IELTS SPEAKING PART 2 & 3 – A Business Idea – IELTS Academic

Talk about a business idea that you have had

  • What was the idea?
  • Where did the idea come from?
  • How can this idea impact people?
  • What do or did you need to make this idea a reality?

You will have one to two minutes to talk about this topic.

You will have one minute to prepare what you are going to say.

What kind of advertising have you done to promote your store?



I have done both virtual advertising, such as promotions on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with different sales and promotions, like buy two bikes and get the third at half price. Also, I have done community promotions, like organizing a ride-to-work week in September. 

Billboard = large signs you see outside, often along highways on the side of the road

Why do you think people prefer to ride e-bikes rather than traditional pedal bikes in your area?

I’ve actually asked this question from some of our customers. The most common reasons are that there are many hills in our area so it helps to have an electric engine, especially when going to work so that the riders do not get exhausted and sweaty (perspiration) when they arrive at the office. 

Why didn’t many candidates use the vocabulary sweaty and exhausted?

***Because I think many candidates did not see themselves peddling a traditional bike for 40km uphill. 

***Think before you speak*** – this means not just English vocabulary and grammar but also the actual content! Ex. riding a classic pedal bike up a 5km hill to your office/school. 

Arda – Yes, okay, but the first word that comes to mind is “tired” 🡪 think: is there a more specific, accurate and detailed term to describe this situation (perhaps an idiom/phrasal verb) exhausted = worn out 

DO NOT use “you” and “your” in your IELTS speaking, it is often inaccurate and lowers your Band score because it is poor communication and leads to a lack of coherence, cohesion and fluency. 



PART 3 

Let’s talk more about business.

What is the advantage of owning a business instead of working for an employer? 

The clear benefits of being self-employed are both opportunity for more income and freedom over one’s own schedule. What I mean by this is that with a business, each month a person can increase profits, but employees only get a pay raise once or twice a year. As well a business owner can take time off as they see fit, but a worker must earn vacation time and request for time off. In fact, I took three days off last week from my bike shop to join my cousin’s wedding in Goa and did not have to ask for permission. 

What are the negatives?

Well, certain deficits of running a company include greater responsibility and financial pressure that can lead to stress and sleepless nights. Also, owners have to worry about the well being of their employees and at times they may need to make some tough decisions. In fact, just last week I had to fire an incompetent sales clerk and it was tough to see the tears in their eyes as I gave them the bad news. 

What kinds of businesses are popular these days and why?

How have business practices changed compared to a generation before? Is this good or bad?



Let’s discuss work and careers?

Many people have three or more careers in their lifetimes, why is this common?

Whether for more money or for excitement people often will change their jobs every few years. Fortunately, there are lots of job opportunities that come people’s way throughout their lives, so this is a bit easier nowadays than in the past. I started as a carpenter a decade ago, then I became a sales manager, and now I run my own company. 

What is needed for a person to have a successful career? And, what are the best ways to achieve these?

If a person wants to change careers, what is good advice to make this transition go smoothly?

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