Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a New Business Idea with Confidence

The topic of describing a new business idea is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to articulate innovative concepts, discuss entrepreneurship, and showcase their language skills in a professional context. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about business and entrepreneurship. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you have any interest in starting a business?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of entrepreneurship. The prospect of creating something from scratch and seeing it grow is incredibly appealing to me. I’ve been toying with a few business ideas recently and even started researching what it would take to bring them to life.”

2. What kind of businesses are popular in your country?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“In my country, we’ve seen a significant surge in tech startups over the past few years. These range from e-commerce platforms to innovative fintech solutions. Additionally, there’s been a notable increase in sustainable and eco-friendly businesses, reflecting a growing environmental consciousness among consumers and entrepreneurs alike.”

Describe a recent book or film that explored a social issue – this topic can provide inspiration for discussing businesses that address social issues.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a new business idea you have
You should say:
- What the business idea is
- How you came up with this idea
- What resources you would need to start this business
- And explain why you think this business would be successful

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I have an idea for a mobile app that helps people find and book local fitness classes. I came up with this idea because I often struggle to find exercise classes that fit my schedule. To start this business, I would need to hire app developers, create partnerships with local gyms, and invest in marketing. I think this business could be successful because more people are interested in fitness nowadays and want flexible options for working out.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’ve conceptualized a groundbreaking business idea: a platform that seamlessly connects local organic farmers directly with urban consumers. This innovative concept struck me during a farmers’ market visit, where I observed the stark disparity between the exorbitant prices of organic produce in supermarkets and the modest earnings of the farmers themselves.

To bring this vision to fruition, I’d need to assemble a diverse team encompassing tech experts for app and website development, logistics professionals to optimize delivery routes, and marketing specialists to effectively promote the platform. Additionally, forging strong partnerships with local farmers and securing seed funding from investors who share our vision of sustainable agriculture would be crucial.

I’m confident in the potential success of this venture for several reasons. Firstly, there’s a growing consciousness among consumers about the origins of their food and a preference for locally-sourced, organic produce. Secondly, by eliminating intermediaries, we can offer competitive prices while ensuring farmers receive fair compensation. Lastly, the convenience factor of doorstep delivery combined with the feel-good aspect of supporting local agriculture creates a compelling value proposition for urban dwellers.”

Innovative organic farm-to-table delivery platform connecting farmers and consumers

Follow-up questions:

1. How important do you think market research is for a new business?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Market research is absolutely crucial for any new business venture. It provides invaluable insights into consumer behavior, helps identify potential competitors, and allows entrepreneurs to refine their value proposition. Without thorough market research, businesses risk launching products or services that don’t align with market needs, potentially leading to costly failures. Moreover, it helps in making data-driven decisions rather than relying on assumptions, which is essential for sustainable growth and success in today’s competitive business landscape.”

2. What qualities do you think a successful entrepreneur needs?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Successful entrepreneurs typically possess a unique blend of qualities. Resilience is paramount, as the journey of building a business is often fraught with challenges and setbacks. Visionary thinking coupled with pragmatism allows them to dream big while also navigating the practical aspects of running a business. Adaptability is crucial in today’s rapidly changing business environment. Moreover, effective communication skills are essential for articulating their vision to team members, investors, and customers. Lastly, a strong ethical compass and genuine passion for their work often set truly successful entrepreneurs apart, driving them to create businesses that not only generate profit but also make a positive impact on society.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to business and entrepreneurship. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How has technology changed the way people do business in recent years?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has revolutionized the business landscape in numerous ways. E-commerce platforms have enabled businesses to reach global markets, while social media has transformed marketing strategies. Remote work technologies have made it possible for companies to operate with distributed teams, reducing overhead costs. Additionally, data analytics tools have empowered businesses to make more informed decisions based on customer behavior and market trends.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The impact of technology on business practices has been nothing short of transformative. We’ve witnessed a seismic shift from traditional brick-and-mortar operations to omnichannel approaches that seamlessly blend physical and digital presence. The advent of AI and machine learning has revolutionized everything from customer service through chatbots to predictive analytics for inventory management.

Moreover, blockchain technology is poised to disrupt industries by enhancing transparency and security in transactions. The gig economy, facilitated by digital platforms, has redefined the employer-employee relationship, offering unprecedented flexibility. Perhaps most significantly, technology has democratized entrepreneurship, allowing individuals with innovative ideas to launch and scale businesses with minimal initial capital, leveling the playing field in ways previously unimaginable.”

2. Do you think it’s better for a country to have many small businesses or a few large corporations?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a nuanced issue that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. A diverse economic ecosystem comprising both small businesses and large corporations often yields the most benefits for a country.

Small businesses are typically more agile and innovative, often serving as the breeding ground for new ideas and niche markets. They also tend to have a more direct positive impact on local communities, fostering entrepreneurship and creating personalized employment opportunities.

On the other hand, large corporations bring economies of scale, enabling them to invest in extensive R&D, compete globally, and often drive significant technological advancements. They also have the capacity to undertake large-scale projects that can have transformative effects on national infrastructure and economy.

Ideally, a symbiotic relationship between small businesses and large corporations can create a robust and resilient economic landscape. Small businesses can act as suppliers or specialized service providers to larger corporations, while big companies can provide mentorship, resources, and sometimes exit opportunities for successful small businesses.

Ultimately, the optimal balance may vary depending on a country’s specific economic goals, resources, and stage of development. Policymakers should strive to create an environment that nurtures entrepreneurship at all levels while also attracting and retaining larger corporate entities.”

Illustration of a diverse business ecosystem with small businesses and large corporations

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Innovative concept (noun phrase) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv ˈkɒnsept/ – a new and creative idea or method
   Example: “Our innovative concept revolutionized the food delivery industry.”

2. Disrupt (verb) /dɪsˈrʌpt/ – to radically change how an industry or market functions
   Example: “Their new technology is set to disrupt the entire transportation sector.”

3. Scalable (adjective) /ˈskeɪləbl/ – able to be easily expanded or upgraded on demand
   Example: “We need a scalable solution that can grow with our business.”

4. Value proposition (noun phrase) /ˈvæljuː ˌprɒpəˈzɪʃən/ – the promise of value to be delivered to customers
   Example: “Our unique value proposition is what sets us apart from competitors.”

5. Market penetration (noun phrase) /ˈmɑːkɪt ˌpenɪˈtreɪʃən/ – the extent to which a product or service is recognized and bought by customers in a particular market
   Example: “Our goal is to increase market penetration by 20% this year.”

Describe a new skill you learned during the lockdown – this topic can be related to acquiring entrepreneurial skills or learning about business during challenging times.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score when describing a new business idea:

1. Prepare diverse vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with business terminology and use it naturally in your responses.

2. Practice coherent explanations: Work on clearly articulating your ideas, ensuring logical flow between points.

3. Develop critical thinking: Be ready to analyze the potential challenges and benefits of your business idea.

4. Use real-world examples: Incorporate relevant examples to support your points and demonstrate your awareness of current business trends.

5. Show enthusiasm: Genuine interest in your idea can enhance the overall impression of your speaking performance.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having good ideas, but also about expressing them fluently, coherently, and with appropriate vocabulary. Regular practice and exposure to business-related content can significantly improve your performance.

Describe a time when you were inspired by a book or movie – this topic can be linked to finding inspiration for business ideas from various sources.