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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Successful Small Business That You Know About: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 13, 2024, 06:48

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt given during the speaking test to guide your response on a specific topic, assessing your ability to speak fluently and coherently.

 

Today, we’ll explore the topic: “Describe A Successful Small Business That You Know About.” Think of a local business you’re familiar with. Explain its location, your connection to it, and why you consider it successful.

 

On this page, we’ll explore sample answers for this cue card topic and guide you on how to structure your response effectively.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Successful Small Business That You Know About

You should say

  • What the business/company is?
  • Where it is?
  • How you know about this business/company?
  • Explain why you think it is successful.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers: What the business/company is?)

 

  • One impressive small business that I know about is 'Rasoi Sweets', a popular sweet shop located in the heart of Delhi. 
  • It has been serving traditional Indian sweets and snacks for over two decades, gaining a loyal customer base across the city. 
  • The shop is renowned for its commitment to quality and authenticity, making it a favourite among locals.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest  (Covers: Where it is?)

 

  • I first came across Rasoi Sweets during a family gathering where their sweets were served. Since then, I've visited the shop several times to buy sweets for festivals and special occasions. 
  • The warm ambience and the aroma of freshly made sweets always make the experience delightful. 
  • Personally, I admire their dedication to preserving traditional recipes and providing excellent customer service.

 

Key Highlights (Covers: How you know about this business/company?)

 

  • Rasoi Sweets is well-known for its wide variety of sweets, ranging from traditional ladoos and barfis to innovative fusion desserts that cater to modern tastes. 
  • The shop has earned a reputation for using high-quality ingredients and maintaining hygienic standards, which ensures the freshness and authenticity of its products. 
  • Additionally, their courteous staff and efficient service contribute to a pleasant shopping experience.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you think it is successful.)

 

  • I believe Rasoi Sweets is successful because of its unwavering commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and tradition. 
  • Their consistent taste and excellent service have earned them strong customer loyalty over the years. 
  • Their ability to blend traditional flavours with contemporary demands reflects their adaptability and business acumen, making them a benchmark for small businesses in the food industry.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction  (Covers: What the business/company is?)

 

  • One notable small business I admire is 'Neha's Boutique', located in a bustling market area of Jaipur, Rajasthan. 
  • Specialising in bespoke traditional Rajasthani attire, Neha's Boutique has carved a niche for itself with its exquisite craftsmanship and personalised service. 
  • It's a favourite among locals and tourists alike for its unique designs and attention to detail.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where it is?)

 

  • I first discovered Neha's Boutique while shopping for a wedding outfit. 
  • The vibrant colours and intricate embroidery of their garments immediately caught my eye. 
  • Since then, I've become a loyal customer, often visiting the boutique for festive attire and special occasions. 
  • The warmth of the staff and their expertise in recommending the perfect ensemble make each visit a memorable experience.

 

Key Highlights ( Covers: How you know about this business/company?)
 

  • Neha's Boutique is renowned for its exclusive collection of Rajasthani lehengas, sarees, and men's ethnic wear, all handcrafted by skilled artisans. 
  • Each piece reflects the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, blending traditional motifs with contemporary designs. 
  • The boutique's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is evident in every detail, from fabric selection to custom fittings, ensuring that every customer leaves satisfied and delighted.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you think it is successful ?)

 

  • In conclusion, Neha's Boutique exemplifies success through its dedication to preserving Rajasthani craftsmanship and delivering exceptional customer service. 
  • Its ability to blend traditional elegance with modern trends has earned it a loyal clientele and a stellar reputation in Jaipur. 
  • By consistently offering high-quality attire and personalised attention, Neha's 
  • Boutique not only meets but exceeds the expectations of its customers, making it a shining example of a thriving small business in the heart of Rajasthan.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What the business/company is?)

 

  • One remarkable small business I have had the pleasure of knowing about is 'Chandra's Handloom Emporium', situated in the quaint town of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. 
  • This family-run establishment has been a cornerstone of the local community for over three decades, renowned for its exquisite handwoven textiles and traditional craftsmanship. 
  • Its dedication to preserving the heritage of Varanasi's handloom industry has earned it widespread acclaim.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Where it is?)

 

  • I first encountered Chandra's Handloom Emporium during a cultural festival celebrating Varanasi's rich textile heritage. 
  • The vibrant display of sarees and fabrics, all meticulously woven by local artisans, captivated my interest. 
  • Since then, I have frequented the emporium to purchase sarees and shawls, each item telling a story of tradition and artistry. 
  • The warmth of the family that runs the business and their passion for promoting Varanasi's handloom legacy make each visit a memorable experience.

 

Key Highlights  (Covers: How you know about this business/company?)
 

