Describe a person you know who enjoys working for a family business (e.g. a shop, etc.): IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who he/she is
What the business is
What his/her job is
And explain why he/she enjoys working there

16 unique answers with expert feedback

What qualities make him a good businessman?

He possesses strong communication skills, a deep understanding of customer needs, and a passion for his craft. His ability to connect with customers and his dedication to quality service contribute significantly to his success in the family business.

How does the family business impact their family dynamics?

The family business fosters a strong bond among family members as they work together towards common goals. It creates a sense of shared responsibility and pride, allowing them to support each other in both personal and professional aspects of their lives.

What challenges does he face in running the business?

He faces challenges such as competition from other jewellery shops, fluctuating market prices for precious metals, and the need to keep up with changing customer preferences. Additionally, balancing family expectations with business demands can also be a challenge.

Band 7

00:00

I would like to describe a person who is my cousin who works in his family grocery shop which has been running for more than 20 years. He handles customer interaction, manages stocks and also looks like after digital payments and orders. He also helped in modernizing the business. He enjoys working there because it gives him flexibility and a sense of responsibility from a young age. He has learned important life skills such as communication, money management, problem-solving. He has a strong bond in his family as they work together and support each other. He finds working in a family business satisfying because it gives him independence, practical experience and emotional connection, not just financial benefits. He enjoys working there because he takes pride in continuing his family traditions.

Follow up questions

What challenges does your cousin face while working in the family business?

He faces challenges such as managing customer expectations, dealing with competition from larger stores, and adapting to new technologies. Balancing family dynamics with business decisions can also be tricky, but he believes these challenges help him grow both personally and professionally.

How does working in a family business differ from working in a corporate environment?

Working in a family business offers a more personal and flexible environment. My cousin enjoys the close-knit relationships and the ability to make decisions quickly. In contrast, corporate jobs often have more rigid structures and less personal connection, which can feel less fulfilling.

What skills do you think are essential for someone working in a family business?

Essential skills include strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Problem-solving is crucial for overcoming daily challenges, while financial literacy helps in managing the business effectively. Emotional intelligence is also important for maintaining family relationships while working together.

Band 6-7

00:00

So a person whom I know who relish working for family business would be Sanjit. So I know Sanjit for since 2017 and it's been a better part of eight to nine years for our friendship and now we have become more brothers and I can say that he really loves working for family business and because he has done BBA in Congress and he wanted to go outside the country, study more and do some explore cultures and cuisines and also unlock vast opportunities for himself but he compromised and stayed at his home to support his family because his family used to have this big factory of breads but due to some family conflicts it had to shut down. So now he's planning to rebuild it and therefore he is continuously working for more than a year now and he is doing all of the paperwork in making interiors and making strategies to how to grow and rebuild his father's factory. So with this example I can say that Sanjit is very family guy and he loves to he would love to like build family business and continue family business for his family because this way he can he is more expressive and he has given a chance to prove his love to his family therefore he has taken this option as a expression of love to show towards his family. Yes so yeah he is the person whom I know who wants to run family business

Follow up questions

What challenges do you think Sanjit faces in rebuilding the family business?

Sanjit likely faces several challenges, including securing funding, navigating legal requirements, and managing family dynamics. Additionally, he may need to conduct market research to understand current consumer preferences and adapt the business model accordingly.

How important do you think family support is in running a family business?

Family support is crucial in running a family business as it fosters a collaborative environment. It can provide emotional backing, shared responsibilities, and a sense of trust. When family members work together, they can leverage each other's strengths and maintain a unified vision for the business.

What skills do you think are essential for someone working in a family business?

Essential skills for someone in a family business include strong communication, conflict resolution, and financial management. Additionally, adaptability and strategic thinking are important to navigate the unique challenges that family dynamics can present in a business setting.

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Band 6-7

00:00

A person that immediately comes to mind when I think of family businesses is Mr. Venkat Annamalai. He is my father and the sole breadwinner of our family. He is into the family business of trading paper and packaging equipment, slowly diversifying into fields of warehousing, carbon credits trading and agriculture. Mr. Venkat Annamalai is a business owner and the third generation of the successive line inheriting the family business started by my great-great-grandfather. He enjoys working in a family-owned establishment due to the sense of duty and a homage to our ancestors. Despite pursuing a career in law and completing his undergraduate degree from the Madras Law College, he exempted that degree and opted to take over the family business despite his lack of passion towards it. This is solely to pay respect to our ancestors and taking over the family legacy and keeping it alive for future generations. He is an inspiration and his sense of loyalty and commitment is unparalleled. I hope to someday follow in his footsteps and do good for the world.

