Of course! Talking about a family business is a very common and potentially rich topic for IELTS Speaking Part 2. It allows you to demonstrate a range of vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling skills.
Here is a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic, including a sample answer, key vocabulary, and follow-up questions.
Part 2: Cue Card
Here is the cue card you might receive:
Describe a family business that you know about. You should say:
- What the business is
- Who runs it
- What products or services it provides
- And explain how you feel about this business.
Part 3: Follow-up Questions
After you finish your Part 2 speech, the examiner might ask some related questions in Part 3. Here are some common ones:
- What are the main advantages and disadvantages of running a family business?
- Do you think young people in your country are more or less interested in taking over the family business than in the past?
- What are the differences between family businesses and large corporations?
- Do you think the government should support small, family-owned businesses? Why or why not?
- What are the most important factors for a family business to be successful for a long time?
How to Structure Your Part 2 Answer
A good structure will make your answer clear, coherent, and easy to follow. Use the P.E.E.L. method for each point:
- P - Point: State the main idea of your sentence.
- E - Example: Give a specific example or detail.
- E - Explanation: Explain the example or provide more context.
- L - Link: Link your idea to the next point or back to the main topic.
Here’s a possible structure for your 2-minute talk:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the business and your connection to it.
- What the business is & Who runs it: Describe the business, its location, and who is involved.
- Products/Services & How it operates: Detail what they do and how they do it, perhaps with a small story.
- How you feel about it (The "Explain" part): This is the most important part. Share your feelings and explain why you feel that way. This is where you can show your vocabulary and depth of thought.
- Conclusion: Briefly summarize your feelings.
Sample Answer (High Band Score)
(This answer uses a variety of vocabulary, complex sentences, and personal reflection.)
"I'd like to talk about a family business that I know quite well, which is my uncle's bakery. It's not a massive, chain operation, but a small, charming little shop tucked away in the old part of my hometown.
The business is run by my uncle, David, and his wife, my aunt Linda. They've been at it for over twenty years now. They actually took it over from my grandparents, so it's a real family affair. On weekends, you'll often find my cousin helping out behind the counter, and my mum sometimes pops in to lend a hand with the accounts, so it's very much a collaborative effort.
As for what they provide, they are famous for their artisan bread, especially their sourdough, which is baked fresh every single morning. They also make a fantastic range of pastries, croissants, and these incredible cakes that are popular for birthdays and special occasions. What I love most is their commitment to quality. They source their flour from a local mill and use only natural ingredients. You can really taste the difference.
As for how I feel about this business, I have a tremendous amount of respect for it. To be honest, I feel a sense of pride whenever I tell someone where my uncle works. It’s more than just a shop; it’s a cornerstone of our community. People go there not just for the bread, but for the friendly chat and the sense of familiarity. It’s a place where everyone knows your name.
I also feel a deep sense of admiration for my uncle and aunt. The hours are incredibly long, and the work is physically demanding, yet they approach it with such passion and dedication. In a world dominated by big corporations and online shopping, it’s heartwarming to see a small, traditional business thrive because of its quality and personal touch. It represents a way of life that I think is very valuable. So, all in all, I feel it's a wonderful institution, and I really hope they can continue to run it for many years to come."
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
To get a high score, you need to use less common vocabulary and natural-sounding phrases.
| Category | Vocabulary & Phrases | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Types of Business | family-run, family-owned, a family enterprise, a mom-and-pop shop (US), a corner shop, an SME (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise), an artisan workshop, a niche business. | "It's a classic mom-and-pop shop that has been on the same street for three generations." |
| Verbs for Running | to run, to operate, to manage, to be in charge of, to take over, to helm, to be at the helm. | "My aunt and uncle took over the business from my parents in the early 2000s." |
| Positive Feelings | I have a great deal of respect for..., I'm really impressed by..., I feel a sense of pride in..., I have a soft spot for..., I find it admirable, I'm fascinated by..., I think it's heartwarming. | "I have a soft spot for that little bookshop; it's such a peaceful place." |
| Negative/Challenging | It's a demanding job, the hours are long, it's physically/mentally exhausting, there's a lot of pressure, it's a huge responsibility, to face stiff competition. | "Running a restaurant is incredibly demanding; you're on your feet from morning till night." |
| Describing the Business | traditional, long-standing, established, well-known, reputable, a cornerstone of the community, a hidden gem, unique, bespoke, high-quality, niche. | "The restaurant is a cornerstone of the community, hosting local events and supporting farmers." |
| Explaining Your View | The thing I like most is..., What I find particularly interesting is..., I think the main reason is..., It's not just about... it's also about... | "What I find particularly admirable is their commitment to using sustainable materials." |
| Linking Ideas | Another thing is..., On top of that..., What's more..., The reason I feel this way is because... | "They use only organic ingredients. What's more, they pay their staff a fair wage." |
Tips for a High Score
- Be Specific: Instead of saying "they sell food," say "they specialize in handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas." Details make your story come alive.
- Show, Don't Just Tell: Instead of saying "it's a hard job," describe the long hours or the physical effort. "My uncle often starts baking at 4 a.m. and doesn't finish cleaning up until 9 p.m."
- Use a Range of Tenses: Talk about the past ("they started..."), the present ("it is..."), and the future ("I hope they will...").
- Connect to a Bigger Idea: Link the family business to broader themes like tradition, community, modern life, or the economy. This shows you can think beyond the immediate topic.
- Be Natural: Don't just memorize a list of words. Practice using them in sentences so they sound natural when you speak. Record yourself and listen back.
