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Part 2 cue card · Objects · Retained in September–December 2026

Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve.

Describe a long-term goal you would like to achieve.

You should say:

  • ·what the goal is
  • ·when you set it
  • ·what you need to do to achieve it
  • ·how long it might take

and explain why it is important to you.

One minute to prepare, up to two minutes to talk. Then Part 3 asks the questions below.

Sample answers

Two answers to the same card

Same story, two levels. Both were written by Ashore, then checked against the public band descriptors in a separate pass. The bands are practice estimates, not official IELTS results.

A simpler answer

Checked at band 6.5 · 190 words

A long-term goal I’d like to achieve is buying a small flat in the city where I live. I set this goal about two years ago, when my landlord raised the rent and I realised that renting might not feel secure forever. I’m not in a hurry to get a large or expensive place. I’d be happy with a simple flat near a bus or metro line.

To achieve it, I need to save more money and earn a higher salary. I’m trying to put some money aside every month, and I’m also looking for chances to take on more responsibility at work. I need to learn about mortgages and housing prices too, because I don’t know much about that now. It will probably take me five to seven years, depending on my income and the market.

This goal is important to me because having my own home would make me feel more settled. I could arrange it the way I like, and I wouldn’t have to worry about moving whenever a rental contract ends. It’s a big goal, but I think it’s possible if I keep working towards it.

  • Time reference · “I set this goal about two years ago”
  • State an action · “I need to save more money”

A stronger answer

Checked at band 7.5 · 267 words

Honestly, the long-term goal I’d most like to achieve is to buy a modest flat in the city where I live. I set it about two years ago, after my landlord raised the rent and I had to move once. That experience made me realise how much time and money renting can absorb. I don’t need anything luxurious; a small place near public transport would be enough.

To reach it, I’ll need to build a bigger deposit and improve my earning potential. I put a fixed amount into savings each month and try to cut back on small impulse purchases, rather than relying on whatever is left at the end. At work, I’m hoping to take on more responsibility and eventually apply for a better-paid role. I also need to learn how mortgages work and compare neighbourhoods carefully; otherwise, I could rush into a decision that doesn’t suit me. If I can save consistently and my income rises gradually, I think it might take around five to seven years. House prices could change, of course, so I’m treating that as an estimate rather than a fixed deadline.

It matters to me because owning a home would give me a stronger sense of security and independence. I could decorate it gradually and make practical choices without checking with a landlord, and I’d have a stable base even if my job or family plans changed. I know a flat would come with responsibilities and costs, so I’m not expecting life to become perfect. Still, having a place that feels truly mine would make all the saving and planning worthwhile.

  • Specific experience · “That experience made me realise”
  • Contrast approaches · “rather than relying on whatever is left”
  • Relative clause · “a decision that doesn’t suit me”
  • Conditional sentence · “If I can save consistently”
Angles

3 ways to answer it

  1. 1A design master's in the UK: the weekends you spend on your portfolio
  2. 2Taking your parents to Europe before 30: your mum mentioning the Eiffel Tower
  3. 3Opening your own café: learning latte art at your weekend part-time job
Expressions

5 expressions that fit this card

a lifelong dream
something wanted for a long time
take it one step at a time
make progress slowly and steadily
set aside time for
keep time free for something
stay motivated
keep wanting to continue
it's a long shot, but
it's unlikely, but
Part 3

The questions that follow

After the long turn, Part 3 asks bigger questions on the same theme. Each one comes with two points you can build an answer from.

  1. 1

    Why do some people give up on their long-term goals?

    • ·No quick results make them lose heart
    • ·Life changes like a new job get in the way
  2. 2

    Do you think parents should set goals for their children?

    • ·Young children need direction and a push
    • ·Goals you choose yourself motivate you more
  3. 3

    How are young people's goals different from those of their parents' generation?

    • ·Parents valued safe, stable jobs
    • ·Young people value interests and experiences more
  4. 4

    Is it better to have one big goal or several small ones?

    • ·One big goal gives a clear direction
    • ·Small goals are easier and feel rewarding
Stories

One story, many cards

This card fits this story. Prepare the story once and you can bend it to every card listed with it on the season page.

  • Deciding to study abroad

    Why you are taking IELTS: the choice, who you talked to, what you gave up, how you are preparing.

Say it out loud and get a band score