the future, sharing your aspirations requires enthusiasm and clear articulation.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Why do some people fail to achieve their goals?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“There are multiple factors that can impede goal achievement. Often, people set unrealistic expectations or fail to break down their objectives into manageable steps. Additionally, the lack of a robust support system and proper accountability measures can significantly impact success rates.”
Q2: How has goal-setting changed in the digital age?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how we approach goal-setting. People now have access to sophisticated tracking tools and AI-powered planning applications. Moreover, social media has created new forms of accountability through online communities and public commitments.”
Just as describe a recent goal you achieved demonstrates past success, discussing future goals shows ambition and planning ability.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Crystallize (v.) /ˈkrɪstəlaɪz/ – to become clear or definite
- Strategic approach (n.) – carefully planned method
- Leverage (v.) /ˈlevərɪdʒ/ – use something to maximum advantage
- Milestone (n.) /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/ – significant stage or event
- Robust (adj.) /rəʊˈbʌst/ – strong and effective in all conditions
Examiner’s Tips
- Maintain a clear structure in your responses
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Demonstrate range in vocabulary and grammar
- Show genuine enthusiasm when discussing your goals
- Connect your personal experiences to broader themes
Remember that describe a time when you organized a group activity can also showcase your goal-oriented mindset through practical examples.
