Sample Discussion on Future Plans – IELTS Speaking

To assist you further in enhancing your speaking skills, in this article Mytour shares common structures and sample discussions for Talk about your future plans!

1. Suggestions for structures related to plans and listing tasks

Vì đề bài nêu rõ kế hoạch không được liên quan đến việc học hoặc công việc, chúng ta có thể nói về:

• Kế hoạch đi đến một đất nước/ một thành phố mới
• Kế hoạch về bắt đầu một sở thích mới (chơi thể thao, sưu tầm, chơi nhạc cụ)
• Kế hoạch mua một món quà cho ai đó hoặc mua một món đồ mới cho bản thân
• Kế hoạch tổ chức một bữa tiêc, sự kiện

To aid you in preparing well for this topic, Mytour suggests some structures specifically for plans/intentions as well as grammatical structures to help list sentences for this topic.

I am planning on + V-ing (tôi đang có kế hoạch làm ….)

Eg: I’m planning on organizing a large party for Kevin’s 30th birthday in November.

I’m looking forward to + V-ing (tôi đang mong chờ …_

Eg: I’m eagerly anticipating visiting my cousins in June – I haven’t seen them in five years!

Can’t wait to + V nguyên mẫu (tôi không thể đợi để được …)

Eg: I’m excited about watching the new Star Wars movie.

I’m counting down the days until… (tôi đang đếm ngược đến …)

Eg: I’m eagerly awaiting the end of the semester.

Structures to help list tasks

• My first priority is….(Ưu tiên hàng đầu của tôi là …)
• Another thing that need to be done is …. (Một việc khác cần phải làm là …).
• Once I have + V3/ed, I will …… (Một khi tôi đã………xong, tôi sẽ …)

2. Structure of Talk about your future plans – IELTS Speaking

To craft a comprehensive and fluent English future plans essay, you need to easily define the structure of these essays.

An English future plans essay consists of three parts as follows:

Phần 1: Phần mở đầu: Giới thiệu về kế hoạch tương lai bằng tiếng Anh

Phần 2: Nội dung chính:

• Tại sao bạn muốn xây dựng và thực hiện kế hoạch tương lai này?
• Kế hoạch kéo dài trong bao lâu?
• Kế hoạch là gì?

Phần 3: Phần kết bài: Nếu quyết tâm thực hiện kế hoạch tương lai của bạn.

3. Vocabulary on the topic of Talk about your future plans – IELTS Speaking

• Destination: Địa điểm
• Annual: Hằng năm
• Essential: Cần thiết
• Vital: Quan trọng
• Trusted: Đáng tin tưởng
• Local guide: Người dẫn đoàn
• Contact information: Thông tin liên lạc
• Itinerary: Hành trình
• Cater: Đáp ứng
• Attend: Tham dự
• National exam: Kì thi quốc gia
• Milestone: Cột mốc
• Dream of: Mơ về
• Acquaintance: Người quen
• Spoke very highly: Đề cao, nói tốt
• Adventure: Thám hiểm
• Accommodation: Nhà ở
• Luxurious: Sang trọng
• General: Chung, tổng quát
• Revision: Sự ôn tập
• Job opportunity: Cơ hội việc làm
• Indicate: Chỉ ra
• Certification: Bằng cấp
• Volunteer: Tình nguyện
• Relationship: Mối quan hệ
• Boost: Tăng cường
• Confidence: Sự tự tin
• Pursue a dream: Theo đuổi ước mơ
• Getaway: Nơi nghỉ dưỡng
• Utilities: Điện, Nước, Wifi
• Flight ticket: Vé máy bay
• Traveling expenses: Chi phí du lịch
• In advance: Sớm
• Well-prepared: Chuẩn bị kỹ càng
• Currently: Hiện tại
• Relaxation: Sự nghỉ ngơi
• Continuously: Một cách liên tục
• Proper: Đàng hoàng

4. Sample Essay on Talk about your future plans – IELTS Speaking part 2

4.1. Sample Discussion on Talk about your future plans – Plans to travel to Singapore

Please listen to Mytour's Part 2 podcast sample:

When I received this topic, off the top of my head, I want to talk about my incoming trip to Singapore this June.

