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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Small Business You Want To Start

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 14:35

Overview

The IELTS Speaking cue card is a pivotal part of the IELTS Speaking test, designed to evaluate how fluently you speak about a given topic for 1-2 minutes. This task assesses various aspects of your spoken English, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, and pronunciation. 
 

Fun fact: IELTS is accepted by USAUKAustralia, and Canada
 

One intriguing topic within this assessment is describing a small business you aspire to start. This prompt encourages you to showcase your entrepreneurial flair and creativity by envisioning a business that aligns with your passions and skills. 
 

Whether you find inspiration during everyday activities or through moments of deep reflection, this cue card allows you to explore innovative business ideas. 
 

Let’s explore some sample answers for this topic! Find valuable insights and ideas to structure your response well.
 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe Something That You Did With Someone A Group Of People

You should say

  • What business would it be?
  • When do you want to start it?
  • Why have you not started it yet?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What business would it be?) 

 

  • I've always dreamt of launching a cosy bookstore café, a haven where book lovers can indulge in their passion for reading while enjoying freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries. 
  • This idea combines my love for literature and the culinary arts, creating a welcoming space for people to unwind and connect over shared interests.

 

Describing My Interest

 

  • My fascination with books began in childhood, sparked by the enchanting worlds authors crafted through their words. Over the years, working in various bookshops and cafes, I've seen firsthand how these spaces can foster a sense of community and intellectual curiosity. 
  • This has inspired me to create a place that offers great reads and serves as a hub for cultural exchange and creative expression.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: When do you want to start it? Why have you not started it yet?)

 

  • Ideally, I aim to start my bookstore café within the next year. I've meticulously planned every detail, from the location scouting to sourcing sustainable suppliers, to ensure a seamless launch that aligns with my vision.
  • Launching a business, especially one as personal and intricate as a bookstore café, requires careful preparation. To ensure the venture's long-term success, I've been conducting market research, refining my business plan, and securing funding. 

 

Leap to Learn: Word of the Moment!

Meticulously: in a way that shows great attention to detail; very thoroughly.

 

Conclusion

  • Launching this venture is about more than pursuing a business opportunity; it's about enriching our community's cultural landscape. 
  • By offering a unique blend of literature and culinary delights, I hope to create a space that fosters learning, creativity, and meaningful connections among book lovers and café enthusiasts alike.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers: What business would it be?) 

 

  • I've always had a passion for environmental conservation and sustainable living, which has inspired my dream of starting a small organic farm. 
  • This farm would not only produce fresh, pesticide-free fruits and vegetables but also serve as an educational hub for sustainable farming practices in the community.

 

Describing My Interest

 

  • My journey towards organic farming began during my university years, where I studied environmental science and worked on several agricultural projects focused on sustainable practices. 
  • This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of the importance of soil health and biodiversity in farming.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: When do you want to start it? Why have you not started it yet?)

 

  • I aim to begin my organic farm within the next two years. Currently, I'm in the process of securing land and obtaining certifications for organic farming practices. 
  • Launching an organic farm involves significant planning and investment. I've been researching market demand, building partnerships with local markets and restaurants, and preparing a detailed business plan to attract potential investors. 

 

Conclusion

 

  • Starting this organic farm isn't just about growing food; it's about promoting a healthier lifestyle and fostering environmental stewardship. I envision our farm becoming a place where families can reconnect with nature, learn about sustainable agriculture, and support local food systems. 
  • Through this venture, I hope to contribute positively to our environment and inspire others to embrace organic farming practices.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What business would it be?)

 

  • I've always been drawn to the world of technology and innovation, which has led me to envision starting a small software development consultancy. 
  • This consultancy would specialize in creating custom software solutions for businesses, focusing on enhancing efficiency and driving digital transformation.

 

Describing My Interest

 

  • My fascination with software development began during my undergraduate studies in computer science, where I delved into programming languages and software architecture. 
  • Working on various projects and internships in tech startups further fueled my passion for creating practical and impactful software solutions.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: When do you want to start it? Why have you not started it yet?)

 

  • My goal is to launch the software development consultancy within the next year. Currently, I'm refining my service offerings, establishing partnerships with local businesses, and building a talented team of developers. 
  • Starting a software consultancy involves meticulous planning and preparation. I've been conducting market research, identifying client needs, and developing a robust business strategy to ensure our services meet industry standards and exceed client expectations. 

 

Conclusion

 

  • Launching this consultancy isn't just about creating software; it's about leveraging technology to empower businesses and make a positive impact in the digital landscape. 
  • I envision our consultancy becoming a trusted partner for companies seeking cutting-edge technology solutions, contributing to their success and fostering a culture of innovation in our community.

