When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about their local environment and daily experiences. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a local business you often visit. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, helping you achieve a high band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about local businesses. Here are a few examples:
- Do you often visit local businesses in your area?
- What types of local businesses are popular in your city?
- How important do you think local businesses are to a community?
Let’s focus on answering the first question:
Question: Do you often visit local businesses in your area?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do visit local businesses quite frequently. There’s a small grocery store near my house that I go to almost every day to buy fresh vegetables and fruits. It’s convenient and the owner is very friendly.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m a strong advocate for supporting local businesses, and I make a conscious effort to patronize them regularly. For instance, there’s a quaint little bookstore just around the corner from my apartment that I frequent at least once a week. Not only does it offer a carefully curated selection of books, but it also serves as a community hub where locals gather for book clubs and author readings. I find that these local establishments add a unique charm and character to our neighborhood that you simply can’t get from large chain stores.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a local business you often visit. You should say:
- What kind of business it is
- Where it is located
- Why you often go there
- And explain how you feel about this business
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a local coffee shop that I often visit. It’s a small café located in the heart of my city, just a few blocks away from my workplace. I usually go there during my lunch breaks or after work to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
The main reason I frequently visit this café is because of its cozy atmosphere and delicious coffee. They serve a variety of coffee blends, and I particularly enjoy their cappuccino. The staff is always friendly and remembers my usual order, which makes me feel like a valued customer.
I have positive feelings about this business. It’s a great place to unwind after a long day at work or to meet friends for casual conversations. The prices are reasonable, and the quality of their products is consistently good. Overall, I’m glad to have such a nice local café in my neighborhood.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to describe a local artisanal bakery that has become an integral part of my daily routine. This charming establishment is nestled in a quaint corner of my neighborhood, just a stone’s throw away from my apartment.
The bakery specializes in handcrafted, organic bread and pastries, using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. What sets it apart is its commitment to sustainability – they use biodegradable packaging and have a zero-waste policy, which aligns perfectly with my personal values.
I find myself gravitating towards this bakery almost every morning, drawn by the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. It’s not just about satisfying my taste buds, though that’s certainly a significant factor. The bakery has fostered a sense of community in our neighborhood. The owner, a passionate baker named Sarah, knows most of her regular customers by name and often engages in friendly banter.
My feelings towards this business are overwhelmingly positive. It’s more than just a place to buy bread; it’s a local institution that embodies the spirit of our community. The bakery supports local farmers by sourcing ingredients from them, thereby contributing to the local economy. Moreover, they often collaborate with nearby schools for baking workshops, instilling a love for artisanal crafts in the younger generation.
In essence, this bakery represents everything I value in a local business – quality products, environmental consciousness, community engagement, and a personal touch. It’s a testament to the fact that small, local businesses can have a profound impact on the fabric of a neighborhood, enhancing our daily lives in ways that go far beyond mere transactions.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this local business changed over time?
- Do you think it faces any challenges from larger chain stores?
Band 6-7 Answer for Question 1:
The bakery has grown quite a bit since it first opened. They’ve expanded their menu to include more variety of breads and pastries. They’ve also started offering some gluten-free options to cater to more customers. I’ve noticed they’ve become busier over time, which is good for their business.
Band 8-9 Answer for Question 1:
Over the years, I’ve witnessed this bakery undergo a remarkable transformation while staying true to its core values. Initially a modest operation offering a limited selection of breads, it has evolved into a culinary destination in our neighborhood. The most significant change has been their expansion into organic and specialty items, responding to the growing demand for healthier, more diverse options. They’ve also embraced technology, introducing an online ordering system and a loyalty app, which has streamlined their operations and enhanced customer convenience.
However, what’s truly impressive is how they’ve managed this growth without compromising their artisanal approach or community focus. If anything, their success has allowed them to deepen their community involvement, sponsoring local events and even starting a small grant program for aspiring young bakers. This adaptive yet principled approach to business growth is, in my opinion, a key factor in their enduring success and popularity.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think local businesses contribute to the economy of a city?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Local businesses play an important role in a city’s economy. They create jobs for local people and keep money within the community. When people shop at local stores, the money tends to stay in the area, which helps the local economy grow. Also, local businesses often buy from other local suppliers, which creates a network of support within the city.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Local businesses are, in my view, the lifeblood of a city’s economy, contributing in multifaceted and profound ways. Firstly, they serve as significant job creators, often providing employment opportunities that are more tailored to the local workforce and more resistant to outsourcing compared to large corporations. This local employment not only reduces unemployment rates but also fosters a sense of community pride and economic stability.
Moreover, local businesses tend to have a higher local multiplier effect. This means that for every dollar spent at a local business, a larger portion remains within the local economy compared to money spent at chain stores. Local business owners are more likely to reinvest their profits locally, whether through expanding their businesses, supporting other local enterprises, or contributing to local causes.
Additionally, local businesses often cater to the unique needs and preferences of their community, leading to a more diverse and resilient local economy. This diversity can make the city more attractive to tourists and new residents, further stimulating economic growth.
Lastly, local businesses frequently serve as incubators for innovation and entrepreneurship. They can be more agile in responding to local market demands and often pioneer solutions to local problems, potentially leading to broader economic impacts if these innovations scale up.
In essence, local businesses don’t just contribute to a city’s economy; they form the very fabric of its economic ecosystem, fostering growth, resilience, and community well-being in ways that extend far beyond mere financial transactions.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Artisanal /ɑːrˈtɪzənl/ (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of an artisan’s work, especially high-quality or distinctive.
Example: The bakery specializes in artisanal breads made using traditional methods. -
Sustainability /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Example: The café’s focus on sustainability is evident in their use of locally sourced, organic ingredients. -
To foster /ˈfɑːstər/ (verb): To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
Example: The local bookstore fosters a love for reading in the community through its regular book club meetings. -
Integral /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ (adjective): Necessary and important as a part of a whole.
Example: The family-owned grocery store has become an integral part of our neighborhood. -
To gravitate towards /ˈɡrævɪteɪt təˈwɔːrdz/ (phrasal verb): To be attracted to or move towards something.
Example: I find myself gravitating towards the local coffee shop whenever I need a quiet place to work. -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: The contribution of local businesses to our city’s economy is multifaceted, affecting employment, community spirit, and local innovation.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a local business:
-
Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Don’t just stick to simple words and phrases.
-
Provide specific examples and personal experiences to support your points. This demonstrates your ability to communicate ideas clearly and effectively.
-
Show awareness of broader issues related to local businesses, such as their impact on the community and economy. This displays critical thinking skills.
-
Practice speaking about different types of local businesses beforehand, so you’re prepared for any topic that might come up.
-
Be fluent and coherent in your responses. Organize your thoughts logically and use appropriate linking words to connect your ideas.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
Describing a food market you like to visit can be another interesting topic that may come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Practicing such topics will help you become more versatile in your responses.