Actually, I have always dreamed of going to Singapore ever since I watched videos about this dynamic country on Youtube . However, due to budget problem, I haven’t fulfilled that dream yet. About a couple of months ago, my sister who is currently living there asked me to pay a visit to her family. Most importantly, the expense of the trip will be paid her, so I agreed without a second thought. Joining me on this trip will be my brother. The trip will fall in his summer break, so going travelling will not affect his study at all.

Fortunately, Singapore offers visa exemptions to Vietnamese people, so I don’t have to go through the hassle of applying for visa application. However, in order to get this plan run smoothly, there are loads of things that we need to prepare beforehand. My first priority is booking flight tickets in advance as flight prices tend to increase the closer I get to my departure date. What’s more, my sister’s house is a bit cramped and it cannot acommodate more than 6 people, so we will have to book a hotel room in the vicinity of her house for the sake of convenience.

Because my sister will cover the travelling expense, I think it’s rational to buy some gifts for my nieces to thank for her generousity. That’s the reason why I have setaside a little amount of money weekly to afford some surprising gifts for them. I am counting down the days until the departure date because it’s been quite a while since the last time I met my sister.

Sample articles in the same category:

• Describe a part of your country that you find interesting
• Topic hobbies – Talk about your hobbies – Bài mẫu IELTS Speaking part 1

Vocabulary highlights

• Incoming: sắp tới
• Dynamic: năng động
• Fulfilled one’s dream: thực hiện ước mơ
• Expense: chi phí
• Without a second thought: không cần suy nghĩ lại
• Summer break: nghỉ hè
• Visa exemptions: miễn thị thực
• Go through the hassle of: trải qua những rắc rối của việc …
• In advance = beforehand: trước
• Departure date: ngày khởi hành
• What’s more: thêm vào đó, hơn nữa
• Cramped: chật chội
• Acommodate: chứa
• For the sake of convenience: vì sự tiện lợi
• Rational: hợp lý
• Setting aside: để dành
• Quite a while: khá lâu

4.2. Discussing future plans – Personal development plans

You should say:

• What is your future plan?
• When did you think of your plan?
• How long will it last? 
• Who will be involved in your plan?

Please listen to Mytour's Part 2 podcast sample:

One of my future plans is to improve my public speaking skills. I have always been a bit nervous when speaking in front of large groups of people, and I think it’s an area where I could really benefit from some focused effort.

I first started thinking about it a few months ago, after having to give a presentation at work and found myself stumbling over my words and feeling really anxious throughout the whole thing. Then I realized that I needed to take some steps to improve my confidence and ability, mostly because I didn’t want to feel that awkward again.

To achieve this goal, I plan to take a public speaking course at a local community college. I’ve already signed up for the course and it starts next month. The course lasts for 12 weeks, and I’m hoping that by the end of it, I’ll feel more comfortable and confident when speaking in front of others. I’m also planning to join a club in my area which will give me an opportunity to practice speaking in front of a supportive group of people and get feedback on my performance.

I’m really excited about this plan and it’s going to be an excellent way for me to improve myself and overcome one of my biggest fears. While I’ll be the primary person involved in this plan, I’m also hoping to get support and encouragement from my friends and family along the way.

• Improve (v): cải thiện
• Public speaking (noun phrase): diễn thuyết trước công chúng
• Nervous (adj): lo lắng, căng thẳng
• Benefit (v): được lợi, có lợi
• Stumble (v): vấp
• Anxious (adj): lo lắng, băn khoăn
• Awkward (adj): ngượng ngùng, lúng túng
• Supportive (adj): hỗ trợ, giúp đỡ
• Feedback (n): phản hồi, ý kiến đánh giá
• Overcome (v): vượt qua
• Primary (adj): chính, chủ yếu
• Support (n): sự hỗ trợ
• Encouragement (n): sự khích lệ

4.3. Discussing future plans – Learning English plan

Please listen to Mytour's Part 2 podcast sample:

As a student, I believe that having strong English skills is one of the keys for my academic and professional success. So I am planning to improve my English language skills to an advanced level in the near future.