The examiner will introduce the cue card topic by providing the task card. They will give you 1 minute to prepare your response, during which you can make notes if needed.

 

To tackle the cue card on 'Describe a Small Business You Want to Start', break your response into structured parts:
 

Introduction:

 

  • Introduce the type of business clearly and concisely. 
  • Briefly mention what inspired you to choose this business idea. 

 

Describing Your Idea:

 

  • Explain why this specific business appeals to you personally. "I believe in promoting ethical fashion choices and reducing the fashion industry's environmental footprint."
  • Share any relevant experience or skills you have in this field. 

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Detail the products or services your business will offer. 
  • Describe your target market. 

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise why starting this business is meaningful to you personally. 
  • Discuss the potential impact of your business on the community or industry. 

Follow-Up Questions

After the initial cue card round in IELTS Speaking, you can expect a follow-up question round. This phase allows examiners to delve deeper into your thoughts and opinions on the topic you've discussed. 
 

They aim to assess your ability to articulate ideas, provide explanations, and sustain a conversation on related aspects.

 

Below are some questions that may be asked in part 3, along with 2 possible answers. 

 

Q1. How has this businessperson influenced your career aspirations?

Answer 1: Their entrepreneurial journey has shown me the importance of perseverance and strategic thinking in achieving professional goals. Witnessing their success has motivated me to aim higher in my own career, aspiring to make a meaningful impact like they have.
 

Answer 2: Their emphasis on ethical business practices and dedication to community engagement has shaped my career aspirations towards a path that values integrity and social responsibility. I aim to emulate their commitment to making a positive difference through business.

Q2. What are some challenges this businessperson faced in their career, and how did they overcome them?

Answer 1: One significant challenge they navigated was entering a saturated market with innovative products. They overcame this by focusing on niche markets and leveraging unique selling propositions, which differentiated their offerings and attracted loyal customers.
 

Answer 2: Adapting to rapid technological advancements posed a challenge early in their career. They tackled this by investing in continuous learning and collaborating with tech experts, which enabled them to integrate cutting-edge solutions into their business operations.

Q3. How does this businessperson contribute to their community or industry?

Answer 1: They actively support local charities and volunteer programmes, demonstrating their commitment to giving back. Their philanthropic efforts not only enhance their company's reputation but also foster goodwill within the community.
 

Answer 2: Through mentorship programmes and educational initiatives, they empower aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals. Their dedication to nurturing talent contributes to a more vibrant and innovative business ecosystem.

Q4. In what ways has this businessperson adapted their business strategies to changing market conditions?

Answer 1: During economic downturns, they diversified their product line to include more affordable options without compromising quality. This strategic shift helped them maintain customer loyalty and navigate financial challenges effectively.
 

Answer 2: They embraced digital transformation by investing in e-commerce platforms and online marketing strategies. This shift not only expanded their market reach but also enhanced customer engagement and operational efficiency.

Q5. What qualities or skills do you think are most important for success in business, based on this businessperson's example?

Answer 1: Leadership and resilience are paramount. Their ability to inspire and lead teams through adversity has been instrumental in achieving sustainable growth and fostering a positive work culture.
 

Answer 2: Adaptability and innovation are critical. They consistently innovate and adapt their business strategies to meet evolving market demands, ensuring long-term relevance and competitiveness in their industry.

FAQs

Q. What are cue cards in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Cue cards are prompts given during the second part of the IELTS speaking test. Each card features a specific topic that you discuss for about two minutes. Following your response, the examiner asks follow-up questions to explore your answer further.

Q. How do you prepare for IELTS speaking part 2?

Ans. To prepare for cue cards:

 

  • Familiarise yourself with common topics by reviewing past IELTS speaking cue card topics available online.
  • Practice speaking on various topics: Pick a cue card topic, set a two-minute timer, speak aloud, and record yourself. Listen back to identify areas for improvement in fluency, vocabulary, and organisation.
Q. How do you give good answers in IELTS speaking part 2?

Ans. Tips for delivering effective answers:

 

  • Structure your response: Begin with a brief introduction about yourself and the topic, elaborate on key points from the cue card, and conclude by summarising your thoughts.
  • Use appropriate vocabulary: Showcase your English proficiency by incorporating relevant words and expressions related to the topic.
  • Speak confidently and fluently: Before you start, take a deep breath and maintain a steady pace. Don't worry about minor pauses; focus on conveying your ideas clearly.
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