Sign in Get Started

Describe an ambition that you haven’t achieved yet

Archived Old Topic

Cue Card

Describe an ambition that you haven’t achieved yet

You should say:

  • What your ambition is
  • Why you haven’t achieved it yet
  • What you need to do to achieve it
  • And explain how you feel about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. What ambitions do children usually have?
  2. Why are some people very ambitious when it comes to their career?
  3. Why don’t some people have dreams and goals?
  4. What do people do to have work-life balance?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always been fascinated by the concept of sustainable living. Growing up, I was that kid who would spend hours watching documentaries on eco-friendly innovations and imagining a world where technology and nature coexisted in harmony. As I got older, my passion only intensified, and I began to dream up a revolutionary idea – a self-sustaining, eco-friendly community that would serve as a model for the rest of the world.

My vision, which I've dubbed 'EcoHaven,' would be a fully functional, off-the-grid town that showcases cutting-edge green technology and innovative design. Imagine a place where energy is harnessed from renewable sources, waste is minimized, and every aspect of daily life is optimized for sustainability. It's a lofty goal, but I'm convinced it's achievable.

The more I delve into the world of sustainable design, the more I realize the potential for EcoHaven to be a game-changer. From vertical farming to advanced water management systems, the technology is already available – it's just a matter of bringing it all together. I envision EcoHaven as a thriving community that not only reduces its carbon footprint but also serves as a hub for education, innovation, and progress.

Of course, turning EcoHaven into a reality won't be easy. It'll require collaboration with experts from various fields, securing funding, and overcoming countless logistical challenges. But I'm willing to put in the hard work and perseverance required to make it happen. For me, the potential reward is worth the risk – the chance to create a better future, not just for myself, but for generations to come.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

off-the-grid
not connected to or dependent on public utilities such as electricity or water
The family lives off-the-grid in a remote cabin, generating their own electricity and collecting rainwater.
cutting-edge
the most advanced or innovative in a particular field
The company is known for its cutting-edge technology in the field of renewable energy.
game-changer
something that has a significant impact or effect on a situation
The new policy has been a game-changer for the company, increasing profits by 20%.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What ambitions do children usually have? You know, when I think back to when I was a kid, I had some pretty wild ambitions. I wanted to be a professional soccer player, a famous artist, and a superhero all at the same time! I think that's pretty common for kids, though. They're still figuring out what they're good at and what they enjoy, so they tend to dream big and imagine themselves in all sorts of different roles. And you know what? That's totally healthy. It's okay to have lots of different interests and passions, and it's okay to not know exactly what you want to be when you grow up. I think that's part of the fun of being a kid - you get to explore and try new things without any pressure or expectations.

Why are some people very ambitious when it comes to their career? I think some people are super ambitious when it comes to their career because they have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. Maybe they've always dreamed of being a CEO, or maybe they want to start their own business. Whatever it is, they're driven by a desire to succeed and make a name for themselves in their field. And it's not just about the money or the prestige - it's about the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that comes with achieving your goals. When you're passionate about what you do, you're more likely to put in the hard work and dedication required to get ahead. Plus, having a clear sense of purpose can give you direction and motivation, even when things get tough.

Why don’t some people have dreams and goals? You know, I think some people might not have dreams and goals because they're just trying to get by. Maybe they're dealing with some tough circumstances in their personal life, or maybe they're just feeling stuck. When you're struggling to make ends meet or dealing with health issues, it can be hard to think about the future or imagine a different life for yourself. And that's okay - sometimes just getting through the day is a big enough accomplishment. But I also think some people might not have dreams and goals because they're not sure what they want or how to get it. Maybe they're feeling lost or uncertain about their place in the world. That's where having supportive friends and family can make a big difference - sometimes all it takes is someone to believe in you and encourage you to start exploring your passions and interests.

What do people do to have work-life balance? So, I think having work-life balance is all about setting boundaries and prioritizing what's important to you. For some people, that means leaving work at the office and not checking email or taking work calls during their free time. For others, it means setting aside dedicated time for self-care and relaxation, whether that's reading a book, taking a walk, or practicing yoga. And then there are people who make time for their loved ones, whether that they can have quality time with their family and friends. It's not always easy, of course - life can get in the way and things don't always go according to plan. But I think the key is to be intentional about how you're spending your time and making sure that you're nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

dream big
to have ambitious goals or plans
They're still figuring out what they're good at and what they enjoy, so they tend to dream big and imagine themselves in all sorts of different roles.
make a name for themselves
to become famous or well-known for something
Maybe they want to start their own business. Whatever it is, they're driven by a desire to succeed and make a name for themselves in their field.
get by
to manage to survive or cope with difficulties
Maybe they're just trying to get by. Maybe they're dealing with some tough circumstances in their personal life, or maybe they're just feeling stuck.
set boundaries
to establish limits or rules for something
So, I think having work-life balance is all about setting boundaries and prioritizing what's important to you.

Warning: This is an archived topic from a past exam season. It is now out of date.

Do you want all the latest topics and questions that are on the exam right now?

How many questions are on the exam today?

The IELTS speaking test is constantly changing. Here you can find all of the current questions that are valid from October 2024. None of the questions are old or out of date, and they are all being asked by examiners on tests today.

Part 1

57 Topics

(302 current questions)

Read all the topics

Part 2

73 Cue Cards

(For tests beginning 1 Oct 2024)

See all the cue cards

Part 3

300+ Questions

(Today's real questions)

Get all the questions

Start your IELTS speaking test preparation today

Don't be shocked and surprised by what the examiner can ask you.

Get all the speaking test questions before your test date so you're not left speachless when the examiner asks you a weird question you've never thought of before.

Photo of Sophia Rodriguez

“The content and advice were spot on — I scored 8.0 in IELTS speaking and I'm thrilled!”

Sofia Rodriguez, speaking score: 8.0

Get 15% off with coupon code 15OFF at checkout today