The first time I started thinking about this was when I struggled to understand some of the complex academic texts in my field of study. After a while, I realized that if I could improve my English skills, I would be able to better comprehend and analyze these texts. I plan to enrol in an advanced English course at a language school near my university, which will cover advanced grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. In addition, I plan to use English every day, such as reading books, watching English movies and TV shows, listening to English podcasts and music, etc. I would also seek help from my teachers and friends, as they will provide feedback and support throughout the course.

My plan will span 12 weeks, the duration of the course. However, I intend to continue practicing and enhancing my English even after completing the course.

• Strong (adj): vững chắc
• Key (n): yếu tố quan trọng
• Academic (adj): thuộc về học thuật, học viện
• Professional (adj): chuyên nghiệp, chuyên môn
• Language skills (n phrase): kỹ năng ngôn ngữ
• Advanced (adj): nâng cao
• Struggle (v): gặp khó khăn
• Complex (adj): phức tạp
• Academic texts (n phrase): văn bản học thuật
• Field of study (n phrase): lĩnh vực nghiên cứu/học tập
• Comprehend (v): hiểu, lĩnh hội
• Analyze (v): phân tích
• Enrol (v): đăng ký (khóa học)
• Seek (v): tìm kiếm, yêu cầu
• Feedback (n): phản hồi, ý kiến đánh giá
• Support (n): sự hỗ trợ

4.4. Discussing future plans – University study plan

Mời bạn nghe Podcast mẫu Part 2 của Mytour nhé:

My nearest future plan is to attend an art university after completing high school. Since I have always had a passion for art, I believe that having an art degree will allow me to develop my skills and pursue a career in this field.

I first started thinking about this in middle school, when I took some art classes and found that I really enjoyed them. Since then I started to focus more on art while taking advanced classes in drawing and painting. It was during this time that I realized that I wanted to follow a career in art and attending an art university will be the most appropriate way.

The first thing for me to do in this plan is to research different art universities with strong programs in my areas of interest, such as drawing, painting, and sculpture. I will also work on developing a strong portfolio of my artwork, which I can use to apply to these universities. My plan will last for several months, as I will need to prepare my application materials. My parents and art teachers will help provide guidance and support me throughout the process, however, I will need to work hard myself to achieve the goal.

• Nearest (adj): gần nhất
• Passion (n): đam mê
• Degree (n): bằng cấp
• Pursue (v): theo đuổi
• Career (n): sự nghiệp
• Advanced (adj): nâng cao
• Realize (v): nhận ra
• Follow (v): theo đuổi
• Appropriate (adj): phù hợp
• Research (v): nghiên cứu
• Program (n): chương trình học
• Area (n): lĩnh vực
• Sculpture (n): điêu khắc
• Work on (v): làm việc trên
• Portfolio (n): hồ sơ cá nhân
• Artwork (n): tác phẩm nghệ thuật
• Apply (v): nộp đơn (vào trường hoặc xin việc, học bổng,…)
• Last (v): kéo dài
• Prepare (v): chuẩn bị
• Application (n): đơn xin học
• Material (n): tài liệu
• Provide (v): cung cấp
• Guidance (n): hướng dẫn
• Achieve (v): đạt được
• Goal (n): mục tiêu

4.5. Thảo luận về kế hoạch tương lai của bạn – Cuộc sống sau khi tốt nghiệp

Hãy tham gia nghe Podcast mẫu Part 2 của Mytour nhé:

I’m planning of taking a gap year after graduating from university. I have been considering this for quite some time now, and I think it will allow me to gain valuable life experiences before diving into the workforce.

