The topic “Describe A Local Business That Is Successful” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss local economic activities, entrepreneurship, and business success factors. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about local businesses and your experience with them. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Are there many small businesses in your area?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, there are quite a few small businesses in my neighborhood. We have a diverse range of local shops, from family-run grocery stores to trendy cafes and boutiques. It’s fascinating to see how these businesses contribute to the local economy and create a sense of community.”

2. Do you prefer shopping at small local shops or large chain stores?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I tend to gravitate towards small local shops for several reasons. Firstly, I appreciate the personalized service they often provide. Additionally, shopping at local businesses allows me to support the community and contribute to the local economy. That being said, I recognize that large chain stores can offer competitive prices and a wider selection of products, so I occasionally shop there for specific items.”

Describe a moment when you felt proud of someone else can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, especially if you’re talking about a local business owner who has achieved success.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a local business that is successful
You should say:

• What the business is
• Where it is located
• Why you think it is successful
• And explain how you feel about this business

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

“I’d like to talk about a successful local business in my hometown. It’s a small bakery called ‘Sweet Delights’ that’s located in the heart of our town center. The bakery has been around for about five years now, and it’s become quite popular among locals and visitors alike.

I think Sweet Delights is successful for several reasons. Firstly, they offer a wide range of delicious pastries and bread that are always fresh and of high quality. Secondly, the owners are very friendly and provide excellent customer service. They remember their regular customers’ names and preferences, which makes people feel special.

Another factor contributing to their success is their innovative approach to business. They often introduce new and unique flavors, keeping their menu exciting and attracting curious customers. They also use social media effectively to promote their products and engage with their customers.

Personally, I feel very positive about this business. It’s inspiring to see a local enterprise thrive in a competitive market. I admire the owners’ dedication and hard work, and I’m always happy to support them by buying their delicious treats. Their success sets a great example for other aspiring entrepreneurs in our community.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to discuss a thriving local enterprise in my vicinity that has garnered significant attention and success. The business in question is an artisanal coffee roastery called ‘Brew & Co.’, strategically situated in the bustling downtown area of our city.

Brew & Co. has carved out a niche for itself in the competitive coffee market through a combination of factors that I believe have been instrumental to its success. Primarily, their unwavering commitment to sourcing high-quality, ethically produced coffee beans sets them apart from run-of-the-mill cafes. They have established direct trade relationships with coffee farmers in various countries, ensuring fair compensation and sustainable practices.

Moreover, their success can be attributed to their innovative approach to coffee culture. They regularly host coffee tasting events and workshops, educating customers about different brewing methods and flavor profiles. This not only enhances customer engagement but also positions them as experts in their field.

Another key factor is their adept use of digital marketing. They have a strong social media presence, sharing behind-the-scenes content of their roasting process and highlighting their partnerships with local farmers. This transparency and authenticity resonate well with today’s conscientious consumers.

From my perspective, Brew & Co.’s success is both impressive and inspiring. It’s heartening to see a local business not only survive but thrive in an industry dominated by large chains. Their success serves as a testament to the power of passion, quality, and community engagement in business. Furthermore, their ethical practices and commitment to sustainability align with my personal values, making me feel proud to support such an enterprise.

In conclusion, Brew & Co.’s success story exemplifies how a local business can carve out its own space in a competitive market by focusing on quality, innovation, and community connection. It’s a shining example of entrepreneurial spirit and a source of inspiration for aspiring business owners in our area.”

Follow-up Questions

1. What challenges do you think this business might face in the future?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While Brew & Co. has established a strong foothold in the local market, they may face several challenges moving forward. One potential hurdle could be maintaining consistency in their product quality as they expand. As demand grows, they might struggle to source enough high-quality beans while adhering to their ethical standards. Additionally, they may face increased competition from other specialty coffee shops emulating their model. To stay ahead of the curve, they’ll need to continuously innovate and differentiate their offerings.”

