In IELTS Speaking exams, describing personal goals is a common topic that frequently appears across all three parts of the test. Similar to describe a habit you want to develop, this topic allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to express future plans and ambitions clearly.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you often set goals for yourself?
- What kind of goals do you usually set?
- How do you plan to achieve your goals?
- Do you think it’s important to have goals in life?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m a firm believer in goal-setting as it helps me stay focused and motivated. I regularly establish both short-term and long-term objectives for various aspects of my life, particularly regarding my career and personal development. To ensure success, I typically break down my goals into manageable steps and track my progress systematically.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Speak for 2-3 minutes about a personal goal you plan to achieve soon. You should say:
- What the goal is
- When you set this goal
- How you plan to achieve it
- And explain why this goal is important to you
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my ambitious goal of becoming fluent in Spanish within the next six months. I established this objective at the beginning of this year after realizing how valuable multilingual skills are in today’s globalized world. To accomplish this target, I’ve developed a comprehensive strategy that involves daily immersion in Spanish content, regular sessions with a native speaker, and utilizing various language learning applications.
What makes this goal particularly significant is its potential impact on both my professional and personal growth. As an aspiring international business consultant, speaking Spanish would substantially enhance my career prospects, especially in Latin American markets. Moreover, it would enable me to connect with a broader range of people and experience different cultures more authentically.
I’ve broken down this ambitious goal into manageable milestones, including mastering basic conversations within the first two months, achieving intermediate proficiency by the fourth month, and reaching advanced fluency by the end of the sixth month. To ensure steady progress, I’ve allocated specific time slots for various learning activities and set up accountability measures through weekly assessments with my language tutor.”
IELTS candidate explaining personal goal achievement strategy
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Why do some people fail to achieve their goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“There are multiple factors that contribute to goal failure. One significant aspect is the lack of realistic planning – people often set overly ambitious targets without breaking them down into manageable steps. Additionally, insufficient commitment and accountability can derail progress. What’s particularly interesting is how external circumstances and inadequate support systems can impact goal achievement.”
Just as in describe a skill you have been practicing, success often requires dedication and proper planning.
Q2: How has goal-setting changed in the digital age?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The digital revolution has fundamentally transformed how people approach goal-setting. Technology has introduced numerous tools and applications that make tracking progress more efficient and accessible. However, it’s worth noting that this digital integration has also created new challenges, such as increased distractions and the pressure of social comparison.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Ambitious objective /æmˈbɪʃəs əbˈdʒektɪv/ (adj + n): A challenging goal
- Comprehensive strategy /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv ˈstrætədʒi/ (adj + n): Complete, detailed plan
- Measurable milestones /ˈmeʒərəbl ˈmaɪlstəʊnz/ (adj + n): Quantifiable progress points
- Implementation timeline /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən ˈtaɪmlaɪn/ (n + n): Schedule for executing plans
- Systematic approach /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (adj + n): Methodical way of doing something
Similar to describe a decision you made that affected your life, using these phrases can help articulate your thoughts more effectively.
