IELTS Reading Practice: How to Start a Side Business

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant traction in recent years: starting a side business. This subject has been increasingly popular in IELTS exams, reflecting the growing interest in entrepreneurship and financial independence. Based on current trends and the frequency of similar topics in past exams, it’s highly likely that you may encounter a reading passage related to side businesses in your upcoming IELTS test.

Side Business Concept

Reading Passage: The Rise of Side Hustles

Text

In recent years, the concept of a “side hustle” has gained significant popularity, with more and more people looking to supplement their primary income or pursue their passions outside of their regular jobs. A side business, also known as a side hustle, is a venture that individuals undertake in addition to their main employment. This trend has been fueled by various factors, including economic uncertainty, the desire for financial independence, and the increasing accessibility of online platforms that facilitate entrepreneurship.

One of the primary reasons people start side businesses is to generate additional income. In an era of stagnant wages and rising living costs, many individuals find that their regular salaries are no longer sufficient to meet their financial goals or maintain their desired lifestyle. A side business can provide a much-needed boost to one’s income, allowing for greater financial security and the ability to save for future investments or unexpected expenses.

Moreover, side businesses offer an opportunity for personal growth and skill development. Engaging in entrepreneurial activities outside of one’s primary job can lead to the acquisition of new skills, such as marketing, financial management, and customer service. These skills not only contribute to the success of the side venture but can also prove valuable in one’s main career, potentially leading to promotions or new job opportunities.

The digital age has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs. Online platforms and marketplaces have made it easier than ever to start a side business with minimal initial investment. For instance, e-commerce platforms like Etsy allow artisans to sell their handmade products globally, while freelancing websites such as Upwork provide opportunities for professionals to offer their services to clients worldwide. Social media platforms have also become powerful tools for marketing and building a customer base, enabling side business owners to reach their target audience effectively and cost-efficiently.

However, starting and maintaining a side business is not without its challenges. Time management is often cited as one of the biggest hurdles, as individuals must balance their regular job responsibilities with the demands of their side venture. This can lead to long working hours and potential burnout if not managed properly. Additionally, there may be legal and tax implications to consider, depending on the nature and scale of the side business.

Despite these challenges, the benefits of starting a side business often outweigh the drawbacks for many entrepreneurs. Beyond the financial gains, side hustles can provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose, allowing individuals to pursue their passions and potentially transition to full-time entrepreneurship if their venture proves successful. The flexibility and autonomy offered by side businesses are particularly appealing to those seeking a better work-life balance or looking to escape the constraints of traditional employment.

As the gig economy continues to grow and evolve, it’s likely that side businesses will become an increasingly common feature of the modern workforce. Whether driven by financial necessity or the desire for personal and professional growth, more people are embracing the opportunities presented by side hustles. With the right planning, dedication, and resources, a side business can not only provide additional income but also pave the way for a more fulfilling and financially secure future.

Questions

1. Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

   What is the main reason people start side businesses, according to the passage?
   A) To escape their primary job
   B) To generate additional income
   C) To become famous entrepreneurs
   D) To learn new languages

2. Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?
   Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
   Write FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
   Write NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

   a) Side businesses always lead to full-time entrepreneurship.
   b) Online platforms have made it easier to start a side business.
   c) All side businesses require a large initial investment.

3. Complete the sentences below.
   Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.

   a) A side business is also known as a .
   b) Starting a side business can lead to the acquisition of new skills such as marketing and .
   c) is often cited as one of the biggest challenges when running a side business.

4. Which TWO of the following are mentioned as benefits of starting a side business?
   Choose TWO letters, A-E.

   A) Guaranteed success
   B) Personal growth
   C) Skill development
   D) Immediate wealth
   E) Celebrity status

5. Answer the questions below using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

   a) What type of platform allows artisans to sell their handmade products globally?
   b) Which social tools have become powerful for marketing side businesses?
   c) What kind of implications should be considered when starting a side business, apart from legal issues?

Answers and Explanations

1. B
   Explanation: The passage states, “One of the primary reasons people start side businesses is to generate additional income.”

2. a) FALSE – The passage says side hustles can “potentially transition to full-time entrepreneurship if their venture proves successful,” not that they always lead to it.
   b) TRUE – The passage mentions, “The digital age has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs.”
   c) FALSE – The text states, “Online platforms and marketplaces have made it easier than ever to start a side business with minimal initial investment.”

3. a) side hustle
   b) financial management
   c) Time management

   Explanation: These phrases are directly quoted from the passage.

4. B and C
   Explanation: The passage mentions both personal growth and skill development as benefits of starting a side business.

5. a) e-commerce platforms
   b) Social media platforms
   c) tax implications

   Explanation: These answers are taken directly from the text and fit the context of the questions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When tackling a reading passage like this, students often make the following mistakes:

1. Overlooking key phrases: Pay attention to phrases like “primary reasons” or “one of the biggest hurdles” as they often lead to correct answers.

2. Making assumptions: Avoid inferring information not explicitly stated in the text. For example, the passage doesn’t claim all side businesses lead to full-time entrepreneurship.

3. Mismanaging time: Some students spend too much time on difficult questions, leaving insufficient time for easier ones. Practice time management regularly.

4. Ignoring word limits: When answers require a specific number of words, strictly adhere to this limit to avoid losing marks unnecessarily.

Vocabulary Focus

Here are some challenging words from the passage:

1. Stagnant (adjective) – /ˈstæɡnənt/ – showing little or no activity or growth
   Example: The company’s profits have remained stagnant for the past three years.

2. Entrepreneurial (adjective) – /ˌɑːntrəprəˈnɜːriəl/ – characterized by the taking of financial risks in the hope of profit
   Example: Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to start three successful businesses before the age of 30.

3. Autonomy (noun) – /ɔːˈtɑːnəmi/ – freedom from external control or influence; independence
   Example: Many employees value the autonomy they have in their current positions.

Grammar Spotlight

Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in the passage:

“The concept of a ‘side hustle’ has gained significant popularity”

This tense is used to describe actions that started in the past and continue to have relevance in the present. It’s formed using ‘have/has’ + past participle.

Example: The digital age has significantly lowered the barriers to entry for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Practice active reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental notes as you read.

2. Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their contextual usage to enhance your comprehension skills.

3. Time management: Allocate your time wisely across all questions. If you’re stuck on a question, move on and return to it later if time permits.

4. Read the questions first: This can help you focus on relevant information while reading the passage.

5. Don’t panic if you encounter unfamiliar topics: The answers are always in the text. Focus on understanding the main ideas and key details.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and the application of effective strategies. Keep refining your skills, and you’ll see improvement over time.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Reading score, check out our guide on how to create a successful study plan. Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring other business-related topics that might appear in IELTS, take a look at our article on how to start a sustainable business.