Describe A Small Business You Want To Start: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

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

33 unique answers with expert feedback

What types of candles do you plan to create?

I plan to create a variety of candles, including scented, decorative, and themed candles for different occasions. I want to experiment with unique fragrances and designs that appeal to various customer preferences, such as seasonal scents or candles that reflect popular trends.

How do you plan to market your candle business?

I intend to use social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase my candles. I will create visually appealing posts and engage with potential customers through stories and promotions. Collaborating with influencers who focus on home decor and lifestyle will also help reach a wider audience.

What challenges do you anticipate in starting your business?

I anticipate challenges such as securing enough funding to purchase materials and equipment. Additionally, I might face competition from established brands and the need to effectively differentiate my products. Learning about inventory management and customer service will also be crucial for success.

Band 6-7

00:00

I'd like to open up a scrunchie business because I've always been intrigued by the colors and shapes and the lot of intricate patterns it comes with. Given the tight schedule that I have with regards to my profession and work I haven't started the business yet but I'm planning to start the business in another two years which would be from the time of me graduating and I'm aware that it involves a lot of physical and demanding work such as sorting the fabrics, getting a tailoring machine, moreover it has a lot of other tasks included such as learning new patterns and this creativity that I can put in. I would most definitely get ideas and feedbacks from my friends and family in the beginning to test my product. However one of the other reasons why I haven't started this business yet is I do not have the necessary funds at the moment because at the moment because I only just started my postgraduate degree and I believe it's perfect or it would be appropriate to focus on my studies at the moment while I work on my side business. Overall I am looking forward to starting my own business to help me with my finance and it's like a little boost to my creativity and passion. Thank you

Follow up questions

What challenges do you anticipate in starting your scrunchie business?

I expect challenges like sourcing quality fabrics, managing time effectively between studies and the business, and marketing my products. Additionally, understanding the financial aspects and ensuring I have enough funds to start will be crucial.

How do you plan to market your scrunchies once you start your business?

I plan to use social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok to showcase my designs. I will also consider local craft fairs and online marketplaces to reach a wider audience. Engaging with potential customers through feedback will help refine my marketing strategy.

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

I believe skills like time management, creativity, and basic financial literacy are essential. Additionally, effective communication skills will help in networking and receiving feedback, while problem-solving skills will be crucial in overcoming challenges.

Band 6-7

00:00

I like to consider myself as a very good cook. In my family, all the members, my mother, my father, my brother and many of my cousins are very well versed in cooking. So I always add this, my very light idea that I should start a business, particularly a small restaurant somewhere near my place, of course in Gundipet. Gundipet is an area where many of the tourists often visit. So it would be a very good opportunity to build a restaurant or any, I would think, farmhouse where we can offer a variety of foods, indigenous, Indian style cooking. So I think the restaurant would be a great idea but I never give it a thought when or how I should begin this adventure. The main, not only the main hurdles are the funding but the time management. Now currently I'm trying to pursue my post-graduation. Maybe I think I should wait for some more time to take up this. Furthermore, I would say I should, I should gather some amount of money to start this or get a loan from bank because even if to start a very small business with minimal investment, at least I should have 10 lakhs for the, to develop the infrastructure and to hire labourers to do the job. We need many cooks and such other ingredients that required to set up a business. So I would say.

Follow up questions

What type of cuisine would you focus on in your restaurant?

I would focus on indigenous Indian cuisine, showcasing traditional dishes from various regions. This would not only attract tourists looking for authentic experiences but also locals who appreciate home-cooked flavors. I believe this unique offering would set my restaurant apart.

How do you plan to manage your time between studies and starting a business?

I plan to prioritize my studies first, as they are crucial for my future. Once I complete my post-graduation, I can dedicate more time to the restaurant. In the meantime, I could start planning and researching the business during weekends or holidays to ensure a smooth transition.

What challenges do you anticipate in starting your restaurant?

I anticipate challenges like securing funding, managing staff, and ensuring quality control. Additionally, attracting customers in a competitive market can be tough. I would need to create a solid business plan and possibly seek mentorship from experienced restaurateurs to navigate these challenges.

