Small Business - IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 & 3 Sample Answers

While walking down the streets of your town or city, we come across so many local shops or cafes, which are mostly small businesses. But have you ever imagined what goes into making that small business or how you will answer questions in IELTS Speaking about business if asked?

If the answer is no, then explore sample answers for Part 1 & 3 questions in IELTS Speaking on the topic ‘small business’ and cue card topic – Describe a small business you want to start – along with related vocabulary.

IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Small Business

In IELTS Speaking Part 1 of the Speaking exam, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, your interests, and your experiences. While small businesses may not be the primary focus, you can still incorporate relevant information when discussing your hobbies, career aspirations, or local community.

So, let’s continue with some questions that will prepare you for speaking about business for IELTS Speaking Part 1.

• Do you know many small businesses where you live?

Recently, I have come across a plethora of small businesses in the area I live. From the cozy corner cafe where I enjoy a cup of warm cappuccino on a lazy weekend to the grocery and the stationery stores down the street, these startups have become the heart of the community.

• Do you prefer buying things from big companies or small businesses?

To be honest, the quality of the product is a deciding factor for me. So, whether it is a big company or a small business, I don’t have much of a preference for the seller.

OR

Since my sister and I have plans to co-found a small business in the future, I definitely have a soft spot for supporting small businesses. It feels nice to know that my purchase is contributing to someone’s dream or livelihood. Also, small businesses often offer exclusive products and customized services that you just can’t find in larger stores.

• Have you ever worked in small businesses?

No, I have never worked for a small business. But I have plans to become an entrepreneur and start my own business.

• Have you ever thought about starting your own business? Why or why not?

Yes, I have considered founding my own business several times. It might be intimidating to conduct effective market research to create a better customer base and associated risks. However, I’m still motivated by the thought of running my own business and doing something worthwhile.

Small Business Speaking Part 1 Vocabulary

Using IELTS band 9 vocabulary appropriately and naturally in your speaking responses can enhance your language score in the IELTS Speaking Module.

Therefore, given below are some Band 9 vocabulary you can use for ‘Small Business IELTS Speaking Part 1’ with examples.

• Plethora

Meaning: a very large amount of something, especially a larger amount than you need, want, or can deal with

Example: There were a plethora of options to choose from in the fish market of Hong Kong.

• Startup

Meaning: a young company established by one or more entrepreneurs to create unique and irreplaceable products or services

Example: He founded an edtech startup but could not make a profit.

• Co-found

Meaning: to join one or more others in founding (something, such as an organization or institution)

Example: The two brothers co-founded the multinational company and made a huge profit from it.

• Soft Spot

Meaning: a strong liking for something or someone

Example: Ricky has a soft spot for struggling artists.

• Entrepreneur

Meaning: an individual who creates a new business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards

Example: She has always dreamt of being an entrepreneur but her family did not allow it.

• Intimidating

Meaning: making you feel frightened or nervous

Example: Although he seems to be very intimidating, he is a very nice person.

• Market research

Meaning: the process of collecting vital information about a company’s target audience, market, and competition

Example: You should conduct a market research before starting any kind of business.

• Customer base

Meaning: the group of clients to whom a business markets and sells their goods or services

Example: After the feature in the magazine, her small business gained a larger customer base.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card – Describe a Small Business that You would Like to Start/Open/Own

In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will be given a task card with a topic like ‘Describe a small business that you would like to start/open/own’ followed by 3-4 questions related to the topic on which you have to talk about for 1-2 minutes.

To prepare for the type of answer you can give and the common English vocabulary you should use to answer the prompt questions on IELTS Speaking about business, let’s have a look at the following sample answers.

Describe a Small Business that You would Like to Start – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

Listen to the audio as you go through sample answer 1 for the small business cue card to learn how to pronounce certain words related to business.

• What would this business be?

I’ve always been interested in different kinds of handcrafted jewellery, such as macrame, beading, Chinese Knot tying, and other kinds of knotting and stitching with cord or wire. So I’m thinking I’d like to go into business, selling and making that kind of jewellery.

• How would you start/open this business?

I was thinking that my cousin could help me since she is quite good with her hands; I think she has some friends who are good at macrame so they could help also.

• How would you run this business?

It wouldn’t even have to be a big production, just a few people making and selling bracelets, necklaces, and other accessories. Maybe if we become popular and more people start buying our products. We could even open a small shop and take special orders. We could also have classes where we teach people how to make their own jewellery. Along with my cousins, I could put an ad in the newspaper or on the Internet and sell our wares that way. During holidays we’d travel around China and sell our jewellery at famous parks and places that tourists frequent. We’d each just make the things that we’re best at so that we get a bunch of quality products in as short an amount of time as possible.

• And explain why you would like to run this kind of business.

The main reason I’d start a business like this is that it’s something that I enjoy doing, and I don’t think I could work at a job that I don’t like.

Describe a Small Business that You would Like to Start– IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

• What would this business be?

To be honest, I have not ever thought about starting a business of my own. But my mother has wanted to start a cloud kitchen and I would definitely support her when she wishes to fulfill her dreams.

• How would you start/open this business?

My mother is an awesome cook and tries out different recipes in her free time. Although my father and I are the experimental pig for her, the food prepared by her is always delicious. So, we have decided that we would open a cloud kitchen where people can order home-cooked food and we will deliver it through food delivery apps.

• How would you run this business?

My initial step would be to earn some money and, if needed, take a loan from the bank. The paraphernalia, like utensils, equipment, and regular stuff like spices and raw materials, are present within the house. Being from a marketing background, I have prepared a promotion plan, which is mostly through friends, family and social media. Then, gradually I will build a website of our own and expand our business delivery business.

