Describing a recent goal you achieved is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, reflect on your achievements, and demonstrate your language skills. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about goals and achievements. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
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Do you often set goals for yourself?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Yes, I do. I believe setting goals is crucial for personal growth and motivation. I usually set both short-term and long-term goals in various aspects of my life, such as my career, education, and personal development. It helps me stay focused and measure my progress over time.”
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What was the last goal you achieved?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “The most recent goal I achieved was completing a half-marathon last month. It was a significant milestone for me as I’ve been training rigorously for the past six months. Not only did I finish the race, but I also managed to beat my personal best time, which was incredibly satisfying.”
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How do you celebrate when you achieve a goal?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “When I accomplish a goal, I like to celebrate in a way that’s meaningful to me. Sometimes, it’s treating myself to a nice dinner or a day out with friends. For bigger achievements, I might plan a short trip or buy something I’ve been wanting for a while. The key is to acknowledge the hard work and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a recent goal you achieved:
Describe a recent goal you achieved
You should say:
- What the goal was
- Why you set this goal
- How you achieved it
- And explain how you felt when you achieved this goal
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a recent goal I achieved, which was learning to speak conversational Spanish. This goal was particularly important to me for several reasons.
Firstly, I’ve always been fascinated by the Spanish language and culture. The melodious sound of the language and the rich history behind it have always intrigued me. Secondly, I had planned a solo trip to Spain, and I wanted to be able to communicate effectively with locals, immerse myself in the culture, and navigate my way around more easily.
To achieve this goal, I adopted a multi-faceted approach. I enrolled in an intensive Spanish course at a local language school, which provided a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary. Additionally, I used language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel for daily practice. To improve my listening skills, I started watching Spanish movies and TV shows with subtitles. Perhaps the most effective method was finding a language exchange partner online. We would have weekly video calls where we’d practice speaking in Spanish for half the time and in English for the other half.
The process was challenging but incredibly rewarding. There were moments of frustration when I struggled with complex grammar rules or couldn’t understand native speakers. However, I persevered, reminding myself of the end goal and the opportunities it would open up.
When I finally achieved a level of conversational fluency, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. It was exhilarating to realize that I could now express myself in a completely new language. During my trip to Spain, I was able to have meaningful conversations with locals, order food confidently in restaurants, and even make new friends. This experience not only enhanced my travel adventures but also boosted my self-confidence significantly.
Moreover, achieving this goal has sparked a passion for language learning in general. It’s opened my eyes to the beauty of linguistic diversity and has motivated me to continue improving my Spanish while possibly taking up another language in the future.
In conclusion, achieving the goal of learning conversational Spanish was a transformative experience that expanded my cultural horizons, improved my cognitive abilities, and provided me with a valuable life skill.”
IELTS Speaking: Describing a recent goal achieved
Follow-up questions:
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How long did it take you to achieve this goal?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “It took me approximately six months of dedicated study and practice to reach a conversational level in Spanish. This included about 3-4 hours of focused learning each day, combining formal lessons, self-study, and immersive practice. The intensity of my approach allowed me to progress relatively quickly, though I recognize that language learning is an ongoing process, and there’s always room for improvement.”
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Did you face any challenges while working towards this goal?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Yes, I encountered several challenges. One of the main difficulties was mastering the subjunctive mood in Spanish, which doesn’t have a direct equivalent in English. Additionally, finding time to study consistently while balancing work and other commitments was often tricky. There were also moments of self-doubt, especially when I felt my progress was slow. However, these challenges ultimately made the achievement more rewarding.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to goals and achievements. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
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Why do you think some people never achieve their goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “There are various reasons why individuals might struggle to achieve their goals. Firstly, some people set unrealistic or vague goals, making it difficult to create actionable plans. Secondly, lack of motivation or commitment can be a significant factor; achieving goals often requires consistent effort and resilience in the face of setbacks. Additionally, external factors such as limited resources, time constraints, or unexpected life events can derail people’s progress. Furthermore, some individuals might have a fear of failure or success, which can subconsciously sabotage their efforts. Lastly, the absence of a support system or accountability partner can make it challenging to stay on track. It’s crucial for people to address these potential obstacles when setting and pursuing their goals.”
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Do you think it’s important for children to learn how to set and achieve goals?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Absolutely. Teaching children to set and achieve goals is vital for their personal development. It helps them develop critical life skills such as planning, time management, and perseverance. When children learn to set goals, they gain a sense of direction and purpose, which can boost their self-esteem and motivation. Moreover, the process of working towards and achieving goals teaches them valuable lessons about effort, patience, and the relationship between actions and outcomes. These skills and experiences can significantly contribute to their success in academics, future careers, and personal life. However, it’s important to guide children in setting age-appropriate and achievable goals to prevent frustration and maintain their enthusiasm for goal-setting.”
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How has technology changed the way people set and achieve goals?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “Technology has revolutionized goal-setting and achievement in numerous ways. Firstly, there’s an abundance of apps and digital tools designed specifically for goal tracking and habit formation. These applications often use techniques like gamification and data visualization to keep users engaged and motivated. Secondly, wearable devices and smartphones have made it easier to monitor progress in real-time, especially for health and fitness goals. Social media platforms have also played a role by allowing people to share their goals publicly, which can increase accountability and provide a support network. Additionally, online learning platforms have made it more accessible for individuals to acquire new skills or knowledge necessary for achieving their goals. However, technology can be a double-edged sword; while it offers many helpful tools, it can also be a source of distraction that hinders goal achievement. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals to use technology mindfully and ensure it serves as an aid rather than an obstacle in their goal-setting journey.”
Technology's impact on goal setting and achievement
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
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To set one’s sights on (idiom) – to aim for a particular goal
Phonetic: /tə set wʌnz saɪts ɒn/
Example: “I’ve set my sights on completing a marathon next year.” -
Milestone (noun) – an important event in the development of something
Phonetic: /ˈmaɪlstəʊn/
Example: “Graduating from university was a significant milestone in my life.” -
To overcome obstacles (phrase) – to successfully deal with or get past difficulties
Phonetic: /tə ˌəʊvəˈkʌm ˈɒbstəkəlz/
Example: “Achieving my goal required overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.” -
Perseverance (noun) – continued effort and determination
Phonetic: /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/
Example: “My success was largely due to my perseverance in the face of challenges.” -
To reap the rewards (idiom) – to benefit from one’s efforts
Phonetic: /tə riːp ðə rɪˈwɔːdz/
Example: “After months of hard work, I’m finally reaping the rewards of my dedication.”
Incorporating these phrases and vocabulary items will demonstrate your language proficiency and help you achieve a higher band score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a recent goal you achieved, consider the following tips:
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Be specific: Provide concrete details about your goal and the steps you took to achieve it. This demonstrates your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
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Use a range of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses as appropriate to show your grammatical range.
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Show reflection: Discuss not only what you did but also how it affected you and what you learned from the experience.
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Practice storytelling: Structure your response with a clear beginning, middle, and end to engage the listener and showcase your coherence.
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Develop your vocabulary: Regularly learn and practice using new words and phrases related to goals, achievements, and personal development.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your recent achievements in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to improving your fluency and confidence.
IELTS Speaking practice tips for success
Similar to describe a time when you felt nervous before doing something new, discussing a recent goal you achieved requires you to reflect on personal experiences and emotions. By preparing thoroughly and practicing regularly, you can confidently tackle this topic and other similar ones in your IELTS Speaking test.