Practice other cue cards

Band 6-7

00:00

As I am Indian, I know a lot of Indian dishes and I am quite perfectionist in Indian cuisine and I love to cook since my childhood and during that time I usually help my mother to make good foods or sweets and if I ever get chance to start any small business, I definitely start a sweet shop and I know how to make ladoos and other sweets which represent Indian culture and there are lot of sweet dishes which display Indian tradition and their culture and if I ever start any small business, my top dishes would be motichool ladoo and carrot pudding in India we say gajar ka halwa and the third one is gulab jamun which is brown in color little bit harder on outside and softer inside and is full with sweet liquid in this shop I definitely use different ideas related to the culture

Follow up questions

What challenges do you think you might face in starting your sweet shop?

Starting a sweet shop could present challenges such as competition from established businesses, sourcing quality ingredients, and managing finances. Additionally, I would need to ensure that I comply with health regulations and create a strong marketing strategy to attract customers.

How do you plan to market your sweet shop to attract customers?

I would use social media platforms to showcase my sweets and share recipes, as well as participate in local food festivals. Collaborating with food bloggers and offering samples can also help create buzz. Additionally, I would focus on creating a unique brand that reflects Indian culture.

Why do you think Indian sweets are popular among people?

Indian sweets are popular due to their rich flavors, diverse varieties, and cultural significance. They are often associated with celebrations and festivals, making them a staple in Indian households. The unique ingredients and traditional recipes also attract people who enjoy trying different cuisines.

Band 6-7

00:00

I would love to run a gaming parlour in my area itself. The reason for starting gaming parlour is because I had a passion for gaming for the past 4-5 years and some of the time I have even competed professionally in gaming. I know that the gaming industry will be booming in the coming 5-10 years. So I feel we should be encouraging it.

Follow up questions

What types of games would you offer in your gaming parlour?

I would offer a variety of games, including popular titles like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and FIFA. Additionally, I would include both console and PC gaming options to cater to different preferences, ensuring that there is something for everyone.

How do you plan to attract customers to your gaming parlour?

I plan to attract customers through social media marketing, hosting gaming tournaments, and offering special promotions. Collaborating with local influencers and creating a welcoming atmosphere will also help draw in gamers from the community.

What challenges do you foresee in starting your gaming parlour?

One major challenge would be securing enough funding to set up the parlour and purchase gaming equipment. Additionally, competition from other gaming venues and ensuring a steady stream of customers could also pose challenges that I would need to address.

Show all 33 answers

Cue 1:What business would it be?

Begin by clearly stating the type of small business you want to start, such as a café, online store, or tutoring service.
Explain what makes this business unique or appealing to you, and how it relates to your interests or skills.

Example

I would like to start a small café that specializes in serving traditional Indian snacks and beverages. I have always been passionate about cooking and sharing my family recipes, and I believe that a cozy café would be a great way to connect with my community while promoting our rich culinary heritage.

Cue 2:When do you want to start it?

Mention a specific timeline for when you plan to launch the business, such as in the next few months or after completing your studies.
Discuss any preparations or steps you need to take before starting, which can help clarify your timeline.

Example

I hope to start my café within the next six months. I am currently working on developing a business plan and saving some money to invest in the initial setup. I also want to take a short course on business management to ensure I have the necessary skills to run it successfully.

Cue 3:Why have you not started it yet?

Be honest about the reasons for the delay, such as financial constraints, lack of experience, or personal commitments.
Emphasize your determination to overcome these challenges and your commitment to starting the business in the future.

Example

I haven't started my café yet mainly due to financial constraints. I want to ensure I have enough funds to create a welcoming environment and offer quality products. Additionally, I am currently focused on my studies, which takes up a lot of my time. However, I am determined to overcome these challenges and make my dream a reality.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, starting a small café is a dream of mine that I am passionate about. While I face some challenges, I am committed to preparing myself and taking the necessary steps to launch it in the near future. I believe that with hard work and dedication, I can turn this dream into a successful 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: Vague Business Ideas

Being unclear about the business idea can confuse the listener. It's important to provide specific details about what the business is and how it operates.

Tip

Clearly outline the business concept, including its purpose and target market, to make your answer more engaging and informative.

2: Lack of Timeline

Not mentioning when you plan to start the business can make your response seem incomplete. A timeline adds depth to your answer.

Tip

Include a specific timeframe for when you want to start the business, and explain any steps you plan to take to reach that goal.

Ignoring Challenges

Failing to address why you haven't started the business yet can make your answer seem unrealistic. Acknowledging challenges shows thoughtfulness.

Tip

Discuss any obstacles you face and how you plan to overcome them, which demonstrates your commitment and planning skills.

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Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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

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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

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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.