IELTS Speaking part 2 & 3 | A small business

Part 2

Describe a small business that you would like to open

You should say:

what it is
why you want to start it
how you would do this

and explain why you would choose this kind of business to start.

Example

As doctor I haven’t really thought about opening a business. I do have a good idea though because I was speaking to a friend of mine who is already working in the U.K. and has been struggling with her weight. She told me about a company that prepare healthy meals and deliver them to your door. The company will prepare the meals for you based on your dietary requirements and you can order every five days, so you always have a supply of healthy food in the house. She has lost ten pounds in the last month, so it is definitely working for her. She is also a doctor and has a busy schedule so most days she wasn’t cooking and was relying on ready meals. Consequently, over the last year she has put on a lot of weight.

The reason I think this business would be a good idea to start is because obesity is becoming a big problem in my country as people increasingly rely on fast food because they are busy at work. Even though there are many diets that people can try, and certain support groups people can join, the food tends to be terrible and people give the diet up very quickly. I think if the food tasted good and was nutritious, people would be more likely to lose weight and stick to the diet, and they don’t have to worry about preparing the meals as all of the hard work is done for you.

I think if I were to start this business, then the first thing I would need to do is market research and gauge interest in the idea. If people were interested in the products, then I would have to research how to produce the meals, and of course look into health and safety in food production. Once that research is done, I would then have to find premises to produce the meals, think about delivery methods and most importantly secure finance to actually open it.

I think the food business is a good option because it is one of the most important drives for humans, the need for food. As I mentioned, people a looking for diet options and this would fulfil their needs and also people wouldn’t have to worry about meal preparation as everything has been done for them. Now I think about it, I may give this idea a little more thought.

Rounding off question

Do you think you will actually start this business?

I doubt it. I have been a doctor for almost 7 years, and it would be quite a career change, not that I can’t change careers, but I really enjoy my job. Also, starting a business requires taking a risk and I am not really a risk taker.

Part 3

Language focus – part 3 Discussion topics (Example questions)

Starting businesses

Why do some people choose to start their own business?
Do you think you have to be a risk taker to be successful in business?
Why do you think some people prefer to get a monthly salary and have a stable job rather than start a business?
What would you say are the attributes of a successful businessperson?

Globalisation

Do people in your country buy a lot of foreign brands?
Do you think it’s better to buy from local businesses or international companies?
Do you think increasing globalisation has had an effect on business in your country?
Have any foreign companies set up a manufacturing base in your country?

Business practices

How is working for a large international company different from working for a small, local employer?
Many people argue that when foreign businesses move overseas, they exploit the local people. Would you agree with that?
How can businesses develop a more ethical business model?
Do you think big companies will still continue to expand overseas in the future?

Do you think you have to be a risk taker to be successful in business?

I would definitely say yes. Depending on the business a person starts they will most likely have to borrow some money for the start up costs and this could be a considerable amount. If the business fails, then they will have to pay this money back which is a big risk. I don’t think I would sleep too easily if I had a lot of debt.

Why do you think some people prefer to get a monthly salary and have a stable job rather than start a business?

I think it is that they are not prepared to take the risk of self-employment and prefer a steady income and a stable job. However, in today’s climate I am not so sure that there is such a thing as a stable job.

What would you say are the attributes of a successful businessperson?

As we have already discussed, the willingness to take a risk is probably one of the main attributes. The ability to spot an opportunity and act on it is also important. Successful businesspeople are usually good leaders, so they know how to motivate their staff. Diligence is also important as it will often take a lot of hard work before the business becomes successful.

Do you think increasing globalisation has had an effect on business in your country?

I think it has had a dramatic effect especially over the last decade. People are moving away from domestically made products and prefer to buy foreign brands. The main reason for this trend is that people believe these brands are more reliable and better quality than domestic brands. The products are also seen as cool by the young generation as they see these brands in films or on social media.

Have any foreign companies set up a manufacturing base in your country?

Yes, there are a few companies that I can think of such as Nike, Addidas and Starbucks. As globalisation continues, I think more companies will set up shop here eventually. it reduces labour costs for these companies and also provides job opportunities for the local people, but I am not sure if they are much better off.

Do people in your country buy a lot of foreign brands?

As I said earlier, foreign brands have become increasingly popular. This has had a negative effect on domestic brands as these companies have a huge brand presence and effective advertising and marketing strategies. As a result, a lot of local companies just can’t compete, and I think many will go bankrupt in the long run. I guess it is the same in western countries, you can see the same familiar brands everywhere and fewer domestic brands.

Usually, you will only have to answer six questions in Part 3 but depending on how quickly the candidate has answered the questions or how good the candidate’s English level, a third set of questions may be asked.