Describe a small business you know.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it?
How do you know about it?
Why is it successful?

30 unique answers with expert feedback

What challenges do you think small businesses face today?

Small businesses often struggle with limited resources, competition from larger companies, and marketing their products effectively. They may also face challenges in managing finances, maintaining quality, and building a customer base. Adapting to market trends and consumer preferences is crucial for their survival.

How important is social media for small businesses?

Social media is extremely important for small businesses as it provides a platform for marketing and reaching a wider audience. It allows them to engage with customers, showcase their products, and build a community. Effective use of social media can significantly boost their visibility and sales.

What role does customer feedback play in small businesses?

Customer feedback is vital for small businesses as it helps them understand their customers' needs and preferences. It can guide product development, improve service quality, and enhance customer satisfaction. Positive feedback can also serve as a powerful marketing tool, attracting new customers.

Band 6-7

00:00

There are many small businesses which are flourishing in our country currently. Due to the advent of internet and technology, we can see a lot of people doing online businesses and running Instagram or Facebook ads to advertise about their business. A small business that I would talk about over here is an online yoga instructor business. I joined the yoga classes during COVID when I was at home and working from home and I had ample of time to take up a hobby. In times of crisis like those, yoga came very handy in maintaining my physical and mental health. I personally really enjoyed doing yoga with the

Follow up questions

How has the online yoga business adapted during the pandemic?

The online yoga business has adapted by offering virtual classes, which allows people to join from home. Instructors have utilized platforms like Zoom and social media to reach a wider audience. This flexibility has made yoga accessible to many who may not have attended in-person classes.

What are the benefits of online yoga classes compared to traditional ones?

Online yoga classes provide convenience, allowing participants to join from anywhere. They also offer a wider variety of classes and instructors. Additionally, people can practice at their own pace and comfort, which can be less intimidating for beginners.

What challenges do small online businesses face?

Small online businesses often face challenges such as competition from larger companies, the need for effective marketing strategies, and maintaining customer engagement. Additionally, they must navigate issues like technology reliability and ensuring quality service in a virtual environment.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.

Band 6-7

00:00

Odos Cafina is one of the micro-businesses I know, which is bootstrapped and run by members of the same family. It was a dream that was turned into a reality by my partner, since she is the one who owns it. The building was very small in the beginning, we just wanted to open up a small cafe shop with the green and a silent area for people to have, spend their time. The business is still a growing one, although there are various ups and downs in a business. It is successful because every time there is a problem at the coffee shop, all the family members come running down and try to resolve the problem. This kind of temperament I have not seen even in my own family. Business requires selfless dedication, sacrifices and it also not only nourishes us but it makes us feel vulnerable at times because of the fact that we have no one to guide us, we have to make decisions which are in the guard of our business. I really feel grateful to have a small business which can definitely lead to success.

Follow up questions

What challenges do you think small businesses face?

Small businesses often face challenges like limited resources, competition from larger companies, and fluctuating customer demand. They may also struggle with marketing and gaining visibility in their community. Additionally, managing finances and maintaining a steady cash flow can be particularly difficult.

How do you think family involvement affects a small business?

Family involvement can create a strong support system, fostering dedication and teamwork. It can enhance communication and quick decision-making during crises. However, it may also lead to conflicts if personal relationships interfere with business decisions, making it essential to maintain professional boundaries.

What qualities do you think are essential for running a successful small business?

Key qualities include resilience, adaptability, and strong communication skills. A successful small business owner should also possess financial acumen, creativity for problem-solving, and the ability to build relationships with customers. Passion and dedication are crucial for navigating challenges and achieving long-term success.

Band 6-7

00:00

Cafe business is one of the small business that I know, cafe is a place where people come and have coffee and snacks and spend time with their friends. People also prefer solo dates where they alone go on a cafe to get some peace and spend time with themselves which is very valuable in today's life because people are able to get peace which they are not able to get in the surroundings. Now cafes can be located at various locations, it can be in the forest area or it can be on mountains or it can be in the city life. Cafes are one of the best business because it is a place which can be aesthetic where people can easily come as well as it is affordable for them and they can spend a good quality time. One should prefer starting a cafe business when thinking of a small business because cafes are very very standards, they provide good services to people. For example, the speciality of a cafe is a coffee. For example, in Karnataka, Bangalore where I stay, there are multiple cafes at every corner. For example, there is this bean and brio cafe, there is this mud cup cafe. A cafe can be from a very very small level to a high level depending on how people want to make it, what is the budget, what is the location, how to match its affordability. Cafes are the best place one can hang out and it is one of the blooming business nowadays because people prefer to sit and talk and have food. Food is one of the major quality of a cafe so while starting a business of cafe, one should remember the food, it should be of good quality and taste.

