As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve encountered countless students grappling with the art of expressing their dreams and aspirations effectively. The IELTS Speaking test, in particular, often delves into this personal territory, requiring candidates to articulate their hopes and ambitions with clarity and fluency. This article will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to confidently discuss “what dreams are made of” in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Understanding the Significance of “Dreams” in IELTS Speaking
The theme of “dreams” frequently surfaces in IELTS Speaking, particularly in Part 2 (the “cue card” task) and Part 3 (the two-way discussion). Examiners may ask you to describe a dream job, a future aspiration, or even a childhood dream. These prompts aim to assess your ability to:
- Employ a range of vocabulary related to ambitions, goals, and future plans.
- Structure your thoughts coherently and provide logical explanations for your aspirations.
- Showcase grammatical range and accuracy when discussing abstract concepts.
- Demonstrate fluency and confidence in expressing your personal views.
Navigating the Landscape of “Dreams”
1. Building Your Vocabulary Arsenal
To effectively communicate your dreams, you need a robust vocabulary arsenal. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Ambitions and Aspirations: aspire to, aim for, dream of, long for, set your sights on, have your heart set on
- Goals and Objectives: target, objective, ambition, purpose, desire, intention
- Future Plans: intend to, plan to, hope to, envision, foresee, anticipate
Example: Instead of saying, “I want to be a doctor,” you could say, “I aspire to pursue a career in medicine, driven by my desire to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
2. Structuring Your Response
When discussing your dreams, a clear structure is essential. Consider using the following framework:
- Introduction: Briefly state your dream or aspiration.
- Explanation: Elaborate on your dream, providing reasons, motivations, and background information.
- Examples: Illustrate your points with specific examples, anecdotes, or experiences.
- Conclusion: Summarize your thoughts and perhaps mention any future steps you plan to take.
3. Drawing from Real-Life Examples
Examining how “dreams” are discussed in real IELTS Speaking tests can be invaluable. Here’s a sample Part 2 cue card and a possible response:
Describe a job you dream of doing.
You should say:
- what the job is
- what skills or qualifications are needed for this job
- why you dream of doing this job
- and explain how you feel about this job.
Possible Response:
“One job I’ve always dreamt of doing is becoming an architect. I’ve always been fascinated by buildings and the creative process behind their design. To excel in this field, you need a keen eye for detail, strong spatial reasoning skills, and a deep understanding of structural integrity. My passion for architecture stems from my belief that buildings have the power to shape communities and inspire people. The prospect of contributing to the creation of aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces fills me with a sense of purpose and excitement.”
Tips for Success
- Be Authentic: Speak from the heart and share your genuine aspirations, even if they seem unconventional.
- Think Big, but Stay Realistic: While it’s great to have ambitious dreams, ensure your aspirations are attainable and you can articulate a plausible path toward achieving them.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Regularly practice speaking about your dreams using the vocabulary and structures you’ve learned. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of discussing “what dreams are made of” is an essential skill for success in the IELTS Speaking test. By expanding your vocabulary, structuring your responses effectively, and drawing from real-life examples, you can confidently articulate your aspirations and demonstrate your language proficiency. Remember, your dreams are unique and powerful—let them shine through in your IELTS Speaking exam.