The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal goals and aspirations. One common topic is describing a personal goal you hope to achieve in the future. This theme appears frequently in Part 2 and Part 3 of the test, requiring candidates to articulate their ambitions clearly and convincingly. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and maximize your speaking score.
Describe a goal you want to achieve in the near future is a topic that allows candidates to showcase their ability to discuss future plans and aspirations. To excel in this area, it’s crucial to have a well-structured response and use appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your goals and ambitions. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you have any personal goals you’re working towards?
A: Absolutely. One of my primary goals at the moment is to enhance my professional skills in digital marketing. I’m currently taking online courses and attending webinars to stay abreast of the latest trends and technologies in this rapidly evolving field. I believe that continuously upgrading my knowledge will open up new opportunities for career advancement in the future.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a personal goal:
Describe A Personal Goal You Hope To Achieve In The Future
You should say:
- What the goal is
- When you hope to achieve it
- Why you want to achieve this goal
- And explain how you plan to achieve it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
My personal goal is to become fluent in Spanish within the next two years. I’ve always been fascinated by the Spanish language and culture, and I believe achieving this goal will open up new opportunities for me, both personally and professionally.
I hope to achieve this goal by the end of 2025. This timeline gives me enough time to dedicate myself to learning while balancing my other commitments.
The main reason I want to achieve this goal is to enhance my career prospects. In today’s globalized world, being bilingual is a valuable skill, especially in my field of international business. Additionally, I love traveling, and being able to communicate fluently in Spanish would greatly enrich my experiences in Spanish-speaking countries.
To achieve this goal, I have a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I’ve enrolled in weekly Spanish classes at a local language school. I also use language learning apps daily for vocabulary practice. To improve my listening and speaking skills, I watch Spanish movies and TV shows with subtitles and try to have conversations with native speakers through language exchange platforms. Lastly, I plan to spend a month in Spain next summer for an immersive experience.
Learning Spanish language
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
My ambitious yet attainable personal goal is to attain fluency in Spanish within the next two years. I’ve long been captivated by the melodious nature of the Spanish language and the rich tapestry of cultures associated with it. I firmly believe that mastering this language will not only broaden my horizons but also propel my career to new heights.
I’ve set a strategic timeline to achieve this goal by the end of 2025. This carefully calculated period allows me to immerse myself in the learning process while maintaining a healthy balance with my professional and personal commitments.
The driving force behind this aspiration is twofold. Primarily, in our increasingly interconnected global economy, bilingual proficiency is an invaluable asset, particularly in my field of international business. It will undoubtedly enhance my marketability and open doors to exciting opportunities. Furthermore, as an avid traveler, the ability to converse fluently in Spanish will tremendously enrich my experiences in Hispanic countries, allowing me to forge deeper connections with locals and gain authentic cultural insights.
To realize this goal, I’ve devised a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy. I’ve enrolled in intensive Spanish classes at a reputable language institute, complementing this with daily practice using cutting-edge language learning applications. To hone my listening and speaking skills, I religiously watch Spanish cinema and television series with subtitles and actively participate in conversation exchange programs with native speakers. The pinnacle of my learning plan involves a month-long immersion experience in Spain next summer, where I’ll live with a host family and attend a local language school. This holistic approach, I believe, will fast-track my journey to Spanish fluency.
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How do you stay motivated when working towards long-term goals?
A (Band 6-7): I try to break down my big goal into smaller, manageable tasks. This helps me see progress more often, which keeps me motivated. I also remind myself of why the goal is important to me and visualize the benefits of achieving it.
A (Band 8-9): To maintain my motivation over the long haul, I employ a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I meticulously break down my overarching goal into bite-sized, achievable milestones. This allows me to regularly experience a sense of accomplishment, which serves as a powerful motivator. Additionally, I consistently remind myself of the profound impact this goal will have on my personal and professional life, visualizing in vivid detail the doors it will open and the experiences it will enable. I also surround myself with like-minded individuals who share similar aspirations, as their progress and encouragement fuel my own drive.
Setting and achieving long-term goals
Q: Do you think it’s important for everyone to have personal goals?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I believe having personal goals is important for everyone. Goals give us direction in life and help us stay focused. They also give us something to work towards, which can be very satisfying when we achieve them.
