IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a dream or goal you have for the future: IELTS cue card with sample answer

An IELTS cue card for Speaking Part 2 with a Band 8 sample answer, the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it and the Part 3 follow-up questions the examiner can ask next.
  • 254 words
  • An experience
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe a dream or goal you have for the future

You should say:

  • →What your dream or goal is
  • →Why you have this dream
  • →How you plan to achieve it
  • →And explain how important it is to you

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

An experience

How to answer this cue card: a one-minute plan

  1. 1

    Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover every requirement.

  2. 2

    Choose a goal that allows you to talk about personal feelings and emotions.

  3. 3

    Use a logical timeline, such as past inspiration, current steps, and future aspirations.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8254 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

My primary ambition is to establish a sustainable urban community garden in the heart of my hometown, Manchester. I have always been captivated by the idea of transforming neglected, grey concrete spaces into vibrant, edible landscapes. This dream stems from my childhood memories of helping my grandfather in his allotment; I remember the distinct, earthy scent of damp soil and the profound satisfaction of harvesting our own vegetables. I believe that in our increasingly digital and disconnected lives, creating a shared green space can foster genuine community spirit and promote food security in urban settings. To turn this into reality, I have started by volunteering with a local horticultural society to sharpen my practical gardening skills and understand the logistical hurdles of land management. Next year, I plan to enrol in a project management course to help me navigate the bureaucratic aspects of securing council permits and crowdfunding for initial resources. I am also currently networking with local environmental activists who share my vision to form a cooperative. This goal is immensely important to me because it represents more than just gardening; it is about leaving a tangible, positive legacy for my neighbourhood. In a world where many feel overwhelmed by environmental anxiety, having a project that provides both physical sustenance and a sense of belonging acts as my personal anchor. It is my way of contributing to a more resilient society, and honestly, the thought of seeing local families gathered there on a sunny afternoon keeps me incredibly motivated to keep pushing forward.

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8 words

Useful vocabulary for this cue card

  • allotment

    A small plot of land rented for gardening.

  • edible landscapes

    Gardens that produce food for human consumption.

  • logistical hurdles

    Difficulties related to organising complex practical tasks.

  • bureaucratic

    Relating to the complex rules of official systems.

  • tangible

    Something that is real and can be touched.

  • resilient

    Able to recover quickly from difficult life conditions.

  • horticultural

    Relating to the art or practice of gardening.

  • anchor

    Something that provides stability or emotional support.

6 questions

Part 3 follow-up questions

  1. 1Why is it important for people to have dreams and goals?
  2. 2How do people's dreams change as they get older?
  3. 3What role does education play in achieving dreams?
  4. 4How do cultural factors influence people's dreams?
  5. 5What are the biggest obstacles to achieving dreams?
  6. 6How can people stay motivated when pursuing their goals?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See how to answer IELTS Speaking Part 3.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a dream or goal you have for the future"?+

Jot down keywords for each bullet point to ensure you cover every requirement.

How long should I speak on an IELTS cue card?+

You get one minute to prepare, then speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

How is the cue card scored?+

Part 2 is not scored on its own. Your whole Speaking test gets one band from four criteria: fluency and coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. The cue card is where the examiner hears whether you can keep going for two minutes.

Can I use this sample answer in the exam?+

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

Keep practising

More cue cards: an experience

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