(Update 2026) IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Dream and Ambition

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Dream and Ambition

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Dream and Ambition
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Dream and Ambition
IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic Dream and Ambition common questions and sample answers
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Topic Dream and Ambition – Common questions, sample answers and Band 7+ vocabulary

1. What was your childhood dream?

Well, my childhood dream was becoming a doctor because my mom was a doctor and I really admire her because she saved people’s lives and relieved their pain when they were in great agony and she offered her hand to many people in need so I perceived it as such an honorable job and I wanted to be someone like her.

2. Are you the kind of person who sticks to dreams?

Well, as you can see, I am not. I couldn’t really think of a more laid-back person than myself because most of the time I just go with the flow. As I said, my dream used to be becoming a doctor but after I went to school I realized that I was never good with any science subject so I just quit it. For sure, it would be nice if I can do something I like as my job but it really doesn’t matter that much.

3. What is your dream job?

Well, I would say my dream job is becoming a world traveler because I’ve always been a person who fancies all kinds of wildlife and wanted to be close to nature, willing to embrace and explore different cultures and regions, and appreciate the stunning views as many as possible in my life — like waterfalls, deserts, aurora — even though I’ve been to many countries already, that’s still way behind my bucket list.

4. Do you think you are an ambitious person?

No, not at all. I literally don’t stick to anything. Sometimes things are just meant to happen. If it’s not meant to happen to you, it’s going to happen to someone else. Just don’t fall into the trap of believing that the more effort you put into something, the more likely you are to make a difference. I don’t buy that at all. If I want something badly, I might put in a bit of time and effort, but if it doesn’t work out, I would just get over it and move on.

Word / PhraseCEFRTypeDefinitionExample Sentence
admireB2VerbTo respect and appreciate someone greatly for their qualities, achievements, or characterShe deeply admires her mother for dedicating her career to helping people in need.
relieved their painB2CollocationTo reduce or ease the suffering or discomfort of others, especially physically or emotionallyThe doctor worked tirelessly to relieve the pain of patients recovering from surgery.
in great agonyC1PhraseExperiencing extreme physical or emotional pain and sufferingAfter the accident, he lay in great agony while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
people in needB2PhrasePeople who require help, support, or assistance due to difficult circumstancesThe charity provides food and shelter to people in need across the country.
perceivedC1VerbTo become aware of or understand something in a particular way; to interpret or regardShe perceived teaching as one of the most meaningful and honorable careers one could choose.
honorableB2AdjectiveDeserving great respect and admiration; morally upright and worthy of high esteemWorking as a doctor is considered one of the most honorable professions in society.
laid-backB2AdjectiveRelaxed in manner; not anxious or worried; tending not to put pressure on oneselfHe has a very laid-back attitude towards his career and prefers to let things unfold naturally.
go with the flowB2IdiomTo accept things as they happen and not try to force a particular outcome; to be easygoingRather than planning everything in detail, she prefers to go with the flow and see what happens.
fanciesB2VerbTo like, be attracted to, or have a strong interest in something or someoneShe has always fancied the idea of living close to nature and exploring remote landscapes.
stunning viewsB2CollocationExtremely beautiful and impressive scenery or landscapes that take one’s breath awayThe hiking trail offered stunning views of the mountains and the valley below.
bucket listB2CollocationA list of experiences or achievements a person wants to accomplish before they dieSeeing the northern lights in person has been on her bucket list for years.
meant to happenB2PhraseDestined or fated to occur; believed to be the natural or intended course of eventsShe feels that some opportunities are just meant to happen at the right time in life.
make a differenceB2CollocationTo have a positive and meaningful impact or effect on something or someoneShe volunteers every weekend because she genuinely wants to make a difference in her community.
don’t buy thatB2IdiomTo not believe or accept something; to be unconvinced by a statement or argumentHe claims hard work always leads to success, but honestly, I don’t buy that at all.
get over it and move onB2PhraseTo recover from a disappointment or setback and continue with life without dwelling on itWhen things don’t go her way, she prefers to get over it and move on rather than dwell on failure.

1. What was your childhood dream?

Speaking of my childhood dream There are a lot of them, but I carefully remember that I actually listed three of them down on my notebook which goes like English teacher and A dancer and I even dreamed of becoming an athlete when I was young. Yep, and now I am an English teacher So I guess to some extent I have already achieved my childhood dream. Lucky me.

2. Are you the kind of person who sticks to dreams?

Yes, I consider myself as a person who is quite persistent and could always stick to my dream But it really requires me to you know Think it thoroughly if I decided to do something or have some sort of goal, I wouldn’t stop until I achieve that. So yeah, I am a persistent person.

3. What is your dream job?

As I’ve mentioned when I was young I used to dream of becoming an English teacher, that is that used to be my dream job, but I guess in the future I really don’t want to work for others. So I kind of want to own my own cocktail bar and that is kind of my short-term goal at the moment. So yeah, the owner of a cocktail bar. That is what I want to be in the future.

4. Do you think you are an ambitious person?

Well, it’s really hard to say I mean I don’t want to be an ambitious person honestly because I would say it can bring you a lot of pressure and burden and Then for me living a happy life is my ultimate goal But sometimes I just you know, I can’t help it I I would dream of something big and have like quite ambitious career development and plan So yeah, though I don’t want to admit it I would say I am an ambitious person maybe.

