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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Businessman You Admire: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Sep 10, 2024, 12:43

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a task in the speaking section of the IELTS exam where you are asked to speak about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. It assesses your ability to speak fluently, coherently, and confidently on various topics. Cue cards provide specific prompts to guide your response and showcase your speaking skills effectively.
 

One such topic is Describe A Businessman You Admire. Business people play a significant role in shaping economies, creating job opportunities, and driving innovation. They inspire others with their leadership, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit, making a profound impact on society and the business world.

 

Throughout this page, we'll provide sample answers to help you understand how to respond effectively to this cue card.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Businessman You Admire

You should say

  • Who is this person?
  • How you got to know this person?
  • What kind of business this person does?
  • Why do you admire this person?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: Who this person is?)

 

  • The businessman I really look up to is Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys.
  • I first got to know about him during my college days when I was studying engineering. 
  • His name was everywhere, and his story of building Infosys from scratch was truly inspiring. 
  • Since then, I've admired him for his vision, leadership, and contributions to the Indian IT industry.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How you got to know this person?)

 

  • I remember reading about Narayana Murthy's journey in a biography during my college library sessions. 
  • His determination to create a world-class IT company in India resonated with me deeply. 
  • As I learned more about his principles of integrity, humility, and hard work, I began to see him not just as a successful businessman but as a role model.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What kind of business this person does?)

 

  • Narayana Murthy's business journey is centred around Infosys, one of India's largest and most respected IT companies. 
  • Founded in 1981, Infosys pioneered the Indian IT outsourcing industry and played a crucial role in putting India on the global technology map. 
  • Murthy's emphasis on innovation, quality, and ethical business practices has been instrumental in Infosys' success and its reputation as a global leader in technology services.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why do you admire this person?)

 

  • In conclusion, I admire Narayana Murthy for his unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and social responsibility. 
  • His contributions to the Indian IT industry have not only transformed Infosys into a global powerhouse but have also inspired countless entrepreneurs and professionals, including myself. 
  • Narayana Murthy's legacy serves as a guiding light for aspiring business leaders, reminding us that with vision, determination, and ethical values, anything is possible.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction  (Covers: Who this person is?)

 

  • Let me tell you about a remarkable businessman I greatly admire - Azim Premji, the founder of Wipro Limited. 
  • I first came to know about him through news articles and interviews highlighting his philanthropic efforts and business achievements. 
  • His journey from inheriting a small cooking oil company to transforming it into one of India's leading IT giants is truly inspiring. 
  • Since then, I've been fascinated by his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to social causes.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How you got to know this person?)

 

  • I became acquainted with Azim Premji's work during my undergraduate studies in computer science. 
  • As I delved deeper into the field of technology, I often came across references to Wipro and its innovative solutions. 
  • Learning about Premji's leadership and his commitment to excellence in business ethics left a lasting impression on me. 
  • His emphasis on education and social welfare initiatives further solidified my admiration for him.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: What kind of business this person does?)
 

  • Azim Premji's business endeavours primarily revolve around Wipro Limited, a multinational corporation offering IT, consulting, and business process services. 
  • Under his leadership, Wipro has grown into one of the largest software companies in India, with a global presence and a reputation for delivering quality solutions to clients worldwide. 
  • Premji's strategic decisions, such as diversifying into IT services during the 1980s, have been instrumental in Wipro's success and growth trajectory.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why do you admire this person?)

 

  • In conclusion, Azim Premji is not just a successful businessman but also a beacon of corporate responsibility and philanthropy. 
  • His dedication to ethical business practices, coupled with his philanthropic initiatives through the Azim Premji Foundation, demonstrates his commitment to making a positive impact on society. 
  • I deeply admire Azim Premji for his visionary leadership, entrepreneurial acumen, and unwavering dedication to social welfare. His journey continues to inspire me in my own pursuits.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: Who this person is?)

 

  • Let me introduce you to a remarkable entrepreneur I deeply admire - Mukesh Ambani, the chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). 
  • I first became aware of him through news articles and documentaries showcasing his contributions to the Indian business landscape. 
  • His visionary leadership and innovative business strategies have earned him widespread recognition, making him a prominent figure in the global business arena. 
  • Since then, I've been inspired by his entrepreneurial journey and his transformative impact on various industries.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: How you got to know this person?)

 

  • My interest in Mukesh Ambani grew as I learned more about his entrepreneurial ventures and his role in shaping India's economy. 
  • His ability to steer Reliance Industries towards becoming one of the largest conglomerates in India fascinated me. 
  • Through his pioneering efforts in sectors such as telecommunications, retail, and energy, Ambani has demonstrated his foresight and resilience in navigating complex business environments. 
  • His commitment to driving innovation and creating sustainable business models has left a profound impression on me.

 

Key Highlights  (Covers: What kind of business this person does?)
 

  • Mukesh Ambani's business empire encompasses diverse sectors, with Reliance Industries serving as the cornerstone of his entrepreneurial journey. 
  • Under his leadership, Reliance has achieved significant milestones, such as the launch of Jio, India's largest telecommunications network, and the expansion of its retail arm, Reliance Retail, into a powerhouse in the Indian retail sector. 
  • Ambani's strategic investments and forward-thinking approach have propelled Reliance Industries to new heights, cementing its position as a global leader in several industries.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why do you admire this person?)

