IELTS Speaking Part 1: Future plans
A rotating set that tests future forms: going to, plan to, hope to and might. Using only "will" is the most common way to cap Grammatical Range here.
Questions and sample answers
1. What are your plans for the next few years?
I’m hoping to finish my master’s in the next two years, and then I’m planning to look for work in Canada.
2. Do you like to plan things in advance, or decide at the last minute?
I’m a planner, mostly. I like to know what’s happening at least a week ahead, although on holiday I’m happy to be more spontaneous.
3. Is there somewhere you would like to travel to in the future?
I’d love to go to Japan. I’ve wanted to visit since I was a teenager, mostly because of the food and the trains.
4. Do you think your plans will change much as you get older?
Probably. When I was eighteen my plans changed every few months, and I suspect they’ll keep shifting as my priorities change.
Each sample is two to four sentences: the answer, a reason or example, then stop. Use them to hear the shape, not to memorise. Examiners are trained to spot a rehearsed answer, and it costs fluency marks.
Language this topic rewards
- I’m hoping to / I’m planning to: Future forms beyond "will".
- in the long run / in the short term: Frames plans by time.
- spontaneous / plan ahead: The pair for the planning question.
- it’s been a dream of mine to …: A natural way into a travel wish.
- priorities change: Supports the "will your plans change" answer.
The trap on this topic
Saying "I will go, I will study, I will work" in every answer. Vary the future forms; the examiner is listening for range, not just correctness.
Answer these out loud and get marked
The Part 1 practice runs the interview the way the examiner does: your work or studies first, then two topic sets. It records you, transcribes what you said and marks it on the four official criteria.
Start Part 1 practiceMore Part 1 topics
Ready for the long turn? Browse the Part 2 cue cards.