2. How do you think local businesses contribute to the community?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Local businesses play a pivotal role in community development. They contribute significantly to the local economy by creating jobs and keeping money circulating within the area. Moreover, they often foster a sense of identity and pride in the community. Many local business owners actively participate in community events and support local causes, strengthening social bonds. They also tend to offer unique products or services that reflect local tastes and preferences, adding character to the neighborhood and attracting visitors.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Let’s discuss local businesses in a broader context. What do you think are the main factors that contribute to a local business’s success?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe several key factors contribute to a local business’s success. Firstly, understanding the local market and customer needs is crucial. Successful businesses often tailor their products or services to meet specific local demands. Secondly, providing exceptional customer service can set a local business apart from larger competitors. Building personal relationships with customers often leads to loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Another important factor is effective marketing, particularly in the digital age. Local businesses need to establish a strong online presence and engage with customers through social media. Additionally, adapting to changing trends and being willing to innovate can help businesses stay relevant.

Lastly, I think community involvement plays a significant role. Local businesses that actively participate in community events and support local causes often gain goodwill and customer loyalty.”

Examiner: “How do you think the rise of e-commerce has affected local businesses?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The proliferation of e-commerce has undoubtedly posed significant challenges for local businesses, but it has also created new opportunities. On one hand, local businesses now face increased competition from online retailers who can offer a wider range of products, often at lower prices due to their scale and lower overhead costs. This has put pressure on traditional brick-and-mortar stores to adapt or risk becoming obsolete.

However, many savvy local businesses have leveraged e-commerce to their advantage. They’ve expanded their reach beyond their local area by setting up online stores and using platforms like social media for marketing. This has allowed them to tap into new markets and increase sales without the need for physical expansion.

Moreover, the rise of e-commerce has highlighted the unique value that local businesses can offer. Many consumers still crave the personalized experience and immediate gratification that local shops provide. As a result, we’ve seen a trend towards ‘hybrid’ models, where local businesses combine physical stores with online services, offering things like click-and-collect or local delivery.

Interestingly, e-commerce has also facilitated the growth of new types of local businesses. For instance, there’s been a rise in local artisans and makers who can now easily sell their products online while maintaining a local identity.

In conclusion, while e-commerce has certainly disrupted traditional retail models, it has also created new avenues for local businesses to innovate and reach customers. The most successful local businesses are those that have adeptly navigated this digital transformation, blending the benefits of e-commerce with the unique advantages of being local.”

Describe a time when you were happy with your job or studies could be a great topic to discuss if you’ve had experience working in or with a successful local business.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. To carve out a niche (idiom): /kɑːrv aʊt ə niːʃ/ – to create a special area of demand for a product or service
   Example: “The bakery carved out a niche for itself by specializing in gluten-free pastries.”

2. To garner attention (phrase): /ˈɡɑːrnər əˈtenʃn/ – to attract interest or notice
   Example: “Their innovative marketing campaigns garnered significant attention from local media.”

3. Thriving (adjective): /θraɪvɪŋ/ – prosperous and growing; very successful
   Example: “Despite the economic downturn, the local bookstore remained a thriving business.”

4. To align with (phrasal verb): /əˈlaɪn wɪð/ – to agree with or support
   Example: “The company’s eco-friendly practices aligned with the community’s values.”

5. To set apart (phrasal verb): /set əˈpɑːrt/ – to make someone or something different or special
   Example: “Their exceptional customer service set them apart from their competitors.”

Describe a person who has a busy lifestyle could be an interesting topic to explore when discussing successful local business owners who often lead very busy lives.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a successful local business:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
2. Provide specific examples and details to support your points and make your description vivid.
3. Show your ability to analyze by discussing reasons for the business’s success and its impact on the community.
4. Practice speaking about different types of local businesses to be prepared for any variation of this topic.
5. Be prepared to discuss broader issues related to local businesses, such as economic impact, challenges faced, and future trends.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim to speak fluently and confidently, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your level.

Describe a skill you are currently trying to improve could be relevant if you’re working on improving your business or entrepreneurial skills, inspired by successful local businesses.

IELTS Speaking test preparation

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss successful local businesses in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is not just to describe the business, but to demonstrate your English language skills through your description and analysis.