Describe A Businessman You Admire: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

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?

Band 7

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One businessman I really admire is Ratan Tata. He is one of the most respected business leaders in India and the former chairman of the Tata Group, which is one of the biggest and oldest companies in the country. The Tata Group runs many types of businesses including steels, cars, hotels, software and more. One of their famous brands is Tata Motors, which makes cars and trucks. Ratan Tata was the man behind the idea of the Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, which was made to help middle-class families afford a car. I learnt about him from the news, articles and videos on YouTube. He is not only successful in business, but he is also known for his honesty, simplicity and kindness. He does a lot of charity work through the Tata Trust, which helps people in areas like education, health and rural development. I admire him because even though he is a billionaire, he lives a simple life and always puts the country and people first. He is a great example of a businessman who uses his success to help others. I think that's something we can all learn from.

Follow up questions


What qualities do you think make Ratan Tata a successful businessman?
Ratan Tata's success can be attributed to his vision, integrity, and commitment to social responsibility. He emphasizes ethical business practices and prioritizes the welfare of society, which builds trust and loyalty among customers and employees alike.

How do you think Ratan Tata's work impacts society?
Ratan Tata's work significantly impacts society through his philanthropic efforts and initiatives that focus on education, health, and rural development. His businesses also create jobs and contribute to the economy, helping to uplift communities and improve living standards.

Can you name other businessmen you admire and why?
I admire other businessmen like Elon Musk for his innovation and vision in technology, and Warren Buffett for his investment wisdom and philanthropy. Each of them has made a significant impact in their fields while also contributing to society in meaningful ways.

Band 6-7

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A businessman that I admire the most is very close to me. He is none other than my father. He is an iron and steel manufacturing business situated in Narayana and Ghaziabad. Both areas have a huge farm where the manufacturing of steel and iron takes place. He built it entirely on his own. Back in 1990s, he started going with my great-grandfather to his steel and iron business. My great-grandfather used to work in the steel and iron manufacture. From there, he got the inspiration of doing it on his own and building his own empire. The biggest inspiration for him is the fact that he is still trying to learn. It's very clear that learning never stops. It's a never-ending journey. Even today, he is trying to learn from the new generation. He is trying to implement new technologies and add new locations. He even tries to enter new fields that even we as young adults don't try to risk it. He is trying to enter the share market. He is trying to install and invest in new technologies that could also be a risk. But he is ready to take the risk for a bigger profit.

Follow up questions


What qualities do you think make your father a successful businessman?
I believe my father's success comes from his dedication, willingness to learn, and ability to adapt to new technologies. His risk-taking attitude also plays a crucial role, as he is not afraid to explore new markets and invest in innovative solutions, which keeps his business competitive.

How has your father's business impacted your view on entrepreneurship?
Seeing my father's journey has greatly influenced my perspective on entrepreneurship. It has taught me the importance of hard work, resilience, and continuous learning. I now understand that success doesn't come overnight and that taking calculated risks can lead to significant rewards.

What lessons have you learned from your father's approach to business?
One key lesson I've learned is the value of lifelong learning. My father shows that staying updated with industry trends and technologies is essential. Additionally, I've learned that embracing risks can lead to growth, and having a strong foundation and vision is crucial for any business endeavor.

Band 6-7

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Well, I want to talk about a girl who is living in a Bihar village. Her name is Swetha Singh. I got the information about the girl from the social media and the news channel. Because her news was very viral on the internet. I like her business idea and that is preparing tea for the students. She was the one who started this trend in the state like Bihar. Preparing tea in an open stall. I like her attitude towards her business. She was very enthusiastic in her work. She can motivate anyone who is struggling for employment. In a state like Bihar, it is a very courageous act to do such type of business in the open market. Because in Bihar, girls are not doing such type of business in the open market. She is fascinating me a lot.

Follow up questions


What challenges do you think Swetha faced in starting her business?
Swetha likely faced several challenges, including societal norms that discourage women from starting businesses, financial constraints, and competition from established vendors. Additionally, she may have had to overcome skepticism from her community regarding her ability to succeed in a male-dominated market.

How do you think her business impacts the local community?
Her business not only provides a source of income for herself but also creates job opportunities for others. It encourages entrepreneurship among women in the area, promotes local culture through her tea, and fosters a sense of community as students gather at her stall.

