Discussing personal ambitions is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when candidates are asked to describe an ambition they have had for a long time. This subject allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to articulate complex ideas, use appropriate vocabulary, and demonstrate coherent speech. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions related to ambitions and goals. Here are some potential questions an examiner might ask:

1. Do you have any ambitions for the future?
2. What were your ambitions when you were younger?
3. How important do you think it is for people to have ambitions?
4. Have your ambitions changed over time?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you have any ambitions for the future?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, absolutely. One of my long-standing ambitions is to become a renowned marine biologist. I’ve been fascinated by ocean life since I was a child, and I’m determined to contribute to marine conservation efforts. I’m currently working towards this goal by pursuing a degree in marine biology and participating in various research projects.”

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Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to discuss for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a long-held ambition:

Describe An Ambition That You Have Had For A Long Time

You should say:
- What the ambition is
- When you first had this ambition
- What you have done to achieve it
- And explain why you have had this ambition for a long time

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about my long-standing ambition to become a published author. This dream took root in my early teens when I first discovered the joy of storytelling. I’ve always been captivated by the power of words to transport readers to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions.

To pursue this ambition, I’ve taken several concrete steps. First, I’ve honed my craft by consistently writing short stories and participating in creative writing workshops. I’ve also joined a local writers’ group, which has provided invaluable feedback and support. Additionally, I’ve immersed myself in literature, reading widely across various genres to understand different writing styles and techniques.

One of the most significant actions I’ve taken was to enroll in a Master’s program in Creative Writing. This formal education has not only improved my writing skills but also connected me with industry professionals and fellow aspiring authors.

The reason this ambition has persisted for so long is multifaceted. Primarily, writing gives me a profound sense of fulfillment and allows me to express my creativity in ways that no other medium can. Moreover, I believe in the transformative power of literature to inspire, educate, and foster empathy. The idea that my words could potentially impact readers’ lives is incredibly motivating.

Despite the challenges and setbacks I’ve faced, including numerous rejections from publishers, my passion for writing has never wavered. This resilience in the face of adversity has only strengthened my resolve to achieve my goal. The journey towards becoming a published author has been as rewarding as the destination itself, shaping me into a more disciplined and reflective individual.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a long-held ambition

Follow-up Questions:

1. Have you faced any challenges in pursuing this ambition?
2. How has this ambition influenced your daily life?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. “Absolutely, I’ve encountered numerous challenges. The most daunting has been dealing with rejection from publishers, which is an inherent part of the writing process. It’s been a test of resilience, but each rejection has motivated me to refine my work further. Another significant challenge has been balancing my writing aspirations with other responsibilities. Finding time to write consistently while managing work and personal commitments has required disciplined time management and occasional sacrifices.”

2. “This ambition has profoundly impacted my daily life. It’s influenced my reading habits, as I now approach books not just as a reader but also as a student of the craft. I’ve developed a more observant eye for details in everyday life, which often serve as inspiration for my writing. Additionally, pursuing this ambition has instilled a sense of purpose in my daily routine. I make a conscious effort to dedicate time to writing each day, even if it’s just for a short period. This commitment has fostered discipline and improved my ability to focus on long-term goals in other areas of my life as well.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think society’s attitudes towards ambition have changed over time?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe society’s perception of ambition has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, ambition was often viewed with skepticism, particularly in more traditional societies where maintaining the status quo was valued. However, in recent decades, there’s been a shift towards celebrating ambition, especially in the context of entrepreneurship and personal development.

This change can be attributed to various factors, including globalization and the rapid pace of technological advancements. These forces have created a more competitive global environment where innovation and progress are highly valued. As a result, having ambitious goals is now often seen as a positive trait that drives societal progress.

However, it’s worth noting that this shift isn’t uniform across all cultures. Some societies still place a higher value on collective harmony over individual ambition. Additionally, there’s an ongoing debate about the potential negative effects of excessive ambition, such as burnout and the neglect of personal relationships.”

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Examiner: Do you think it’s possible to be too ambitious?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced question that doesn’t have a straightforward answer. On one hand, ambition is often seen as a positive driving force that propels individuals and societies forward. It’s the fuel that has led to groundbreaking innovations, scientific discoveries, and social progress. Without ambitious individuals, many of the comforts and advancements we enjoy today might not exist.

However, I do believe there’s a point where ambition can become excessive or even detrimental. This typically occurs when the pursuit of ambitious goals comes at the expense of other important aspects of life, such as personal relationships, mental health, or ethical considerations.

For instance, an entrepreneur who is so focused on growing their business that they neglect their family or compromise their integrity could be considered too ambitious. Similarly, a student who sacrifices their physical and mental well-being in pursuit of perfect grades might be crossing the line into unhealthy ambition.

Moreover, excessive ambition can sometimes lead to a single-minded focus that blinds individuals to alternative perspectives or the potential negative consequences of their actions. This can be particularly problematic in leadership positions where balanced decision-making is crucial.

That being said, I believe the key lies in striking a balance. Ambition, when tempered with self-awareness, empathy, and a holistic view of success, can be incredibly powerful and positive. It’s about having ambitious goals while maintaining a sense of perspective and not losing sight of other important values and relationships.

In conclusion, while ambition is generally a positive trait, it’s important to cultivate it in a healthy, balanced way. The most admirable ambitious individuals are those who can pursue their goals passionately while still maintaining their integrity, relationships, and overall well-being.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to ambition:

1. Long-standing ambition (adjective + noun): A goal or desire that has been held for a long time.
   Example: Becoming a doctor has been my long-standing ambition since childhood.

2. To pursue a goal/dream (verb phrase): To actively try to achieve something.
   Example: She’s pursuing her dream of becoming an Olympic athlete.

3. To nurture an ambition (verb phrase): To develop or encourage a particular ambition.
   Example: His parents nurtured his ambition to become a musician from an early age.

4. Driven (adjective): Motivated by a strong desire to achieve something.
   Example: She’s an incredibly driven individual who always achieves her goals.

5. Aspiration (noun): A hope or ambition of achieving something.
   Example: His aspiration to become a world-renowned chef led him to study in Paris.

6. To set one’s sights on (idiom): To have a specific goal or ambition.
   Example: He has set his sights on becoming the CEO of a major corporation by the age of 40.

7. To go above and beyond (idiom): To do more than is expected or required.
   Example: In pursuit of her ambitions, she always goes above and beyond in her work.

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Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing ambitions:

1. Be specific: Rather than speaking generally about ambitions, focus on a particular goal and provide detailed examples.

2. Use a range of tenses: Demonstrate your language proficiency by discussing past ambitions, current goals, and future aspirations.

3. Show reflection: Discuss not just what your ambitions are, but why you have them and how they’ve evolved over time.

4. Practice coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically from one point to the next.

5. Incorporate idiomatic language: Use appropriate idioms and collocations related to ambition and goal-setting.

6. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the topic from different perspectives and consider broader implications.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about having ambitious language goals, but also about effectively communicating your thoughts and ideas. Regular practice and exposure to English will help you articulate your ambitions fluently and confidently during the test.

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By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss your ambitions effectively in the IELTS Speaking test, potentially leading to a higher band score.