Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve?
Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve? IELTS Cue Card
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You should say:
- What the goal is?
- How long have you had this goal?
- How you would achieve it?
- And explain why you set this goal?
sample answer (8 bands):
introduction:
Although I have numerous short term and long term goals in life like loosing weight, getting in shape, traveling to new places and saving more money. However, one of them is special and hence worth mentioning.
What the goal is?
It is my goal to build a new home. This is the one goal that drives me to achieve more and do better in life.
How long have you had this goal?
I have been manifesting this dream since my childhood.
How you would achieve it?
After I complete my education and start working full time, I will save money in the first 2-3 years of my job. And later on when I have my footing well in my Job, I will start a side hustle and start making additional income. Moreover, I would be having a good credit history by then, hence I’ll be easily able to avail a loan for it from the bank too. Undoubtedly, it is still going to be a daunting task, so I will ask for assistance from my family as well.
And explain why you set this goal?
Well, goals are the ones which keeps one motivated and teaches them accountability. Having my own house is my childhood dream and it helps me stay motivated. It gives me a direction to focus on and makes me work hard. It is rightly said that dreaming of success without hard-work is wishful thinking. Hence, it would be worthwhile to engage in this pursuit with dedication, determination and discipline. Having this goal keeps me grounded and helps hustle on a daily basis.
Follow-ups
Here are some examples of follow-up questions that the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve”.
1. Should parents set goals for children?
Setting goals for children can be beneficial as it helps instill a sense of responsibility and purpose. Parents should guide their children in setting realistic and achievable goals, ensuring these are aligned with the child’s interests and developmental stage. However, it’s crucial to balance these goals with flexibility, allowing children to explore their own passions and learn from their experiences without undue pressure.
2. When do young people start to set goals for themselves?
Young people often begin to set goals for themselves during adolescence, a time when they start developing a stronger sense of identity and independence. This process typically intensifies in the teenage years as they gain more life experiences and start contemplating their future aspirations, such as career choices and personal achievements
3. What kind of goals could be more realistic?
Realistic goals are typically specific, measurable, and achievable within a reasonable timeframe. They consider an individual’s current skills, resources, and limitations. For instance, a student aiming to improve in mathematics might set a goal to increase their grade by one letter within a semester through consistent study and practice, rather than aiming for a perfect score immediately.
4. Why do people set goals?
People set goals to provide direction and motivation, helping them focus their efforts on achieving specific outcomes. Goals serve as benchmarks for measuring progress and success, giving individuals a sense of accomplishment as they meet each milestone. Additionally, setting goals can enhance personal growth by pushing individuals to develop new skills and strategies to overcome challenges.
5. What would you feel if you couldn’t achieve your goals?
Not achieving goals might motivate some individuals to increase their efforts or seek alternative approaches. It can also encourage a deeper understanding of one’s own limitations and strengths, fostering personal development. For others, it might lead to a realignment of priorities, perhaps discovering new interests or paths that are more aligned with their evolving aspirations or circumstances.