What qualities do you think are essential for a successful entrepreneur?
Essential qualities for a successful entrepreneur include resilience, creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. A positive attitude and the ability to motivate others, as demonstrated by Swetha, are also crucial for inspiring a team and building a supportive work environment.

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Band 6-7

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A businessman which I really admire would be Ratan Tata. He's an Indian businessman. One thing I really like about him is he really loves giving donation. He has been donating a lot of money to the poor and needy. He has been working hard for his business. He is actually a businessman who wants to see the country grow. And I got to know about this person when I was actually just scrolling up in the internet and in my leisure time I was just you know watching some social media posts and I saw this news where he donated almost 1.2 million dollars to the poor. That was really really mind-blowing for me. He's such a good person. He had been building many hospitals and many different schools in many different states. Although I really don't get good feed in my social media but for some reason that day was something special when I saw first time about him.

Follow up questions


What qualities do you think make Ratan Tata a successful businessman?
I believe Ratan Tata's success comes from his vision, integrity, and commitment to social responsibility. He not only focuses on profit but also on the welfare of society. His ability to innovate and adapt to changing market conditions has also played a significant role in his success.

How do you think philanthropy impacts a businessman's reputation?
Philanthropy can greatly enhance a businessman's reputation. When a businessman like Ratan Tata donates to the needy, it shows he cares about social issues, which can build trust and loyalty among customers and the community. It can also inspire other businesses to contribute positively.

Can you name other businessmen who are known for their charitable work?
Yes, there are several businessmen known for their charitable efforts, such as Bill Gates, who has donated billions through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Warren Buffett, who pledged to give away most of his wealth. Their contributions have made a significant impact on global health and education.

Band 5-6

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There are so many businessmen I admire because by admiring them it helps us to generate our own business and we can create our strong business to increase our wealth. And now I am putting light on none other than writer of Rich Dad and Poor Dad, Robert Kowalski. He was a quite good writer and a quite great businessman in the history I have seen. I know about them by reading their book named as Rich Dad and Poor Dad.

Follow up questions


What specific qualities of Robert Kiyosaki do you admire the most?
I admire Robert Kiyosaki's ability to simplify complex financial concepts and his emphasis on financial education. His approach encourages people to think differently about money and investments, which is crucial for anyone looking to achieve financial independence.

How has reading 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' influenced your views on business?
Reading 'Rich Dad Poor Dad' has significantly changed my perspective on wealth and financial literacy. It taught me the importance of assets over liabilities and inspired me to pursue entrepreneurship, helping me understand the mindset needed for financial success.

Do you think everyone can become a successful businessman like Robert Kiyosaki?
While not everyone may achieve the same level of success as Robert Kiyosaki, I believe that with the right mindset, education, and perseverance, many can succeed in business. His teachings show that success is attainable through learning and applying financial principles.
Show all 18 answers

Cue 1:Who is this person?

  • Introduce the businessman by stating their name and a brief background.
  • Mention any notable achievements or contributions they have made in their field.

Example

The businessman I admire is Ratan Tata, the former chairman of Tata Sons. He is known for his visionary leadership and has played a crucial role in transforming the Tata Group into a global conglomerate.


Cue 2:How you got to know this person?

  • Explain how you first learned about this person, whether through news, books, or personal experiences.
  • Share any specific instances or stories that made you interested in them.

Example

I first learned about Ratan Tata through a documentary I watched on Indian entrepreneurs. His story of perseverance and innovation inspired me, and I started reading more about his life and the Tata Group.


Cue 3:What kind of business this person does?

  • Describe the nature of the business or industry they are involved in.
  • Highlight any unique aspects or contributions of their business to society.

Example

Ratan Tata is primarily associated with the Tata Group, which operates in various sectors including steel, automobiles, and IT services. One of the unique aspects of Tata’s business is its commitment to corporate social responsibility, focusing on community development and sustainability.


Cue 4:Why do you admire this person?

  • Discuss the qualities or values that you find admirable in this person.
  • Relate their impact on you or how they inspire you in your own life.

Example

I admire Ratan Tata for his integrity and philanthropic efforts. He has always prioritized ethical business practices and has significantly contributed to education and healthcare in India. His dedication to giving back to society motivates me to pursue my own goals with a sense of responsibility.


