Talking about future plans and goals

1. Real-Life Conversation

Anna: Hey, Jake! You look excited. What's up?

Jake: Yeah! I just got accepted into my dream university. I'm going to study computer science.

Anna: Wow, congratulations! That’s amazing. What are your plans after graduation?

Jake: Well, I hope to become a software engineer and work for a big tech company. I also plan to start my own business someday.

Anna: That sounds like a great plan! Are you going to take any internships during college?

Jake: Yes, I intend to apply for internships at different companies to gain experience.

Anna: That’s smart. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Jake: Hopefully, working at a top company and developing innovative software.

Anna: I’m sure you’ll achieve that! I want to improve my public speaking skills because I hope to become a professional speaker.

Jake: That’s a great goal! How do you plan to do that?

Anna: I am planning to take speech courses and practice regularly.

Jake: That sounds like a great idea. Best of luck, Anna!

Anna: Thanks, Jake! You too!

2. Key Phrases and Expressions

Here are some important phrases you can use when talking about future plans and goals:

Expressing Future Intentions

  • I am going to [verb] → (I am going to start a business.)

  • I plan to [verb] → (I plan to study abroad.)

  • I intend to [verb] → (I intend to work in finance.)

  • I hope to [verb] → (I hope to become a doctor.)

  • I am planning to [verb] → (I am planning to take a course.)

Asking About Future Plans

  • What are your plans for the future?

  • What do you hope to achieve?

  • Where do you see yourself in [X] years?

  • Are you going to [verb]?

  • How do you plan to [verb]?

Talking About Long-Term Goals

  • I would like to [verb] → (I would like to travel the world.)

  • My goal is to [verb] → (My goal is to become fluent in English.)

  • Eventually, I want to [verb] → (Eventually, I want to start my own company.)

3. Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with appropriate future expressions.

  1. I _______ (plan) to move to New York next year.

  2. My goal _______ (be) to become a successful entrepreneur.

  3. She _______ (hope) to visit Japan next summer.

  4. _______ you _______ (intend) to take the TOEFL exam?

  5. He _______ (going) to start a new job next month.

Answers:

  1. plan

  2. is

  3. hopes

  4. Do / intend

  5. is going

Exercise 2: Answer the Questions

Use the key phrases to answer these questions.

  1. What are your plans for the future?

  2. Where do you see yourself in five years?

  3. How do you plan to achieve your career goals?

(Learners should write their own answers using the phrases from the lesson.)

4. Speaking Practice

Find a partner and practice discussing your future plans using the key phrases. You can also record yourself answering the following questions:

  1. What are your short-term and long-term goals?

  2. Are you going to take any courses or internships to help achieve your goals?

  3. What challenges do you think you might face in achieving your goals?

Practicing aloud will help you build confidence in speaking about your future!

Final Tip:

When talking about your future, try to use a variety of expressions to sound more natural. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be able to discuss your goals fluently!

Happy learning!

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