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Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve: IELTS Cue Card

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Updated on Mar 11, 2024, 14:39

The cue card round is filled with simple topics such as personal interests, experiences, environmental and societal issues, and general knowledge. One of the most commonly asked topics is, 'Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve.'
 

You can discuss your goal, the duration of time you had the goal, your plans to achieve the goal, and the reason why you want to set the goal.

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1. Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve: How to Answer?

The IELTS Speaking test is a 1:1 interview with a certified IELTS examiner. 

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2. Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve: Sample Answers

Find the Sample Answers for Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve IELTS Cue Card here.

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3. Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve: Follow-Up Questions

IELTS cue cards are followed by Part 3 of IELTS Speaking, where you are asked questions about your topic. These are general questions, typically probing for your opinions and thoughts on the matter.

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1.

Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve: How to Answer?

Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look like this: 

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve.
You should say

  • What the goal is?
  • How long have you had this goal?
  • How would you achieve it?
  • Explain why you set this goal.

 

The ideal way to answer cue card prompts is to break them into digestible sections. Think of it this way: no matter your topic, there is always an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion. 
 

Considering that, here's how we'll break our topic down. 

 

Introduction:
 

  • Briefly introduce the long-term goal you would like to discuss.
  • Use engaging language to capture the examiner's attention.
     

For Example, "I would like to discuss my long-term goal of becoming a published author. It has been a dream of mine since my teenage years, and it's something I am truly passionate about."
 

What the goal is?
 

  • Clearly describe the specific goal you've set for yourself.
  • Use descriptive language to convey the nature of the goal.
     

For Example, "My goal is to write and publish a novel that captures the imagination of readers. I envision creating a fictional world offering entertainment and thought-provoking insights."
 

How long have you had this goal?
 

  • Provide information on the duration for which you've held this goal.
  • Express the long-term nature of your commitment.
     

For Example, "I've nurtured this goal for over a decade. Since I read inspiring novels in school, I knew I wanted to contribute my stories to the literary world someday."
 

How would you achieve it?
 

  • Detail the steps or plans you have in place to achieve this goal.
  • Use a structured approach to present your strategies.
     

For Example, "To achieve this goal, I plan to dedicate regular time to writing and refining my storytelling skills. Additionally, I aim to participate in writing workshops and seek feedback from experienced authors to enhance my craft."

 

Explain why you set this goal:
 

  • Share the reasons or motivations behind setting this particular goal.
  • Express the significance of the goal in your life.
     

For Example, "The written word has always held a special place in my heart, and I believe stories can connect people across cultures. Setting this goal allows me to express my creativity, share unique perspectives, and, hopefully, leave a lasting impact on readers."
 

Conclusion:
 

  • Summarise the importance of this long-term goal in shaping your future.
  • End with a closing statement that leaves a positive impression.

 

For Example, "The goal of becoming a published author is a journey that I am excited to embark on. It's not just about achieving personal fulfilment but also about contributing something meaningful to the world of literature.”

2.

Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve: Sample Answers

Find the Sample Answers for Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve IELTS Cue Card here.

Sample Answer 1
Sample Answer 2
Sample Answer 3

Introduction:
 

  • I want to discuss my aspiration to establish a charitable foundation supporting education in underprivileged communities. 
  • This goal has been close to my heart for several years, fueled by a desire to impact society positively.
     

What the goal is?
 

  • The goal is to create a foundation that provides educational resources, scholarships, and mentorship programs for children in disadvantaged areas. 
  • Through the transformative power of education, I aim to break the cycle of poverty.
     

How long have you had this goal?
 

  • This goal has been a part of my vision for social change for approximately five years. 
  • Witnessing the challenges faced by less fortunate children ignited my determination to make a meaningful difference in their lives.
     

How would you achieve it?
 

  • To realise this goal, I plan to collaborate with like-minded individuals, organisations, and potential donors who share a passion for education. 
  • Fundraising events, community outreach, and strategic partnerships will play crucial roles in achieving the foundation's objectives.
     

Explain why you set this goal:
 

  • This goal is motivated by the belief that education catalyses positive societal change. 
  • By providing educational opportunities to those in need, I aim to empower individuals, strengthen communities, and contribute to building a more equitable world.
     

Conclusion:
 

  • Establishing a charitable foundation focused on education is a long-term goal that aligns with my values of social responsibility. 
  • It reflects my commitment to fostering positive change and creating opportunities for a brighter future.
3.

Describe a Long-Term Goal You Would Like to Achieve: Follow-Up Questions

Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it!

Follow-Up Question 1

Question 1: What habits should one possess to achieve a long-term goal?
 

Answer 1: Developing disciplined habits is crucial for achieving long-term goals. Consistent time management ensures steady progress, while resilience helps overcome inevitable challenges. Cultivating a growth mindset, where setbacks are viewed as opportunities to learn, further contributes to the success of long-term endeavours.
 

Answer 2: Fostering a habit of strategic planning is essential to achieving long-term goals. Breaking down the goal into smaller, manageable tasks and setting milestones creates a roadmap for success. Additionally, maintaining a positive attitude and staying adaptable to changes in circumstances enhances the likelihood of accomplishing the envisioned objectives.

