IELTS Speaking Practice Test: Business Success

Welcome to this IELTS Speaking practice set focusing on business success and entrepreneurship.

This practice material covers all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test. Part 1 takes 4-5 minutes, Part 2 takes 3-4 minutes (including 1-minute preparation), and Part 3 takes 4-5 minutes.

You can practice with a partner if possible to simulate real test conditions.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about familiar topics.

Questions:

1. What kind of businesses are popular in your area?
2. Have you ever thought about starting your own business?
3. Do you prefer shopping at small local shops or large businesses?
4. What makes a business successful in your opinion?
5. Are there many family-owned businesses in your country?
6. Would you like to work for a large company or a small business?
7. What type of business would you start if you had the opportunity?
8. Do you think it’s easier or harder to start a business now compared to the past?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your responses.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

You will have 1 minute to prepare your response and 1-2 minutes to speak about the following topic:

Describe a successful business person you know or have heard about.

You should say:

• Who this person is
• What kind of business they run
• How they became successful
• And explain why you admire this person

Note: You may make notes during your 1-minute preparation time.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

Let’s discuss some more abstract aspects of business success.

Questions:

1. What role does education play in business success?
2. How has technology changed the way people do business?
3. What are the main challenges facing small businesses today?
4. Do you think entrepreneurship can be taught?
5. What impact do social media platforms have on modern businesses?
6. How might business practices change in the next decade?
7. Should governments provide more support to small businesses?
8. What makes some businesses survive economic crises while others fail?

Sample High-Scoring Responses

Part 1 Sample Answer

Q: What kind of businesses are popular in your area?

“In my neighborhood, we’ve seen a real boom in café-style businesses recently. These aren’t just traditional coffee shops, but rather modern establishments that combine coffee with co-working spaces. They’re particularly popular among young professionals who work remotely. We also have quite a few successful tech startups, which isn’t surprising given that we’re close to a university district.”

Part 2 Sample Answer

“I’d like to talk about Sarah Chen, a local entrepreneur who transformed her home-based bakery into a successful chain of artisanal bread shops. She started her business five years ago, initially baking sourdough bread in her kitchen and selling it through social media platforms.

What makes her story particularly interesting is how she grew her business. Instead of taking the traditional route of opening a single shop, she created a subscription-based model where customers could order weekly bread deliveries. This innovative approach helped her build a loyal customer base before she even opened her first physical store.

Her success came from a combination of factors. Firstly, she recognized the growing demand for high-quality, artisanal bread. Secondly, she leveraged social media effectively, sharing her baking process and building a community around her brand. Finally, she invested in training local youth in traditional baking methods, which not only helped her scale operations but also contributed to the community.

I admire Sarah because she didn’t just build a successful business; she created a movement that promotes traditional baking methods and sustainable practices. She’s shown that it’s possible to grow a business while maintaining quality and making a positive impact on the community. Her story demonstrates that success in business isn’t just about profits; it’s about creating value for others.”

Part 3 Sample Answer

Q: What role does education play in business success?

“Education plays a multifaceted role in business success, though perhaps not always in the traditional sense that people might expect. While formal business education can provide valuable theoretical knowledge and analytical tools, I believe its true value lies in developing critical thinking skills and providing networking opportunities.

That said, we’re seeing a shift in what constitutes relevant education for business success. Traditional business degrees are being complemented, and sometimes even replaced, by more specific technical skills or specialized knowledge. For instance, many successful tech entrepreneurs combine programming skills with business acumen.

Moreover, I think the most valuable education often comes from practical experience and continuous learning. Many successful business people emphasize the importance of learning from failures and staying updated with industry trends. This suggests that while formal education can provide a foundation, the ability to learn and adapt continuously is perhaps more crucial for long-term business success.”

Share your responses in the comments section below.

We’ll provide feedback on your answers and suggestions for improvement.

Remember to practice with a partner when possible to simulate real test conditions.

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