For those preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, being able to describe a successful small business you know about effectively is crucial, as this topic frequently appears in examinations.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you shop at small businesses?
- What kinds of small businesses are popular in your area?
- Would you like to start your own business?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I regularly patronize small businesses in my neighborhood. There’s this charming local bakery that I particularly favor because of their artisanal bread and personalized service. They’ve been thriving for over a decade now.”
Successful local bakery showing fresh bread and customers
Part 2: Cue Card
You should say:
- What the business is
- Who runs it
- How you know about it
- Why you think it is successful
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to tell you about a remarkable small coffee shop called ‘The Daily Grind’ that has become incredibly successful in my neighborhood. The business is expertly managed by Sarah Chen, a young entrepreneur who transformed her passion for coffee into a thriving enterprise.
I first discovered this café when it opened two years ago, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed by its steady growth. What makes it particularly successful is its innovative approach to combining traditional coffee-making methods with modern technology. They’ve implemented a sophisticated mobile ordering system while maintaining the personal touch in customer service.
The owner has demonstrated exceptional business acumen by identifying and fulfilling a gap in the local market. She sources premium coffee beans directly from sustainable farms and offers barista training programs, which has helped establish the café as a hub for coffee enthusiasts.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: What makes small businesses successful in today’s competitive market?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The success of small businesses in today’s market often hinges on several critical factors. Firstly, they need to demonstrate adaptability and be willing to embrace technological innovations. Additionally, successful small businesses typically excel at providing personalized customer experiences that larger corporations cannot match.
Furthermore, what makes a small business successful ielts often comes down to their ability to build strong community relationships and maintain consistent quality in their products or services.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Venture /ˈventʃər/ (n): a business enterprise
- Scale up (phrasal verb): to expand a business operation
- Market niche /nɪtʃ/ (n): a specialized market segment
- Customer retention (n): the ability to keep customers
- Brand loyalty (n): customers’ commitment to a brand
- Innovative approach (phrase): new methods or ideas
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Incorporate business terminology naturally
- Show awareness of current business trends
- Structure your response logically
- Express opinions clearly with supporting reasons
Remember to describe a new restaurant or café that opened in your area using similar techniques to achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.
