The topic of describing a successful small business is a common and important one in IELTS Speaking exams. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, analytical skills, and ability to structure a coherent response. This article will guide you through answering questions related to this topic effectively, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about small businesses. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
- Are there many small businesses in your area?
- What kinds of small businesses are popular in your country?
- Do you think it’s easy to run a small business?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, there are quite a few small businesses in my neighborhood. They range from local cafes and boutique shops to tech startups. In my country, food-related businesses like family-run restaurants and street food stalls are particularly popular. I believe running a small business can be challenging, as it requires a lot of dedication, financial management skills, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions. However, it can also be very rewarding for those with entrepreneurial spirit.”
Small businesses in a neighborhood street
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Successful Small Business You Know. You should say:
- What the business is
- Who runs it
- How you know about this business
- And explain why you think it is successful
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about a small bakery in my neighborhood called ‘Sweet Delights.’ It’s run by a middle-aged couple, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, who started the business about five years ago. I first discovered this bakery when I was looking for a birthday cake for my friend, and since then, I’ve been a regular customer.
Sweet Delights has become quite successful for several reasons. Firstly, the quality of their products is exceptional. They use fresh, organic ingredients and have a wide variety of baked goods, from artisanal bread to custom-made cakes. Secondly, the owners are very friendly and always remember their customers’ preferences, which creates a personal touch. Lastly, they’ve adapted well to changing times by offering online ordering and delivery services, which has helped them survive and thrive during challenging periods.
What impresses me most about this business is how they’ve managed to maintain high standards while growing steadily. They’ve expanded their menu and even opened a small seating area, but the quality and service have remained consistently good. I believe their success comes from a combination of passion for baking, attention to customer needs, and smart business decisions.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to share with you the success story of ‘Green Thumb,’ an innovative urban gardening supplies store in my city. This thriving enterprise is the brainchild of Sarah Chen, a former corporate executive who decided to pursue her passion for sustainable living.
I initially stumbled upon Green Thumb while researching eco-friendly hobbies, and I’ve been captivated by their business model ever since. What sets this business apart is its multifaceted approach to urban gardening. They don’t just sell products; they offer a comprehensive solution to city dwellers looking to cultivate their own produce.
The store’s success can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, Sarah identified a growing niche market – urban residents interested in sustainable living and locally sourced food. She capitalized on this trend by offering not only high-quality gardening supplies but also value-added services such as workshops, consultations, and community events.
Moreover, Green Thumb has leveraged technology effectively. They’ve developed a user-friendly app that provides personalized plant care advice, tracks growth progress, and even connects users to a community of fellow urban gardeners. This innovative integration of digital and physical experiences has significantly enhanced customer engagement and loyalty.
Another crucial element of their success is their commitment to sustainability. All products are sourced from eco-friendly suppliers, and they’ve implemented a circular economy model by offering a recycling program for used containers and packaging.
What I find most impressive about Green Thumb is how they’ve managed to transform a simple retail concept into a movement. They’re not just selling gardening supplies; they’re promoting a lifestyle and building a community. This holistic approach has not only ensured their financial success but also positioned them as thought leaders in the urban sustainability space.
In conclusion, I believe Green Thumb’s success stems from their ability to identify and fulfill a market need, their innovative use of technology, and their commitment to a larger cause. It’s a prime example of how a small business can make a significant impact by aligning its operations with broader societal trends and values.”
Interior of an urban gardening supplies store
Follow-up Questions
- How has the business adapted to changes in the market?
- What challenges do you think the business faces?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Green Thumb has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in response to market changes. When the pandemic hit, they swiftly pivoted to an online-first model, offering virtual consultations and home delivery services. They also expanded their product range to include indoor gardening kits, catering to people spending more time at home.
As for challenges, I believe one of the main issues they face is scalability while maintaining their personalized approach. As the business grows, it might become difficult to provide the same level of individualized attention that has been key to their success. Additionally, they may face increased competition as the urban gardening trend gains popularity, requiring constant innovation to stay ahead. Lastly, sourcing sustainable products at scale could become more challenging as they expand, potentially impacting their profit margins.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s talk more about small businesses. What do you think are the main differences between running a small business and a large corporation?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“There are several key differences between managing a small business and a large corporation. Firstly, small businesses often have more flexibility and can make decisions quickly, while large corporations typically have more bureaucratic processes. Small business owners are usually more hands-on and involved in day-to-day operations, whereas corporate executives may focus more on strategic planning.
Another significant difference is in resource availability. Large corporations generally have more financial resources and can weather economic downturns more easily. They also have larger teams with specialized skills. In contrast, small businesses often operate with limited resources and rely on multitasking and versatility from their employees.