Follow up questions

What challenges do small cafes face in today's market?

Small cafes often struggle with competition from larger chains, high rent costs, and maintaining consistent quality. Additionally, they may face challenges in attracting customers due to changing consumer preferences and the need for effective marketing strategies.

How important is location for a small cafe's success?

Location is crucial for a small cafe's success. Being in a high foot-traffic area can attract more customers. However, unique locations, like those in scenic areas, can also draw in people looking for a special experience. Balancing visibility and ambiance is key.

What role does social media play in promoting small cafes?

Social media is vital for small cafes to reach potential customers. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook allow cafes to showcase their ambiance, menu items, and special events. Engaging with customers online can build a loyal community and attract new visitors.

Band 6-7

00:00

Over these years, I have heard different business ideas that people have tried, which has resulted in either success or failure. Me myself, not being fascinated about business and entrepreneurship, I have never thought about getting into a business or starting up a new company or no sort of such activities. But anyhow, during my course of masters, I have come across certain ideas and one of which was very successful. So while I was doing master's program in physics, we were required to design a project in electronics in such a way that it will be helpful for the society. So the project that we as a team decided was the incorporation of RC module in electronics for weighing excess food waste so that we can get a control of the food being wasted each year. And also a survey was taken initially to know the amount of food being wasted in hostels or colleges daily. And we were taking both a review and the project was being carried out. So initially the project was like a blessing in disguise for me because we faced a lot of struggles in between, but ultimately it turned out to be very good because it was awarded with the best research project for innovation of science. And ultimately, the reason it became successful was its practical application. The idea was elaborated with the help of an industry and it was trialed in certain hostels and colleges and these places exhibited good results where the incorporation of this module resulted in less wastage of food. So as a result, it was effective.

Follow up questions

What challenges did you face during your project?

We faced several challenges, including technical difficulties with the RC module and resistance from some institutions to implement our project. However, we learned to adapt and improve our approach, which ultimately contributed to the project's success.

How do you think small businesses can contribute to reducing food waste?

Small businesses can play a significant role by implementing innovative solutions like food waste tracking systems, partnering with local charities to redistribute excess food, and educating consumers about sustainable practices. Their agility allows them to adapt quickly to community needs.

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

Essential skills include effective communication, problem-solving, financial management, and marketing. Additionally, having a passion for the product or service and understanding customer needs can greatly enhance a small business's chances of success.

Show all 30 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by clearly stating the name and type of the business.
Provide a brief description of what products or services it offers.

Example

The small business I want to talk about is a local bakery called 'Sweet Delights'. It specializes in freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes. The aroma of baked goods wafts through the air, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.

Cue 2:How do you know about it?

Share how you first discovered the business, whether through friends, social media, or passing by.
Mention any personal experiences you have had with the business.

Example

I first came across 'Sweet Delights' while walking through my neighborhood. A friend recommended it to me, saying their chocolate cake was the best in town. Intrigued, I decided to visit, and since then, I have been a regular customer.

Cue 3:Why is it successful?

Discuss the unique qualities that set this business apart from others.
Mention customer service, product quality, or community involvement as factors contributing to its success.

Example

The success of 'Sweet Delights' can be attributed to its commitment to quality and customer service. They use organic ingredients, which appeals to health-conscious customers. Additionally, the owner often interacts with customers, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points you discussed about the business.
Express your personal feelings about the business and its impact on the community.

Example

In conclusion, 'Sweet Delights' is not just a bakery; it’s a cherished part of our community. Its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction makes it a standout small business that I wholeheartedly support.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It’s important to provide specific details about the business to engage the listener and demonstrate your vocabulary.

Tip

Use specific examples and details, such as the type of products sold or the services offered, to create a clearer picture of the business.

2: Lack of Personal Connection

Failing to explain how you know about the business can make your answer feel disconnected. Personal experiences can make your response more relatable and interesting.

Tip

Share a personal story or experience related to the business, such as a memorable visit or interaction, to strengthen your answer.

Ignoring Success Factors

Not addressing why the business is successful can leave your answer incomplete. Understanding the reasons behind its success shows critical thinking and analysis.

Tip

Discuss specific factors like customer service, unique products, or effective marketing strategies that contribute to the business's success.