Follow up questions

What challenges does Mr. Venkat face in the family business?

Mr. Venkat faces various challenges such as market competition, adapting to new technologies, and managing family dynamics. Balancing tradition with modern business practices can be tough, especially when trying to innovate while respecting the legacy of the family business.

How does Mr. Venkat inspire others in the family business?

Mr. Venkat inspires others through his dedication and work ethic. He often shares stories of the family's history and the values instilled by previous generations. His commitment to the business and the community motivates family members to take pride in their work and contribute positively.

What skills do you think are important for running a family business?

Important skills for running a family business include strong communication, financial management, and adaptability. Leadership skills are crucial for guiding the team, while understanding family dynamics helps maintain harmony. Additionally, strategic planning is vital for long-term success.

Band 6-7

00:00

Today I would like to talk about the person who is working as a businessman in my family. His name is Dijo and he is my brother. I am from an agriculturist family. Since my childhood, I saw my grandparents and parents working in the yard. Of course, it was our bread and butter. When my brother completed his 12th standard, he informed our parents that he wanted to become a businessman. Up to that time, we had to sell the vegetables and the farmed products to the other vendors and they would pay very less amount of money. Of course, we feel very lost when we sell any vegetables to them. At that time, my parents became so happy when they heard about his ambition and they helped him a lot to complete the BBA course. The BBA course helped him a lot to know about business management.

Follow up questions

What challenges did Dijo face when starting the family business?

Dijo faced several challenges, including understanding market demands, managing finances, and competing with larger vendors. Initially, he struggled with pricing and marketing our products effectively. However, with his education in business management, he learned to navigate these challenges.

How has Dijo's work impacted your family?

Dijo's work has significantly improved our family's financial situation. By selling directly to customers, we earn more from our produce. His efforts have also brought the family closer, as we all contribute to the business in different ways, fostering teamwork and collaboration.

What skills do you think are essential for running a family business?

Essential skills include effective communication, financial management, marketing strategies, and customer service. Additionally, adaptability and problem-solving are crucial, as family businesses often face unique challenges that require quick and innovative solutions.

Show all 16 answers

Cue 1:Who he/she is

Introduce the person by name and relationship to you, such as a friend or family member.
Mention a few personal traits that make them suitable for working in a family business.

Example

The person I want to talk about is my cousin, Priya. She is a warm and friendly individual who has always been passionate about helping others. Her positive attitude makes her a perfect fit for our family business.

Cue 2:What the business is

Describe the type of family business, such as a shop or restaurant.
Provide some background about how long the business has been running and its significance to the family.

Example

Our family runs a small grocery store in our neighborhood. This shop has been in our family for over 20 years and is a vital part of our community. It not only provides essential goods but also serves as a gathering place for locals.

Cue 3:What his/her job is

Explain Priya's specific role in the business.
Highlight any responsibilities she has and how she contributes to the overall success of the shop.

Example

Priya works as the store manager. She handles everything from inventory management to customer service. Her organizational skills ensure that the shop runs smoothly, and she often interacts with customers, making them feel welcome.

Cue 4:And explain why he/she enjoys working there

Discuss the personal satisfaction Priya gets from her job.
Mention how working in the family business allows her to connect with the community and family values.

Example

Priya enjoys working at the shop because it allows her to connect with our community. She loves building relationships with regular customers and feels a sense of pride in continuing our family legacy. For her, it’s not just a job; it’s a way to contribute to something meaningful.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Priya's dedication to our family grocery store showcases her passion for both her work and our community. Her role not only supports our family business but also strengthens the bonds within our neighborhood, making her a vital part of both.

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: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It may leave the examiner confused about the person and their role in the business.

Tip

Provide specific details about the person, their job, and the business to create a clearer picture for the examiner.

2: Don't Overlook Personal Feelings

Failing to explain why the person enjoys their work can make your response feel incomplete. This is a key part of the cue card.

Tip

Share personal insights or anecdotes that illustrate the person's passion and satisfaction with their job.

Avoid Long-Winded Answers

Giving overly long or complicated answers can lose the examiner's interest and make it hard to follow your main points.

Tip

Structure your response clearly, addressing each cue point concisely to maintain clarity and engagement.

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