Describe a Goal that was Achieved which was Set by Yourself - IELTS Speaking Cue Card

This article contains two sample answers for the IELTS Speaking cue card topic - Describe a Goal that was Achieved which was Set by Yourself.

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2 of the test, you will be given a cue card that provides prompts to help you create an answer and speak on the given topic. You will have one minute to prepare and speak on that given topic for two minutes until the examiner asks you to stop. 

This cue card lets you talk about a goal that you set and achieved successfully! The sample answers given below by our experts will help you learn how to describe this topic clearly and effectively for your IELTS Speaking Exam! 

Question

Band 8 Sample Answer - Describe a Goal that was Achieved which Was Set by Yourself

• What was it?

I would like to talk about a personal goal that I set for myself and successfully achieved this year. This goal was to improve my English speaking skills.

• When did you set it?

I set this goal about two years ago, when I realized that my limited confidence in speaking English was holding me back academically and socially. I could understand English fairly well, but I struggled to express my thoughts fluently, especially in public or formal situations.

• How did you achieve it?

To achieve this goal, I followed a consistent and practical approach. I started by speaking English every day, even if it was just for a few minutes. I watched English movies and TV shows without subtitles, listened to podcasts, and learned new vocabulary daily. Most importantly, I practiced speaking with friends and online language partners, and I didn’t worry too much about making mistakes. Over time, my confidence and fluency improved significantly.

• Explain how it influenced your life.

Achieving this goal had a positive influence on my life. It boosted my self-confidence and helped me perform better in presentations and interviews. I also became more comfortable communicating with people from different backgrounds. Overall, reaching this goal motivated me to set bigger goals for myself and believe more in my abilities.

Band 9 Sample Answer - Describe a Goal that was Achieved which Was Set by Yourself

• What was it?

Ambitions act as driving forces for one to successfully transform the path of life. One should keep eyes on an aim and try to accomplish the same with utmost pretentiousness and diligence. I have had a lot of goals in the past and I have always tried to achieve them with full tenacity and grit. A goal that I shall talk about back then was when I decided to take part in a science olympiad at my school. 

• When did you set it?

I had always wanted to take part in that olympiad all the while, however, I used to give it up at the thought of losing it. Finally, I decided to take part in it not without toiling hard to prepare myself.

• How did you achieve it?

The science olympiad was organized at our school each year, and the ones who used to clear the same were sent forth to represent our school. I, however, didn’t have the courage to take part in it as the questions were allegedly difficult ones. Then, I decided to appear for the same no matter what and I registered for it. I prepared for the olympiad wholeheartedly with the fullest of my diligence for four months.

• Explain how it influenced your life.

Then came the exam day and though I was nervous, I held myself strong. The questions were difficult. However, I managed to do well and finally attempted it well and got the result in my favor. I felt on top of the clouds and was elated with the result.

Vocabulary to Use in “Describe a Goal that was Achieved which Was Set by Yourself”

• Accomplish

Meaning: Complete
Eg.: I accomplished the goal with my sincere efforts.

• Pretentiousness

Meaning: Determination
Eg.: His pretentiousness and willpower took him places.

• Grit

Meaning: Resolution
Eg.: One’s grit and sincerity never go to waste.

• Toil

Meaning: Working hard for something
Eg.: We toiled hard to dig the well.

• Tremulous

Meaning: Nervous
Eg.: Sanezi was tremulous before his performance.

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