Two years ago when I was in the second year of university, I was feeling burnt out from the constant pressure of academic achievements, and I knew that I needed a break. However, I decided to continue because I didn’t want to fall behind my peers. Now that I am about to graduate from university, I feel that the time is right for me to take a gap year. I plan to travel and explore new cultures, volunteer for meaningful causes, and perhaps even work and save up some money.

My gap year will last for around 12 months, yeah, exactly what we mean by “gap year”, but I am open to extending or reducing it if needed. I want to make the most out of this opportunity and not rush into starting a career.

I will be the main person responsible for organizing and executing the plan, with help and guidance from my family and friends who have taken gap years before. I will also network with organizations and travel groups to find opportunities that align with my interests. I am excited about my future plan of taking a gap year and believe that it will help me grow as a person and prepare for the challenges ahead.

• Take (v): thực hiện
• Gap year (n): khoảng thời gian “tạm dừng” sau một quá trình học tập hoặc làm việc nhằm mục đích nghỉ ngơi, khám phá bản thân,…
• Consider (v): cân nhắc
• Gain (v): đạt được
• Valuable (adj): có giá trị
• Life experience (n): kinh nghiệm sống
• Dive into (v): bắt đầu
• Workforce (n): lực lượng lao động
• Burnt out (adj): kiệt sức
• Constant (adj): liên tục
• Pressure (n): áp lực
• Academic achievement (n): thành tích học tập
• Fall behind (v): tụt lại phía sau
• Peer (n): bạn cùng lứa
• Volunteer (v): tình nguyện
• Meaningful (adj): có ý nghĩa
• Cause (n): nguyên nhân, mục đích
• Save up (v): tiết kiệm
• Extend (v): kéo dài
• Reduce (v): rút ngắn
• Make the most out of (v): tận dụng tối đa
• Rush into (v): vội vàng bắt đầu
• Execute (v): thực hiện
• Network (v): lập mạng lưới, liên lạc 
• Organization (n): tổ chức
• Travel group (n): nhóm du lịch
• Align (v): phù hợp, sắp xếp
• Grow (v): phát triển
• Challenge (n): thử thách
• Ahead (adv): phía trước

4.6. Thảo luận về kế hoạch tương lai – Dự định tiếp tục học lên thạc sĩ

Mời bạn nghe Podcast bài mẫu Part 2 của Mytour nhé:

I have always been passionate about the French language and culture since childhood, and I am planning to continue studying for a master’s degree in French Education after graduating from university. I believe that this will allow me to deepen my knowledge and skills in the field, thus would be able to find an advanced profession.

I started thinking about this plan during my junior year of university, French Education major, of course. I love teaching foreign languages and knew that having a master’s degree would give me a competitive edge in the job market, to provide the best education to my future students. My master’s degree program will last for around 2 years. During this time, I will take advanced courses in French literature, linguistics, and pedagogy. I will also have the opportunity to conduct research and participate in internships to gain hands-on experience in teaching French.

• Passionate (adj): đam mê
• Master’s degree (n): bằng thạc sĩ
• Deepen (v): làm sâu thêm
• Profession (n): nghề nghiệp
• Junior year (n): năm 3 (đại học)
• Major (n): chuyên ngành
• Competitive edge (n): lợi thế cạnh tranh
• Job market (n): thị trường lao động
• Literature (n): văn học
• Linguistics (n): ngôn ngữ học
• Pedagogy (n): giáo dục học
• Opportunity (n): cơ hội
• Conduct (v): tiến hành
• Internship (n): thực tập
• Hands-on experience (n): kinh nghiệm thực tiễn
• Professor (n): giáo sư
• Academic advisor (n): cố vấn học tập
• Fellow student (n): bạn học cùng lớp
• Keep in contact (v): giữ liên lạc
• Professional (n): chuyên gia
• Insight (n): hiểu biết sâu sắc
• Career path (n): con đường sự nghiệp