The IELTS Speaking Test is divided into three parts, evaluating pronunciation, fluency, coherence, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. In this guide, we’re focusing on the frequently recurring topic: “Describe A Time When You Achieved A Significant Goal.” This type of question often appears in Part 2 of the Speaking Test and is aimed at assessing your ability to narrate personal experiences, reflect on them, and extrapolate insights.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you tell me about a memorable achievement in your life?
2. What goals have you set for yourself for the next five years?

Example Question:

Q: Can you tell me about a memorable achievement in your life?

A: “One of the most memorable achievements in my life was when I successfully completed my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. Not only was it academically challenging, but it also required excellent time management skills and persistence. Balancing part-time work and studies was tough, but it taught me how to prioritize tasks and stay committed to my goals.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a time when you achieved a significant goal. You should say:

• What the goal was
• When you set it
• How you achieved it
• And explain why it was significant to you

Example Answer:

“A significant goal I recently achieved was graduating with honors from university. I set this goal during my freshman year when I realized the importance of academic excellence for my future career. To achieve this goal, I adopted a diligent study routine and sought help from professors whenever I encountered difficulties. Additionally, I participated in various group projects and extracurricular activities to develop a well-rounded skill set. This accomplishment is significant to me because it not only represents my hard work but also opens up numerous career opportunities.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. What challenges did you face in achieving this goal?

   • “One of the main challenges was maintaining a balance between academics and personal life. There were times when I felt overwhelmed, but I overcame this by implementing effective time management strategies and seeking support from friends and family.”

2. How did achieving this goal change your perspective on life?

   • “Achieving this goal made me realize the power of persistent effort and the importance of setting clear objectives. It has instilled in me a sense of confidence and motivation to tackle future challenges.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Example Questions and Answers

Q: What are the long-term benefits of achieving a significant goal?

• “Long-term benefits of achieving a significant goal include increased self-confidence, better career prospects, and a sense of personal fulfillment. These outcomes encourage individuals to set and pursue even higher aspirations.”

Q: What important goals do you think others should set in their lives?

• “People should consider setting goals such as obtaining a higher education, cultivating meaningful relationships, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These goals contribute to overall well-being and can lead to a more fulfilling life.”

Q: How do cultural differences impact the goals people set?

• “Cultural differences significantly impact the goals people set. For instance, in some cultures, academic success might be highly valued, while in others, familial roles or social responsibilities might take precedence. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial in a globalized world.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Diligent (adj.) [ˈdɪlɪdʒənt]: Showing care and effort in your work or duties.
   • “She was a diligent student, always completing her homework on time.”
2. Prioritize (v.) [praɪˈɒrɪtaɪz]: To arrange or deal with in order of importance.
   • “It’s essential to prioritize your tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.”
3. Balancing (v.) [ˈbæl.ənsɪŋ]: To keep or put (something) in a steady position so that it does not fall.
   • “Balancing work and family life can be particularly challenging.”
4. Instill (v.) [ɪnˈstɪl]: To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude into someone’s mind.
   • “Her mentor helped instill a sense of confidence in her abilities.”
5. Fulfillment (n.) [fʊlˈfɪlmənt]: The achievement of something desired, promised, or predicted.
   • “Achieving a personal goal brought him a deep sense of fulfillment.”

Examiner Tips and Advice

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice improves fluency and confidence.
2. Use Complex Structures: Incorporate a variety of sentence structures to showcase grammatical range.
3. Stay Relevant: Ensure your answers are directly related to the questions.
4. Expand Ideas: Give detailed explanations and examples to enrich your responses.

For more examples and practice, you can explore these related topics on our website:

• Describe a time when you felt very proud of your achievements
• Describe a situation when you felt very frustrated
• Describe a time when you had to deal with a failure
• Describe a situation when you felt very successful
• Describe a situation when you had to adapt quickly to change

achieving a goal

By following these tips and utilizing the resources provided, you can develop strong responses that showcase your abilities and help you achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking Test. Good luck!