Every year, 8 lakh students move out of India for foreign education. To gain admission to a top university abroad, you need to provide scores for your English proficiency tests. One of the most important tests is the IELTS. In this blog, we will discuss the speaking section of the same.
To perform well in the IELTS speaking section, you need consistent practice. Especially, when you have to use cue cards that assess your ability to speak spontaneously on various topics. One popular cue card prompt is "Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve" which we will discuss in this blog. We will talk about the significance of cue cards, deconstruct the question into components, and provide informative sample responses illustrating various jobs that you can get an idea from. By reading these examples and following the advice provided, you can improve your fluency and confidence in expressing your ideas.
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What is an IELTS Cue Card?
The IELTS speaking part is divided into two sections. The cue cards are included in section 2, which lasts for 3 to 4 minutes. The cue cards are used to assess the candidate's ability to voice their viewpoints coherently, using good vocabulary and grammar. It includes prompts upon which the candidate needs to speak for 2 minutes.
The card also contains pointers that can be used to structure your thoughts. Once you complete the answer, the section will continue for another minute where you must answer related follow-up questions asked by the examiner.
The breakdown of the duration of the IELTS speaking section 2 is given below.
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Duration |
11–14 minutes |
|
Number of Parts |
3 |
|
Band Score Range |
0-9 |
|
Test Mode |
Offline/Online |
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Why are IELTS Cue Cards Important?
IELTS cue cards are an essential part of the speaking section of the IELTS exam. They are prompts that provide you with a topic to talk about for two minutes. Here's why they are important!
Describe A Long-Term Goal You Would Like To Achieve: Sample Answer 1
Thank you for giving me this cue card on "Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve." I would like to take this opportunity and talk about my goal of starting a nonprofit organization that will help disadvantaged people with their educational needs and provide opportunities for skill development. I've been driven to work toward this objective for several years because I want to make a positive difference in society.
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What is the goal?
The objective is to establish a foundation that offers mentorship programs, educational materials, and scholarships to kids from underprivileged backgrounds. My goal is to give such children chances to do something with their lives, rather than getting comfortable with their poverty. Education has a transforming potential, and I believe it can help.
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How long have you had this goal?
For five years now, this goal has been an integral part of my vision for a better society. Observing the difficulties encountered by youngsters from less privileged backgrounds inspired me to make use of my generational wealth and do something to improve their lives.
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How would you achieve it?
To accomplish this goal, I intend to work with organisations, like-minded people, and possible funders who are all passionate about the underprivileged education. The foundation will need to engage in community outreach, fundraising activities, and strategic collaborations to accomplish its goals.
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Explain why you set this goal.
This aim stems from the conviction that education is a catalyst for constructive social change. Even if my contribution is minuscule, I hope to uplift people, bolster communities and help create a more just and equitable world through this organisation.
Describe A Long-Term Goal You Would Like To Achieve: Sample Answer 2
Having goals keeps one focused and motivated to succeed. It increases self-assurance and aids in the person's overall development. For my cue card topic "Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve", I will describe one I've had since I was a teenager.
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What is the goal?
My long-term objective is to purchase my parents a home, a promise I made to them when I was in sixth grade. I've been putting much effort into achieving this objective ever since I entered college, by taking up internships and part-time jobs in relevant fields.
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How long have you had this goal?
For more than a decade now, I have dreamt of living in my own house with my people. This is important because I have always lived in rented apartments, so I have never had the opportunity to call any place mine. Every time we had to relocate, I had to leave my friends and memories behind, which broke my heart. Moreover, relocating every few months was a demanding task, which made me feel anxious and tense. After realising all these troubles, I decided to invest in my own home when I had enough money to do so.
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How would you achieve it?
To achieve this goal, I plan on working hard, as I am already. In addition to completing my psychology bachelor's degree, I earn a decent salary as a full-time content writer. It does not, however, provide me with enough money to save and spend for a month. Therefore, I intend to acquire a more profitable career, start a monthly savings account, and purchase a home within the following ten to fifteen years.
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Explain why you set this goal.
I established this goal as owning a house provides a different sense of satisfaction. A place you can return to at the end of the day not for months but decades, a home. Our constant moving from one rented house to another disrupted my emotional and mental stability. Reaching this goal will provide my family with a sense of security and peace of mind, although my parents act unaffected every time.
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Describe A Long-Term Goal You Would Like To Achieve: Sample Answer 3
People set various long-term objectives, ranging from personal goals and career aspirations to other areas of their lives. For my cue card on "Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve", I will talk about one related to my passion and career.
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What is the goal?
My long-term goal is to become an RCI-licensed clinical psychologist and set up my private practice.
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How long have you had this goal?
