Last Updated on October 31, 2025
A cue card for the question “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved” can be found in this IELTS speaking blog. The IELTS Exam speaking test is divided into three parts — the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion round. You’ll have 11 to 15 minutes to demonstrate your fluency, coherence, and communication skills before the examiner.
This article includes three model answers for this IELTS Speaking Cue Card, along with follow-up questions, a related vocabulary table, and a short conclusion to help you prepare effectively for similar IELTS Cue Card topics.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
In IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and prompts. You’ll have 1 minute to prepare and then must speak for 1–2 minutes.
The topic here is “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved.” This IELTS Cue Card allows you to talk about dreams, goals, and life lessons — helping you demonstrate self-reflection and vocabulary range in the IELTS Exam.
Cue Card Topic “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved”
You should say:
- What it is?
- Why you haven’t achieved it yet?
- What you have done about it?
- And explain how you feel about it?
Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved – Model Answers
Here are three model answers for this IELTS Speaking Cue Card, designed to help you build natural, high-band responses for the IELTS Exam.
Model Answer 1 – “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved” IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Introduction
Being a published author is one of my ambitions that I have not met yet.
What it is
I have always been a big fan of short stories and writing poetry since my school life. My ambition has been to write a novel which will be published and read by people worldwide.
Why you haven’t achieved it yet
In spite of having written some chapters, I have not managed to finish the entire manuscript due to time constraints and work related commitments. I usually find it difficult to juggle between work and writing.
What you have done about it
I also write periodically and intend to devote more time to it in the future. I have also attended writing classes to sharpen my writing skills.
How you feel about it
I am pleased and inspired. Although I have not reached this dream yet, I am confident to ensure that I do so in future.
Conclusion
This is a goal I have kept close to my heart thus making it very suitable to use the IELTS Speaking Cue Card “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved”.
Model Answer 2 – Describe An Ambition That You Have not Achieved
Introduction
One of my long-term goals, which I have not attained yet, is to be taught how to play the guitar professionally.
What it is
I have always been interested in music and have always desired to play the guitar since my childhood. I had an ambition to play on stage.
The reason why you have not done it yet.
Regrettably, I had never had time to practice on a regular basis because of my school and subsequently, my job. I also lacked the access to decent classes as a youth.
What you have done about it
In the recent past, I have begun to follow tutorials on YouTube and practicing basic chords during my free time. I intend to enroll in formal lessons in the near future.
How you feel about it
Even though I am yet to achieve that, I feel accomplished with every little gain. I believe that I will be able to reach this goal in the nearest future.
Conclusion
This is the reason why this unfulfilled dream is the best fit to the IELTS topic Cue Card, which is entitled, “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved”.
Model Answer 3 – “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved” IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Introduction
One of my biggest goals that I am yet to realise is to open a business of my own.
What it is
I have been dreaming of having a digital marketing firm that enables small businesses to flourish online.
The reason why you have not done it yet.
The capital and experience is the key reason why I have not yet started. I would like to learn more about the business management before getting into the deep.
How you feel about it
To get ready, I have studied entrepreneurship and digital branding online courses. I also saved an amount of money bit by bit to finance my startup.
How you feel about it
Although I am yet to accomplish this target, I am optimistic and confident I will be able to do so in the future. Something that is really exciting to me.
Conclusion
This dream is also something that keeps me focused and inspired which is why it is a great answer to the IELTS Speaking Cue Card of the description about an ambition you have not been able to accomplish.
Read more: Describe an Item on Which You Spent More Than Expected
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved Follow-up Questions
Follow-up questions for “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved” are often asked in IELTS Speaking Part 3 to evaluate your analytical thinking and emotional depth.
Why do people set ambitions?
Ambitions give people direction, purpose, and motivation to work hard in life.
Do you think having ambition is important?
Yes, it’s very important. Ambition pushes people to grow and achieve more than they thought possible.
What kinds of ambitions do people usually have?
Most people have career, financial, or personal growth ambitions, like buying a home or learning a new skill.
Do you think younger people are more ambitious than older ones?
Yes, younger people tend to dream bigger because they have more opportunities and fewer responsibilities.
Can ambition ever be harmful?
Sometimes, excessive ambition can lead to stress or burnout if not balanced with patience and self-care.
Related Vocabulary – “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved” IELTS Speaking Cue Card
| Word/Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence |
| Determination | The quality of being persistent and focused | Her determination helped her achieve her dreams. |
| Pursue | To follow or chase a goal | I plan to pursue my ambition of becoming an entrepreneur. |
| Unrealized | Not yet achieved or fulfilled | My dream of writing a book is still unrealized. |
| Motivation | The reason for doing something | Ambition gives people motivation to succeed. |
| Procrastination | The act of delaying tasks | Procrastination often stops people from reaching their goals. |
| Goal-oriented | Focused on achieving specific results | She is very goal-oriented and works hard to succeed. |
| Setback | A temporary obstacle or delay | Financial issues caused a setback in my plans. |
| Self-improvement | The process of making yourself better | Ambition often leads to continuous self-improvement. |
Conclusion
Preparing for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card “Describe An Ambition That You Haven’t Achieved” helps candidates express personal aspirations clearly and emotionally. Such IELTS Cue Card topics are common in the IELTS Exam, as they test your ability to speak about personal growth and motivation fluently.
FAQs
Cue cards in IELTS Speaking Part 2 are task cards that give you a topic and prompts to speak about for 1–2 minutes.
You can score 8.5 by practicing fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary while preparing answers for common IELTS Speaking Cue Card topics.
Yes, many IELTS Cue Card topics are repeated with slight variations across different test sessions.
Start confidently with a simple line like, “One ambition that I haven’t achieved yet is to become a published author.”
Record your responses, time them for 2 minutes, and practice daily on trending IELTS Cue Card topics to improve fluency and structure.
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