 

  • In conclusion, Mukesh Ambani exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, inspiring millions of aspiring businessmen and women across the globe. 
  • His relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his commitment to driving positive change through business, sets him apart as a visionary leader. 
  • I admire Mukesh Ambani not only for his business acumen but also for his philanthropic initiatives aimed at uplifting communities and fostering economic growth. 
  • His journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and innovation in achieving success on a global scale.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some guiding points. You’ll have one minute to prepare your response and then speak for up to two minutes.

 

The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe A Businessman You Admire:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Introduce the businessman you admire, providing their name, occupation, and any relevant background information. 
  • Explain why you chose to talk about them and what makes them inspirational to you.

 

Describing Your Experience:

 

  • Share your personal connection or admiration for the businessman. 
  • Discuss how their work or achievements have influenced you or made an impact on society. 
  • Highlight specific qualities or actions that you find admirable.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Focus on the key accomplishments, leadership qualities, or contributions of the businessman. 
  • Provide examples or anecdotes that illustrate their impact on their industry or community. 
  • Highlight any innovative strategies or initiatives they have implemented.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise your admiration for the businessman and reiterate why you find them inspiring. 
  • Reflect on the lessons you've learned from their success and their influence on your aspirations or career goals. 
  • End with a final thought or reflection on their legacy.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you finish speaking about your cue card topic, the examiner will ask follow-up questions. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. 

 

You should expect to answer questions related to your personal experiences, opinions, or general ideas about the topic.

 

Q1. What qualities do people need to run their own businesses?

Answer 1: To run a successful business, qualities such as resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills are essential. Adaptability to changing market conditions, effective communication, and the ability to delegate tasks are also crucial. Furthermore, having a strong work ethic, financial literacy, and the willingness to take calculated risks can contribute to entrepreneurial success.

 

Answer 2:  Running a business requires a combination of leadership, determination, and vision. Individuals need to be self-motivated, disciplined, and able to manage time effectively. Additionally, having a clear understanding of market trends, customer needs, and competitors' strategies is vital. Flexibility, innovation and the ability to learn from failures are also key qualities for entrepreneurs.

Q2. If you had the opportunity to open your own business, what would it be and why?

Answer 1: If given a chance, I would open a sustainable fashion brand that promotes ethical practices and environmental conservation. I believe in the importance of eco-friendly fashion and want to contribute to reducing the industry's carbon footprint. By offering stylish yet sustainable clothing options, I aim to raise awareness about the environmental impact of fast fashion and inspire consumers to make conscious choices.

 

Answer 2: Given the opportunity, I would venture into the hospitality industry by opening a boutique hotel that focuses on promoting local culture and heritage. I am passionate about providing unique travel experiences that showcase the rich traditions and cuisine of different regions. Through personalised service and authentic experiences, I aspire to create a welcoming environment where guests can immerse themselves in the local culture and create lasting memories.

Q3. What do you think are key factors that contribute to the success of a business?

Answer 1: Key factors contributing to business success include having a clear vision and mission, strong leadership, and a well-defined business strategy. Building a loyal customer base through exceptional products or services, effective marketing, and customer satisfaction is crucial. Additionally, maintaining financial stability, fostering a positive work culture, and continuously innovating to stay competitive are vital for long-term success.

 

Answer 2: Success in business often hinges on factors such as market research, identifying niche opportunities, and adapting to changing consumer preferences. Building strong partnerships, leveraging technology to streamline operations, and investing in employee training and development are also critical. Furthermore, maintaining transparency, integrity, and ethical business practices builds trust and credibility, fostering sustainable growth and success.

Q4. What do you think should be the retirement age for men and women?

Answer 1:  In my opinion, the retirement age for both men and women should be flexible and based on individual circumstances. While a standard retirement age provides a benchmark, factors such as health, financial stability, and personal preferences should be considered. Encouraging opportunities for phased retirement or part-time work can support individuals in transitioning to retirement while ensuring continued engagement and contribution to society.

 

Answer 2: I believe the retirement age should be determined by factors such as life expectancy, economic conditions, and changes in workforce demographics. Providing incentives for delayed retirement, such as higher pension benefits or access to flexible work arrangements, can encourage individuals to remain active in the workforce for longer. Moreover, policies promoting lifelong learning and skill development can enable older workers to remain productive and contribute to the economy.

FAQs

Q. What happens if I don't speak for 2 minutes in IELTS?

Ans. If you don't speak for the entire 2 minutes in the IELTS speaking test, the examiner will prompt you to continue speaking or move on to the next question. It's essential to utilise the entire speaking time to showcase your English language proficiency and demonstrate your ability to express yourself fluently and coherently.

Q. How can I get 8.5 in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Achieving an 8.5 in IELTS speaking requires strong English language skills and effective communication techniques. Focus on improving your fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. Practice regularly, seek feedback from teachers or peers, and familiarise yourself with the test format and scoring criteria to maximise your performance.

Q. Is there any dress code for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. There is no specific dress code for the IELTS speaking test. However, it's advisable to dress neatly and comfortably, as you would for any professional or formal setting, to create a positive impression during the test.

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