IELTS Academic · Speaking

Speaking test: Describe a goal you worked hard to achieve

17 questions · 14 minutes · Speaking prompt

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On the computer-delivered layout, timed like test day, and marked by our AI examiner on all four criteria.

Part 1: Part 1

Questions 1–12

The examiner asks you about yourself and familiar topics.

  1. 1 Do you set goals for yourself at work or school?
  2. 2 Do you prefer short-term or long-term goals?
  3. 3 Is it easy for you to stay motivated?
  4. 4 What helps you to finish tasks you have started?
  5. 5 Do you like to set fitness goals?
  6. 6 Did you play sport when you were a child?
  7. 7 Do you think professional athletes earn too much money?
  8. 8 Would you like to try a new sport in the future?
  9. 9 How do you feel after a good night's sleep?
  10. 10 Do you think people in your country sleep enough?
  11. 11 What do you do to relax before bed?
  12. 12 Is there anything that stops you sleeping well?

Part 2: Part 2

Question 13

You have one minute to prepare, then talk for one to two minutes.

Describe a goal you worked hard to achieve.

You should say:

  • what the goal was
  • how long it took
  • what you did to achieve it

and explain how you felt when you achieved it.

  1. 13 Describe a goal you worked hard to achieve.

Part 3: Part 3

Questions 14–17

The examiner asks more general questions linked to Part 2.

  1. 14 Why is it important to set goals?
  2. 15 Do parents put too much pressure on children to succeed?
  3. 16 Is success mostly hard work or luck?
  4. 17 How do people stay motivated?

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