Word / PhraseCEFRTypeDefinitionExample Sentence
to some extentB2PhrasePartly; in some ways but not completely or fullyTo some extent, she has already achieved what she set out to accomplish in her career.
achieved my childhood dreamB2CollocationSuccessfully accomplished something one aspired to or wished for as a young childHe always wanted to be a pilot, and by the age of 25, he had achieved his childhood dream.
stick to my dreamB2PhraseTo remain committed to and continue pursuing one’s ambition despite challengesNo matter how hard the journey gets, she always manages to stick to her dream.
persistentB2AdjectiveContinuing to do something despite difficulties or setbacks; determined and tenaciousBeing persistent is one of the most important qualities for achieving long-term goals.
think it throughB2PhraseTo consider something carefully and thoroughly before making a decision or commitmentShe always takes time to think things through carefully before committing to a new goal.
short-term goalB2CollocationAn objective or ambition that one aims to accomplish in the near futureHer short-term goal is to save enough money to open her own business within two years.
ultimate goalB2CollocationThe most important or final aim that someone is ultimately working towardsHis ultimate goal is not just career success, but living a genuinely fulfilling life.
pressure and burdenB2CollocationStress and heavy responsibility that weighs on a person emotionally or mentallyBeing overly ambitious can sometimes bring unnecessary pressure and burden on yourself.
ambitiousB2AdjectiveHaving a strong desire to achieve success, reach high goals, or attain a level of powerShe is ambitious but also grounded, knowing that balance is key to long-term happiness.
career developmentB2CollocationThe process of building skills, experience, and positions to advance professionallyShe has mapped out a clear career development plan for the next five years.
can’t help itB2IdiomUnable to stop or control oneself from doing or feeling somethingShe knows she should rest, but she can’t help it — she always ends up working late.

1. What was your childhood dream?

Answer 1:
As a child, my dream was to become an artist. I was always fascinated by colors, shapes, and different forms of art. I would spend hours drawing, painting, and creating sculptures out of clay.

I loved the idea of being able to express myself through my art and convey different emotions to others.

Although I pursued a different career path later in life, I still indulge in my passion for art in my free time.

Answer 2:
When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a freelancer.

I loved the idea of being my boss and having the freedom to work on different projects.

I was always a self-starter and enjoyed taking on challenges that allowed me to showcase my creativity and problem-solving skills.

Although I didn’t pursue freelancing as a career, I have been able to work on some freelance projects in my spare time, which has been very rewarding.

Answer 3:
It’s funny that, like many others, my childhood dream was to become a scientist. Honestly, I had no idea what being a scientist entailed or what it took to become one. All I knew was that people respected scientists a lot, and I wanted to be one.

Answer 4:
Actually, I hope that I have chance to study in prestigious college such as Harvard, Cambridge, MIT and so on, for my master degree.

For starters, the big name of university really makes me have flutter, which can blow my mind. And also partly because the better education I absorb, the more solid foundation I have for my future career.

2. Are you the kind of person who sticks to dreams?

Answer 1:
Yes, I am definitely the kind of person who sticks to dreams.

I strongly believe that dreams are the driving force that can motivate us to achieve our goals.

Whenever I have a dream, I work hard to make it a reality, no matter how difficult it may seem.

For example, when I was younger, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. I knew it was a challenging career path, but I stuck to my dream and worked hard to achieve it.

Today, I am a successful physician, and I owe it all to my perseverance and determination.

Answer 2:
Well, not always. While I believe that dreams can be powerful motivators, I also think that it’s important to be realistic and practical.

Sometimes, our dreams may not be feasible, and it’s essential to recognize when it’s time to let them go.

That being said, I do believe that we should still pursue our dreams to some extent.

Answer 3:
I stick to my goals but not necessarily my dreams because I’m a practical person.

In my opinion, as I gain more experience in society, my perspective towards past dreams will change.

Therefore, pursuing past dreams may not necessarily help me improve my current situation.

Nowadays, I set both short-term and long-term goals that I want to achieve, and I plan accordingly to accomplish them.

3. What is your dream job?

Answer 1:
My dream job would be a freelancer.

I am a self-starter and I believe that being a freelancer would allow me to work on my own terms and pursue projects that interest me.

As a freelancer, I would be able to offer my services in areas such as writing, editing, and graphic design.

Being a freelancer is a flexible and rewarding profession, and I would thrive in this environment.

Answer 2:
My dream job would be an influencer/blogger.

I am passionate about social media and I believe that being an influencer would allow me to share my ideas and experiences with a wide audience.

As an influencer, I would be able to use my platform to raise awareness about important social issues, and promote products and services that align with my values.

I would also be able to connect with like-minded individuals and build a community around shared interests.

4. Do you think you are an ambitious person?

Answer 1:
Absolutely; I am an incredibly ambitious person.

From a young age, I’ve always had a strong drive to achieve my goals and pursue my passions.

I firmly believe that success comes from hard work and dedication, and I’m always striving to improve myself in every way possible.

Whether it’s in my personal or professional life, I never settle for mediocrity and always aim to be the best that I can be.

Answer 2:
No, I wouldn’t say that I’m particularly ambitious.

While I do have goals and aspirations that I work towards, I don’t feel the need to constantly push myself to the limit or strive for perfection.

For me, it’s more about finding a balance between achieving my goals and enjoying the journey along the way.

Answer 3:
I believe that I am an ambitious person, and most people tend to agree.

However, unlike many ambitious individuals who enjoy the rat race, I prefer to explore alternative paths to achieve my goals.

Overall, I am a driven, dedicated, and hardworking individual who continuously sets new goals and works tirelessly to achieve them.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Dream and Ambition – Sample Video

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Credits

Image : Photo by Randy Tarampi on Unsplash

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