Conclusion

    Example

    In conclusion, Ratan Tata is not just a successful businessman but also a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs. His journey teaches us the importance of hard work, ethics, and social responsibility in business.


    Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.


    Tips to answer this Cue Card

    1: Lack of Specific Details

    Avoid vague descriptions of the businessman. Specific details make your answer more engaging and credible. General statements can make your response sound unconvincing.

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    Tip

    Include specific examples of the businessman's achievements or qualities that you admire to make your answer more compelling.


    2: Ignoring Personal Connection

    Failing to explain how you got to know the person can weaken your response. Personal connections add depth and authenticity to your admiration.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Share a brief story or experience that highlights your relationship with the businessman to strengthen your answer.


    Overly Complex Language

    Using complicated vocabulary or sentence structures can confuse listeners. Clarity is key in speaking tasks, especially for non-native speakers.

    bulb icon

    Tip

    Use simple and clear language to express your thoughts. Focus on conveying your admiration in an understandable way.


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    All Answers

    Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

    Band 7

    One businessman I really admire is Ratan Tata. He is one of the most respected business leaders in India and the former chairman of the Tata Group, which is one of the biggest and oldest companies in the country. The Tata Group runs many types of businesses including steels, cars, hotels, software and more. One of their famous brands is Tata Motors, which makes cars and trucks. Ratan Tata was the man behind the idea of the Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car, which was made to help middle-class families afford a car. I learnt about him from the news, articles and videos on YouTube. He is not only successful in business, but he is also known for his honesty, simplicity and kindness. He does a lot of charity work through the Tata Trust, which helps people in areas like education, health and rural development. I admire him because even though he is a billionaire, he lives a simple life and always puts the country and people first. He is a great example of a businessman who uses his success to help others. I think that's something we can all learn from.

    Band 6-7

    A businessman that I admire the most is very close to me. He is none other than my father. He is an iron and steel manufacturing business situated in Narayana and Ghaziabad. Both areas have a huge farm where the manufacturing of steel and iron takes place. He built it entirely on his own. Back in 1990s, he started going with my great-grandfather to his steel and iron business. My great-grandfather used to work in the steel and iron manufacture. From there, he got the inspiration of doing it on his own and building his own empire. The biggest inspiration for him is the fact that he is still trying to learn. It's very clear that learning never stops. It's a never-ending journey. Even today, he is trying to learn from the new generation. He is trying to implement new technologies and add new locations. He even tries to enter new fields that even we as young adults don't try to risk it. He is trying to enter the share market. He is trying to install and invest in new technologies that could also be a risk. But he is ready to take the risk for a bigger profit.

    Band 6-7

    Well, I want to talk about a girl who is living in a Bihar village. Her name is Swetha Singh. I got the information about the girl from the social media and the news channel. Because her news was very viral on the internet. I like her business idea and that is preparing tea for the students. She was the one who started this trend in the state like Bihar. Preparing tea in an open stall. I like her attitude towards her business. She was very enthusiastic in her work. She can motivate anyone who is struggling for employment. In a state like Bihar, it is a very courageous act to do such type of business in the open market. Because in Bihar, girls are not doing such type of business in the open market. She is fascinating me a lot.

    Band 6-7

    A businessman which I really admire would be Ratan Tata. He's an Indian businessman. One thing I really like about him is he really loves giving donation. He has been donating a lot of money to the poor and needy. He has been working hard for his business. He is actually a businessman who wants to see the country grow. And I got to know about this person when I was actually just scrolling up in the internet and in my leisure time I was just you know watching some social media posts and I saw this news where he donated almost 1.2 million dollars to the poor. That was really really mind-blowing for me. He's such a good person. He had been building many hospitals and many different schools in many different states. Although I really don't get good feed in my social media but for some reason that day was something special when I saw first time about him.

    Band 6

    I know a gentleman, Mr. Hanan Santanam. I got to know him about around 16, 17 years back, we worked together in an organization. He was also my boss and mentor. And currently he is doing a fabulous business. He's in the space of learning and development, or you can say a learning transformation company. And what I like about him and the way he does business is he's organized, he's structured, he's meticulous, he's very professional. And he adds tremendous amount of value to every client whom he connects with. And he's doing great job and he's pretty successful in his business over the last 10 years. And he's doing a turnover of about five plus crores at this point of time. And I'm really happy for him and I wish him the very best in all his future endeavors.