I became determined to pursue psychology as my career choice after a deep midnight conversation with my brother. Then, I had just completed my tenth grade and had to choose subjects in my junior college. A simple question from him which was "What do you love to do?", helped me voice my decision. Instantly, I replied that I loved listening to people. Somehow, I always understood the unsaid, read nonverbal cues better than most, and lent an ear and decent solutions to my people's problems. Initially, all these traits led me to pick psychology as a subject. But later, I genuinely fell in love with everything related to the mind and people, which translated into getting my bachelor's degree in psychology and fixating it as my career.
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How would you achieve it?
To achieve this goal, I have already surpassed one hurdle which is earning my bachelor's degree. Now, I plan on pursuing my master's with a specialisation in clinical psychology and pursuing other mandatory studies and degrees like an MPhil or PsyD. Once I have completed the relevant education, I plan on practising in hospitals and rehabilitation centres. After satisfactory experience of approximately five to ten years, I will open my private practice.
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Explain why you set this goal.
Setting this goal was very natural. My high scores in the subject and my constant understanding and relating everything to the field of psychology worked as starters. Moreover, my passion for being accessible to everyone in need and standing up for those misunderstood or shunned by society due to their undiagnosed mental health problems strengthened my decision to become a clinical psychologist.
Describe A Long-Term Goal You Would Like To Achieve: Sample Answer 4
For my cue card on "Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve", I would like to discuss my objective of launching a sustainable living program within the following ten years.
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What is the goal?
My intention of establishing a community-driven initiative that encourages environmentally sustainable living has driven me towards this goal. This project would include promoting the use of renewable energy sources, adopting waste reduction techniques, and raising awareness of sustainable practices.
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How long have you had this goal?
I set this goal during my junior college, as a result of my strong interest in sustainable techniques and my concern for environmental issues. The increasing necessity of tackling environmental issues and embracing a more sustainable way of living has driven me to make this vision a concrete reality.
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How would you achieve it?
To achieve this goal, I intend to work in conjunction with local leaders, environmental specialists, and citizens. Implementing and maintaining the effort will require collaborations with eco-friendly enterprises, educational workshops, and tree-planting campaigns.
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Explain why you set this goal.
This objective is motivated by my belief that group acts lead to a better planet. My goal is to provide a model for environmentally conscious living that encourages others to adopt sustainable practices at the community level.
Sample/Follow-Up Questions and Answers
Per your answers and cue card topic, the examiner could ask you the following questions in the last section of your IELTS speaking test:
Q1. What habits are necessary to reach a long-term objective?
A1. Creating disciplined habits is essential to reaching long-term objectives. Resilience aids in overcoming obstacles, while consistent time management guarantees growth. Maintaining a growth mindset in which failures are perceived as teachings also helps one to realise their long-term goals.
Q2. What distinguishes a short-term objective from a long-term goal?
A2. A long-term goal usually takes many years or even decades to complete. It requires forethought and consistent work, much like pursuing a degree or purchasing a house. Conversely, short-term objectives like completing an internship or saving for a trip are easier to accomplish in a matter of days, weeks, or months. Both aid in personal growth, although they have distinct timeliness.
Q3. How do you plan to save money for a home while juggling your own needs?
A3. Establishing priorities is essential to juggling savings for a home and personal expenses. I would draft a budget that allows money for necessities and reserves some for savings. Making the distinction between needs and wants will help me maintain financial stability without sacrificing my long-term objective of becoming a homeowner.
Q4. Do short-term objectives serve as stepping stones for longer-term ones?
A4. Indeed, short-term objectives serve as the foundation for longer-term goals. They provide a clear road map, which keeps people motivated and focused. Reaching short-term goals gives one a sense of achievement, which increases confidence and gives impetus for longer-term, more important goals.
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Tips to Answer the IELTS Cue Card
If you wish to ace the IELTS speaking part 2, go through the tips below!
Conclusion
For the examiners to assess your English speaking skills and capability to formulate thoughts concisely, the IELTS Speaking Part 2 is quite an essential component. Consider reading books and watching Hollywood movies to expand your vocabulary. Learn one or two new words every day, and try using them in your daily conversations. Moreover, practise the popular IELTS speaking part 2 cue cards beforehand, as it will boost your confidence and help you relax on the test day.
Scoring well on the IELTS is just one step towards studying abroad. There are several other steps that you must tackle, like shortlisting and applying to universities based on your preferences and scores, budgeting, finding scholarships, applying for visas, and much more. If you are just starting on your academic journey, and feel overwhelmed with all these steps, get in touch with our Yocket experts. In 2023 alone, they have guided 4,500+ students to secure admissions to top universities worldwide, and they can help you too. Leap towards realizing your educational dreams today!