A (Band 8-9): Unequivocally, I believe that personal goals are paramount for everyone’s growth and fulfillment. Goals serve as a compass, providing clear direction and purpose in life. They act as catalysts for personal development, pushing us beyond our comfort zones and helping us unlock our full potential. Moreover, the process of working towards and ultimately attaining these goals instills a profound sense of accomplishment and boosts self-efficacy, which in turn fuels further ambition and personal evolution.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do societal expectations influence people’s personal goals?
A (Band 6-7): Societal expectations can have a big impact on people’s personal goals. Many people feel pressured to pursue certain careers or lifestyles because that’s what society values. For example, in some cultures, there’s a strong expectation to get married and have children by a certain age, which can influence people’s personal goals.
A (Band 8-9): Societal expectations wield considerable influence over individuals’ personal aspirations. These collective norms and values often serve as a pervasive backdrop against which people formulate their goals. In many instances, societal pressures can steer individuals towards conventionally successful paths, such as pursuing high-status professions or adhering to traditional life milestones. For instance, in numerous cultures, there’s an implicit timeline for major life events like marriage or parenthood, which can significantly shape personal objectives. However, it’s crucial to note that while societal expectations can be a powerful force, they’re not universally deterministic. Many individuals actively challenge these norms, setting goals that align more closely with their intrinsic values and unique visions of success.
Q: Do you think people’s goals change as they get older? Why or why not?
A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think people’s goals often change as they get older. As we gain more life experience, our priorities and values can shift. For example, a young person might focus on career goals, while an older person might prioritize health or family-related goals. Our goals also change as we achieve some and need to set new ones.
A (Band 8-9): Indubitably, I believe that people’s goals undergo a significant evolution as they age. This transformation is intrinsically linked to the accumulation of life experiences, which inevitably reshape our perspectives, values, and priorities. In our youth, we might be primarily driven by ambitious career aspirations or the desire for adventure. However, as we mature, our focus often shifts towards more holistic life goals, such as maintaining good health, nurturing meaningful relationships, or leaving a lasting legacy. This shift is not merely a function of changing external circumstances, but also reflects our internal growth and deepening understanding of what truly brings fulfillment. Moreover, the achievement of certain milestones naturally necessitates the formulation of new objectives, perpetuating a cycle of goal-setting and personal development throughout our lives.
Personal goals evolving over time
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Ambitious yet attainable – /æmˈbɪʃəs jɛt əˈteɪnəbl/ – Describing a goal that is challenging but possible to achieve.
Example: “My goal to become fluent in Spanish is ambitious yet attainable with dedicated effort.” - To broaden one’s horizons – /tuː ˈbrɔːdn wʌnz həˈraɪznz/ – To expand one’s knowledge, experiences, or range of activities.
Example: “Learning a new language will broaden my horizons both personally and professionally.” - Multi-faceted approach – /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A strategy that considers many different aspects or methods.
Example: “I’m using a multi-faceted approach to learn Spanish, including classes, apps, and immersion experiences.” - To fast-track – /tuː fɑːst træk/ – To accelerate or speed up a process.
Example: “Spending a month in Spain will fast-track my progress in learning the language.” - To forge deeper connections – /tuː fɔːdʒ ˈdiːpər kəˈnɛkʃənz/ – To create stronger, more meaningful relationships.
Example: “Speaking Spanish fluently will allow me to forge deeper connections with locals during my travels.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing personal goals:
- Structure your answer clearly, especially in Part 2. Use the cue card points as a guide.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and collocations related to goals and aspirations.
- Demonstrate your ability to use various grammatical structures, including different tenses to discuss past, present, and future aspects of your goal.
- Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to support your points.
- Show critical thinking in Part 3 by considering different perspectives on the topic.
- Practice fluency by speaking at length without long pauses or hesitations.
- Work on your pronunciation to ensure clear communication.
Remember, the key to success is not just having good English skills, but also being able to express your ideas clearly and engage in a natural conversation with the examiner.
Describe a skill you learned from a family member can be another interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to combine personal experiences with goal-setting narratives.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing personal goals and future aspirations.
