Speaking Sample Test
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
Q1
Do you usually make plans for the future?
Sample response
Yes, I do, although I’m not the kind of person who plans every tiny detail. I usually set a general direction for myself, especially in terms of study, work, and personal growth. It helps me feel more organised and less anxious about what’s coming next.
Q2
What kind of things do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
Sample response
In the next few years, I’d like to become more qualified in my field and build a career that feels stable but still interesting. I also hope to improve my communication skills and become more independent financially. To be honest, even small progress in those areas would make me feel proud.
Q3
Did you often think about your future when you were a child?
Sample response
Yes, quite a lot actually. When I was a child, I used to imagine all kinds of future jobs, and my ideas changed constantly. One month I wanted to be a doctor, and the next I thought being a pilot would be more exciting.
Q4
Have your plans changed a lot over time?
Sample response
Yes, definitely. As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more realistic, so my plans are less about big dreams and more about what suits my strengths and lifestyle. I still have ambition, but now I think more carefully before deciding what I want.
Q5
Do you prefer short-term plans or long-term plans?
Sample response
I’d say I prefer short-term plans, mainly because they feel more manageable and practical. Long-term goals are important too, of course, but I like breaking them into smaller steps. That way, I can stay motivated without feeling overwhelmed.
Q6
Is it important for you to have a clear direction in life?
Sample response
Yes, it is. I don’t think life has to be perfectly planned, but having a clear sense of direction gives me purpose. Even if my path changes later, I still want to know that I’m moving toward something meaningful.
Q7
Who has influenced your choices about the future the most?
Sample response
Probably my parents have had the biggest influence. They never forced me into a specific path, but they always encouraged me to think seriously about my future and make responsible choices. Their advice has shaped the way I look at education and work.
Q8
Do you enjoy setting targets for yourself?
Sample response
Yes, I do, especially when the targets are realistic. I find it satisfying because it gives me something concrete to work towards, and reaching even a small goal boosts my confidence. It also stops me from wasting time.
Q9
What helps you stay motivated when something is difficult?
Sample response
Usually, I remind myself why I started in the first place. I also try to focus on small improvements rather than expecting instant results, because that makes difficult things feel less discouraging. And honestly, support from family or friends helps a lot too.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a personal goal you hope to achieve in the future. You should say: - what this goal is - why you want to achieve it - what steps you have taken, or plan to take, to reach it And explain why this goal is important to you.
Sample response
One personal goal I really hope to achieve in the future is to become financially independent through a career I genuinely enjoy, ideally in a role that combines communication, problem-solving, and creativity. To begin with, this goal matters to me because I don’t just want a stable income; I also want to feel that my work is meaningful and that I’m improving over time. What stood out to me when I started thinking seriously about my future was how important freedom is. If I can support myself comfortably, I can make decisions with much more confidence, whether that’s helping my family, travelling, or continuing my education. Another thing is that I don’t want to choose a career only for money and then feel stuck in it for years. As for the steps I’ve taken, I’ve been trying to build useful skills little by little. For example, I’ve focused on improving my English, learning how to work with people effectively, and becoming more disciplined with my time. I also plan to gain practical experience through internships, short courses, and real projects, because I think experience teaches you things that textbooks can’t. Overall, this goal is important to me because it represents more than just a job. For me, it means independence, confidence, and the ability to create a life that feels balanced and purposeful.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1
Why do some people set clear targets for themselves while others do not?
Sample response
I think it largely depends on personality and environment. Some people naturally like structure, so setting clear targets helps them stay focused and motivated. Others may avoid making firm plans because they’re uncertain, afraid of failure, or simply prefer to be flexible. For example, someone raised in a highly competitive environment might be encouraged to plan every stage of life, while another person may grow up valuing freedom more than long-term structure.
Q2
How important is it for young people to think seriously about their future?
Sample response
I’d say it’s very important, but not to the point where they put too much pressure on themselves. If young people think seriously about their future early on, they can make better decisions about education, skills, and opportunities. At the same time, they should be allowed to explore and change direction, because most people don’t fully understand themselves at a young age. So, in my view, they need both guidance and space to develop naturally.
Q3
Do you think success is mainly the result of careful planning or natural ability?
Sample response
In my opinion, success comes more from careful planning and consistent effort than from natural ability alone. Talent can give someone a strong start, but without discipline and direction, that advantage can easily be wasted. On the other hand, a person with average ability can still achieve a lot if they set goals, learn from mistakes, and keep improving. You can see this in sports or business, where many successful people are not necessarily the most gifted, but they’re often the most committed.
Q4
How do family, school, and society influence what people want to achieve?
Sample response
They influence people a great deal, sometimes more than people realise. Family often shapes early values, such as whether someone prioritises stability, prestige, or personal happiness. Schools can encourage ambition by rewarding achievement, while society creates broader ideas about what counts as success, like wealth, status, or public recognition. For instance, in some cultures, becoming a doctor or engineer is highly respected, so many young people grow up aiming for those paths even if their personal interests lie elsewhere.
Q5
Is it better to focus on one major aim or to keep several possibilities open?
Sample response
I think it depends on the stage of life, but generally it’s wiser to keep several possibilities open, especially when someone is young. Focusing on one major aim can be powerful because it creates clarity and commitment, but it can also be risky if circumstances change. For example, a person may work toward one career for years and then discover that the industry is unstable or no longer suits them. So ideally, people should have a main goal while still developing transferable skills that give them other options.