    Band 6

    In history, there will be so many businessmen, but there will be some exceptional ones who leave a mark on history, and that one such businessman is Ritesh Agrawal, the founder of OYO and current chairman of OYO. OYO is a company where it will be online and it will give you the hotel address and also a vacancy of rooms so that you can select from the rooms and stay in that hotel through online. It will also give discounts compared to other websites and other hotels. Ritesh Agrawal bought up OYO from nothing. He is a college dropout. He built OYO because his father, on his younger days, he worked as some part-time jobs here and there. At that time, he got an idea, why cannot we sell the hotel rooms in online? There is untapped potential in that market. So he thought of going there and selling and creating a startup. So he created a startup where he can sell vacancy rooms in online so that people can live comfortably and also give rating to that so that feedback can help other customers to stay in that hotel. I have known him from news and I have been attracted to him because of his life story, his grit, his ambitious personality, his helping nature. These are the top qualities of any businessman in this world. He is the youngest billionaire in India. So we can say that he is a role model for younger generation also. I very much respect him because of his dedication and his skills. So what he has become today through his hard work and I hope that every Indian can become like him and I also can become like him.

    Band 6

    The businessman I admired the most was Elon Musk. I was seeing him when I was studying from class 10th standard. He was my inspiration and I just want to be like him. He comes from a poor family, started his business slowly and after 20-30 years he slowly reached the top and now he is the first richest person in the world. For his dedication and consistency and hard work, he inspired me most as I learning many things from him and slowly I will be learn through. He started a business from a normal machine like a factory and industries then started a IT sector. Now he has a social media called Twitter, one of the important social media all over the world. He found a mini machine heart for small children who have a problem in his heart. He was the biggest and richest person now compared to other richest person in the world.

    Band 6

    The person who I admire the most in business terms will be my husband. I have seen him going from scratch to the boundaries he is setting today. My husband is basically a business man. I always admired my father watching him, how he faced difficulties in business and how he overcame them. Being married in an arranged setup, I was also married to a business man. But the person who affects me most is my husband. While I see him, how he is working hard for his family and for me. My husband deals in hosiery business. He is a manufacturer of knitted cloths. My father-in-law suffered huge financial losses because of which my husband has to start from the scratch. I see him daily how he is struggling to take his business to the heights. My husband's approach towards business is very optimistic. I see him daily struggling in some issues like some material cost and some material damage. But then also he doesn't give up. He steps back into his shoes every morning and faces the situation and overcome them. The optimistic approach of my husband has made a great change in my life also. Now I have also started taking everything positively. And I have started responding him the way he responds to every difficult situation. If I face something very difficult in my life, I always assume what would my husband do in this particular situation. Having a husband like my husband is a blessing because he has made both my approach towards business and towards life very optimistic.

    Band 6

    The businessman which I admire is Jeff Bezos, who is the CEO and founder of Amazon. I admire him because his dad is a businessman with a scratch career. When he had an idea, first he started with a book store. He used to sell books or let people borrow with the amount of some money. After slowly slowly he made his own website where he used to print, scan the books and post it. Where people used to borrow it for a rent and read. Slowly slowly he started his website where he started selling all kinds of things. Now you have heard the Amazon website where it is a very big e-commerce website. Where he sells everything what a person need in a daily life. I admire him because of his success and a plan where he takes a risk and start his own company. I have get to know him by the company name Amazon. After researching who owns the website and what he used to do. From where I know about him, after learning about him how he starts his business and make the world's top e-commerce website. That's the reason I admire him very much. How he struggle and come up with his own business idea. He started in a small room and now it is a multinational company.

    Band 6

    There are lots of persons who pursue different businesses, but I like the most is Dhirubhai Ambani as he belongs to a middle class family, but now he had the business of billions, but he is such a nice person, he is very, he is such a nice person and he used to go to cafes to took the ideas to set up his own start up, he is such a nice person as he usually helps the people who are poor or needy, he has the business of, he has the business of trucks and food supply, food supplying, he also has a restaurant, he usually distribute foods on evenings for the poor who can't afford the food, he provide the basic, he try to provide the basic necessities to all the people who can't afford them and I used to admire the businessman because he is such a nice person, he is very diligent and candid and he is very generous and he motivates everyone to do such kind of work for society and this gives, this motivates everyone to do the welfare of the society.
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