However, small businesses can often forge closer relationships with their customers and respond more quickly to their needs. They may also find it easier to maintain a consistent company culture. Large corporations, while potentially more stable, may struggle with employee engagement and maintaining a personal touch with customers.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The disparities between running a small business and a large corporation are multifaceted and profound. One of the most salient differences lies in the decision-making processes. Small businesses typically exhibit greater agility and responsiveness to market changes, as decisions can often be made swiftly by a single owner or a small team. This nimbleness allows them to pivot quickly when needed. In contrast, large corporations often have multi-layered approval systems and more stakeholders to consider, which can lead to a slower response to market shifts but may result in more thoroughly vetted decisions.
Another crucial distinction is in resource allocation and utilization. Large corporations generally have access to substantial capital, allowing them to invest in cutting-edge technology, extensive market research, and large-scale marketing campaigns. They can also leverage economies of scale to reduce costs. Small businesses, while more limited in resources, often demonstrate greater resourcefulness and efficiency in their operations. They may excel in niche markets by offering specialized products or personalized services that larger companies find difficult to provide.
The organizational culture and employee dynamics also differ significantly. Small businesses often foster a more intimate work environment, where employees may wear multiple hats and have a clearer view of how their work impacts the company’s overall success. This can lead to higher levels of employee engagement and a strong sense of ownership. Large corporations, while offering more opportunities for career advancement and specialized roles, may struggle with maintaining cohesive company culture across diverse departments and geographical locations.
Lastly, the risk and reward profiles vary considerably. Small business owners often have more at stake personally, with their own capital and livelihood directly tied to the business’s success. This can drive intense dedication and innovation. Corporate executives, while facing pressure to perform, typically have less personal financial risk and may be more focused on meeting shareholder expectations and quarterly performance metrics.
In essence, while both forms of business contribute significantly to the economy, they operate in distinctly different ecosystems, each with its own set of challenges and advantages.”
Comparison of small business and large corporation
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Entrepreneurial spirit /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl ˈspɪrɪt/ (noun phrase): A mindset characterized by innovation, risk-taking, and a desire to create and run businesses.
Example: “The founder’s entrepreneurial spirit was evident in how she identified and seized new market opportunities.” -
Niche market /niːʃ ˈmɑːkɪt/ (noun phrase): A specialized segment of the market for a particular kind of product or service.
Example: “The boutique bakery found success by catering to the niche market of gluten-free and vegan desserts.” -
Innovative /ˈɪnəvətɪv/ (adjective): Introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Example: “Their innovative approach to customer service set them apart from competitors.” -
Adapt /əˈdæpt/ (verb): To change or adjust to new conditions.
Example: “Small businesses that quickly adapted to online sales during the pandemic were more likely to survive.” -
Sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/ (adjective): Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level; environmentally friendly.
Example: “The company’s commitment to sustainable practices has attracted environmentally conscious customers.” -
Diversify /daɪˈvɜːsɪfaɪ/ (verb): To vary or expand the range of products or field of operations.
Example: “To reduce risk, the small business owner decided to diversify their product range.” -
Customer retention /ˈkʌstəmə rɪˈtenʃn/ (noun phrase): The activity that a selling organization undertakes in order to reduce customer defections.
Example: “Their excellent customer retention rates are due to their personalized service and loyalty program.” -
Scale up /skeɪl ʌp/ (phrasal verb): To grow or expand in a proportional and usually profitable way.
Example: “After initial success, the challenge was to scale up operations without compromising on quality.” -
Overhead costs /ˈəʊvəhed kɒsts/ (noun phrase): The ongoing expenses of operating a business.
Example: “By operating online, the business was able to significantly reduce its overhead costs.” -
Brand loyalty /brænd ˈlɔɪəlti/ (noun phrase): The tendency of consumers to continuously purchase one brand’s products over another.
Example: “The small coffee shop has built strong brand loyalty through its consistent quality and community engagement.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing successful small businesses:
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Prepare diverse examples: Have several examples of successful small businesses ready to discuss. This demonstrates your ability to apply the concept to various contexts.
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Use specific details: When describing a business, include specific information about its operations, unique selling points, and growth trajectory. This shows your ability to analyze and explain complex ideas.
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Employ a range of vocabulary: Utilize business-specific terms and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses. This showcases your language proficiency and subject knowledge.
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Structure your answers: Organize your thoughts logically, especially in Part 2. Use discourse markers to guide the listener through your response.
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Engage critically: In Part 3, don’t just describe, but analyze and evaluate. Discuss pros and cons, and consider broader implications of small businesses on the economy and society.
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Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses. Regular practice with a variety of business-related topics can help improve your fluency.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points with explanations, examples, and personal insights.
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Stay relevant: Always keep your responses relevant to the question asked. It’s okay to briefly pause to gather your thoughts before answering.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and coherence in your responses will significantly contribute to achieving a high band score.
For more practice on handling complex topics in IELTS Speaking, you might find it helpful to describe a time when you had to handle multiple tasks at once, as this skill is often crucial in running a successful small business. Additionally, being able to describe a time when you achieved something despite difficulties can provide valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of small business ownership.
By following these tips and continuously practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss successful small businesses and other related topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!