Follow-Up Question 2

Question 2: How do you envision balancing your personal needs while saving money to buy a house?
 

Answer 1: Balancing personal needs and saving for a house involves setting clear priorities. I would create a budget that allocates funds for essentials while setting aside a portion for savings. By distinguishing between wants and needs, I can ensure financial stability without compromising my long-term goal of homeownership.
 

Answer 2: Achieving the balance between personal needs and saving for a house requires a thoughtful approach. I plan to prioritise necessary expenses and allocate a specific percentage of my income to savings. By adopting frugal practices and exploring cost-effective alternatives, I aim to meet both immediate needs and work towards the significant investment of buying a house.

Follow-Up Question 3

Question 3: What is the difference between a long-term and a short-term goal?
 

Answer 1: A long-term goal typically spans a considerable duration, often years or decades. It involves sustained effort and planning, like pursuing higher education or buying a home. On the other hand, short-term goals are more immediately achievable within days, weeks, or months, such as completing a project or saving for a vacation.
 

Answer 2: The key distinction lies in the timeframe and complexity. Long-term goals demand extended commitment and perseverance and influence one's life trajectory. Short-term goals, while important, are usually stepping stones towards larger aspirations. Both contribute to personal development but operate on different time and impact scales.

Follow-Up Question 4

Question 4: Are short-term goals stepping stones towards larger goals?
 

Answer 1: Absolutely, short-term goals serve as crucial stepping stones towards achieving larger objectives. They provide a structured path, allowing individuals to make incremental progress. For instance, mastering a specific skill can be a short-term goal that contributes to a broader career objective.
 

Answer 2: Indeed, short-term goals act as building blocks for larger aspirations. They offer a clear roadmap, helping individuals stay focused and motivated. Completing short-term objectives creates a sense of accomplishment, boosting confidence and driving momentum toward achieving more significant, long-term goals.

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FAQs

Q. What vital language elements should I remember while attempting the cue card section?

A. To score well in the cue card section, remember to use a range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs. You should also try to use complex sentence structures, such as compound and complex sentences. It's also important to speak fluently and with good pronunciation and to use appropriate stress and intonation to convey meaning effectively. Finally, address the prompt thoroughly and provide relevant examples or details to support your answer.

Q. What can I do if I need help understanding the cue card topic?

A. If you need help understanding the cue card topic, ask the examiner to clarify it. You can also take a few seconds to think about the topic and develop related ideas or examples. If unsure, you can use general phrases or expressions to discuss the topic until you feel more comfortable.

Q. Can I use informal language during my cue card task?

A. No, you should avoid using informal language during your cue card task. The cue card task is a formal speaking test, so you should use formal language throughout the test. Avoid using slang, contractions, or colloquial expressions, and instead use more formal vocabulary and sentence structures. This will help you demonstrate your language skills and show that you can communicate effectively in a traditional setting.

Q. What are some of the common cue card topics?

A. Some common cue card topics in the IELTS speaking test include personal experiences, such as describing a memorable event or a favourite holiday destination, and more general topics related to society, education, technology, and culture. Other common topics may include describing a person you admire, discussing a current issue or problem, or expressing your opinion on a particular topic.

Q. Is the IELTS speaking test easy?

A. The IELTS speaking test can be challenging for many test-takers, as it requires fluency and accuracy in English and the ability to communicate effectively and confidently. However, with adequate preparation and practice, many individuals can achieve their desired score on the speaking test. It's important to remember that everyone's experience may vary, and what may be easy or difficult for one person may be different for another.

Q. Are speaking tests for Academic and General the same?

A. The speaking test is structured the same for both IELTS Academic and General Training modules. However, the content may vary slightly depending on the module you are taking. The skills required to do well on both exams are similar, so it's important to prepare for the specific module you will be taking.

Q. Is eye contact important in IELTS speaking?

A. Eye contact is an important aspect of effective communication and can also play a role in the IELTS speaking test. Making eye contact with the examiner during your speaking test can demonstrate confidence and engagement and help you connect with your audience. That being said, it's important to remember that you shouldn't force yourself to make eye contact if it makes you uncomfortable or distracts you from your speaking performance.

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

A. Common mistakes in IELTS speaking include lack of preparation, nervousness, using memorised answers, not answering the question, not speaking enough, and poor pronunciation.

Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

A. All parts of the IELTS speaking section are essential, but the third part is generally considered the most challenging and carries the most weight in scoring. In this part, test-takers must express and defend their opinions on a given topic, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar structures.

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

A. The lowest possible score in IELTS Speaking is 0. However, this score is infrequent as it indicates that the candidate did not attempt to answer any of the questions or was completely silent throughout the test. The lowest score a candidate can realistically receive is 1, implying that they have made some effort to speak. Still, their responses could be more relevant to the questions asked.

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

A. No, you cannot change the topic in IELTS Speaking. The examiner will provide you with a topic or a cue card, and you will have to speak about that topic. However, you are free to interpret the topic in your own way and bring your experiences and opinions to make your speech more interesting and engaging.