  • Chandra's Handloom Emporium stands out for its wide range of handwoven sarees, dupattas, and fabrics, all crafted using age-old techniques passed down through generations. 
  • Each piece reflects the intricate patterns and vibrant colours unique to Varanasi's textile tradition. 
  • The emporium's commitment to quality is evident in its fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring every customer receives a piece of timeless beauty. 
  • Their personalised service and genuine care for customer satisfaction have built a strong bond of trust with patrons from across India.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Explain why you think it is successful ?)
 

  • In conclusion, Chandra's Handloom Emporium thrives as a testament to the enduring legacy of Varanasi's handloom industry. 
  • Its success is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to craftsmanship, heritage preservation, and customer satisfaction. 
  • By promoting local artistry and providing exceptional quality textiles, Chandra's Handloom Emporium not only preserves cultural traditions but also enriches the lives of those who appreciate the beauty of handcrafted textiles.

Understanding how to structure your answer to ‘Describe A Successful Small Business That You Know About’ can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. This preparation ensures that you can effectively communicate your thoughts within the allocated time and showcase your language proficiency to the examiner.

 

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 responses and two minutes to speak on the topic.

 

The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion.  To structure your response effectively, you can explore various tips and tricks for the IELTS speaking test.

 

Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe A Successful Small Business That You Know About:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Begin by introducing the business you have chosen.
  • Mention its name, type of business, and its location.
  • Briefly explain why you know about this business and how long you’ve known it.
  • Highlight why you consider it successful, such as its reputation, customer base, or unique selling points.

 

Describing Your Experience:

 

  • Share your personal connection or experience with this business.
  • Explain why you find this business interesting or impressive.
  • Discuss any personal interactions or experiences that have made an impact on you.
  • Mention your admiration for their approach to business or their impact on the community.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Detail what makes this business successful, such as the quality of products or services.
  • Highlight any unique features or innovations that set it apart.
  • Discuss customer satisfaction or positive feedback.
  • Mention any awards, recognition, or growth milestones the business has achieved.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise why you believe this business is successful.
  • Reflect on its contribution to the local community or industry.
  • Express your overall admiration or respect for the business owners and their achievements.
  • Conclude with a statement about why this business stands out to you personally.

 

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

 

Also Read:

 

Follow-Up Questions

After completing the cue card round in the IELTS Speaking test, you will face a series of follow-up questions. These questions are designed to assess your ability to discuss a topic in more depth and to see how well you can express your opinions and ideas.

Q1. Do Indian people spend a good deal of cash on birthday presents?

Answer 1: In my experience, yes, birthdays are significant in India, and people often spend generously on gifts to show affection and celebrate the occasion. It’s a cultural norm to exchange thoughtful presents, especially among family and close friends.

 

Answer 2: From what I’ve observed, birthday celebrations in India involve meaningful gift-giving, reflecting the importance of personal relationships and the joy of marking special milestones.

Q2. Who is the most active gender in small business?

Answer 1: Based on my understanding, both men and women actively participate in small businesses in India. However, women are increasingly playing a pivotal role, especially in sectors like handicrafts, fashion, and education.

 

Answer 2: I believe there's a growing trend of women entrepreneurs excelling in various small business ventures, contributing significantly to the economy and societal empowerment.

Q3. Do you think we’re happier than people in the 19th century?

Answer 1: It's challenging to compare happiness levels across different eras. However, modern advancements have certainly improved the quality of life, healthcare, and opportunities, which may contribute to a higher sense of well-being today.

 

Answer 2: Happiness is subjective and influenced by various factors. While 19th-century life had its simplicity and community ties, contemporary advancements offer conveniences and freedoms that enhance overall happiness for many.

Q4. Do you think money can bring happiness in life?

Answer 1: Money can provide comfort and security, which are essential for happiness. However, true happiness often stems from personal relationships, fulfilment in work, and a sense of purpose beyond material wealth.

 

Answer 2: While financial stability is important, lasting happiness usually comes from experiences, meaningful connections, and a balanced life rather than just monetary wealth.

FAQs

Q. Which part is the most important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. All parts of the IELTS speaking test are important and contribute to your overall score. Each part assesses different aspects of your speaking ability, so it’s crucial to perform well throughout the test to achieve a balanced and high score.

Q. What is the lowest score in IELTS speaking?

Ans. The lowest score in IELTS speaking is band 1, which indicates a non-user of English with no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. Aim to understand the scoring criteria and improve your skills to achieve a higher score.

Q. Can I change the topic for speaking in IELTS?

Ans. No, you cannot change the topic in the IELTS speaking test. You must respond to the topic given by the examiner, so practice being adaptable and thinking on your feet to handle any topic confidently.

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