• And explain why you would like to run this kind of business.

Since childhood, I have seen my mother give up her wishes for the upkeep of the family. Building this business is the only dream that I can help her achieve now. So, I would definitely give my best to enable her to accomplish her dream.

Small Business – IELTS Speaking Part 3

In IELTS Speaking Part 3 of the Speaking test, the examiner will ask you some follow-up questions on the Part 2 topic – Describe a Small Business that You would Like to Start. So, scroll down to the questions along with the sample answers to be prepared for your exam.

• Why do some people decide to set up their own business?

Sometimes people set up their own business because they have new ideas to execute. Moreover, they feel confident enough to understand the pros and cons of the situation. In some cases, it’s just an emergency and in some it is just an experiment.

• What challenges and difficulties do people face when they try to open a small business?

One of the main challenges for small businesses is just staying open. Most small businesses close within a year after they’re open, so if they get past that hurdle the next most important thing that they’ll have to tackle is getting long-term customers. Depending on what kind of business they’re starting, they’ll also have to advertise their products and services. A good advertisement is really what makes the difference between the success and failure of their business.

• What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of small businesses compared to large companies?

One advantage of having a small business is that you don’t have to be lied down by company rules, regulations, and protocols. You are free to operate as you please and don’t have to worry about getting the approval of the CEO or some other person higher up on the ladder than you. There are some disadvantages, though, to having a small business. The main one is that if you’re not careful, the big businesses will put you out of business by slashing their prices or advertising heavily. You see, they can afford to make their prices lower than yours simply because they have more money. So, only the most careful small business will survive the race against these corporate giants.

• How can small businesses benefit the people in their community?

Small businesses can cater to the whims and wishes of the people that they are near. They get to know their customers and can specialize in taking care of them. Small businesses can even watch out for community members: if they are used to seeing them and they notice a change in their routine, the business could report this to someone who would lie concerned about them. Having a small business, like a restaurant, for instance, creates a family-like feeling in the neighborhood, as opposed to going to McDonald’s for instance, where they don’t know you from Adam.

• Compare small shops with big international department stores and supermarkets.

I really don’t think there is any comparison. Small shops retain a personal touch and give you the feeling that the owners are more than people who just want to make money. Small businesses make you feel that you are contributing to keeping the community going by shopping there. Of course, the big stores have a lot more variety and are able to have sales and cut their prices when they need to.

• What kinds of small business are the most popular in India?

Well, you see them everywhere and new ones pop up almost daily. They are mostly beauty salons and food joints. If you walk down any given street, you will see one or two on each corner. People are much more interested in being in fashion and eating out and so these businesses are so popular.

• What qualities does a small business owner need to have?

A small business owner would have to be diligent with their business, wanting to make sure that things are done right. They would need to have patience, the ability to wait until the business starts succeeding. Additionally, they would have to have plenty of capital to get their business off the ground. Moreover, small business owners would also have to have a sense of humor, to laugh when they feel like crying.

• How have small businesses changed in recent years in India?

There is a lot more freedom here in India to start your own business and make it succeed. There are a lot more small businesses than in the past. Because of India’s entry into the WTO, there are a lot more products and therefore more businesses. As I mentioned before, styling products and food have become more popular, so more businesses open to keep up with it.

• How do you think small businesses will change in the future in India?

I think that people are working together more and want to get their small businesses going and progressing so that they can branch out and grow. You will see small businesses flexing their muscles in the rural areas and expanding their support base. You will see small businesses affecting life much more than they do now. Small businesses are the future of India and will continue being so as time goes on.

• Compare owning and running a small business to being an employee in a large company.

I think that I am passionate about being an entrepreneur. I feel that owning and operating a small business is everything good and working as a cog in a wheel for a large company is everything bad. Maybe it’s just me, but I like to experiment and try new things and when you have your own business, you can do this. I’ve got to feel like I am making a difference; owning a small business would do this for me.

Small Business IELTS Speaking Vocabulary for Part 2 & 3

• Macrame

Meaning: the art of knotting string in patterns to make decorative articles

Example: She is good at macrame.

• Handcrafted

Meaning: handmade

Example: She has a passion for handcrafted articles.

• Cloud Kitchen

Meaning: a commercial kitchen dedicated solely to the preparation of food for delivery and takeout

Example: Manju established a cloud kitchen and fed her family from the earnings.

• Paraphernalia

Meaning: all the objects needed for or connected with a particular activity

Example: All participants were informed to bring the paraphernalia for trekking.

• Hurdle

Meaning: difficulties

Example: You must overcome the hurdles to succeed.

• Protocols

Meaning: rules

Example: The royals always have various protocols to follow for different events.

• Corporate giants

Meaning: the biggest, largest companies

Example: The corporate giants dominate the business world.

Make Your Speaking Skills Stand Out with IELTSMaterial

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic Small Business IELTS Speaking Part 1, 2 and 3, it is time for you to practice on your own. In case you need any help, you can leave a comment below or you can connect with our IELTS experts or join the free webinars for tips to ace your IELTS Speaking exam!

Additional Reads

• Describe a Small Business That you Would Like to Open – IELTS Cue Card
• Recent IELTS Topics in IELTS Speaking Tests 2025
• IELTS Speaking Practice Test – How to Use them Right?
• 151 IELTS Speaking Topics Part 2 & 3 with Model Answers
• Describe a shop just opened in your hometown – IELTS Speaking Part 2 & 3 with Sample Answers
• Describe your idea of starting a new business – IELTS Cue Card
• Describe A Successful Small Company Or Business That You Know – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers
• IELTS Speaking Lessons | IELTSMaterial.com
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