IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe a person who enjoys working for a family business

Describe a person who enjoys working for a family business

You should say:

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Choose a real person you know to make the narrative flow more naturally.
  2. Outline the business clearly so the examiner understands the context of their daily work.
  3. Focus on one or two strong emotional reasons for their enjoyment to ensure depth.

Band 8 model answer

I’d like to tell you about my cousin, Elena, who is someone I’ve always admired for her dedication. I’ve known her since we were children, as we grew up just a few houses away from each other in a quiet suburb of Bristol. We spent countless weekends playing in her parents’ backyard, so I’ve had a front-row seat to her professional journey. Her family runs an independent wholesale bakery that has been a local staple for over forty years, specialising in artisanal sourdough and traditional pastries. When Elena finished her university degree, she didn't look for a corporate role; instead, she jumped straight into the family fold. I think she enjoys working there primarily because of the profound sense of legacy and autonomy it provides. She isn't just an employee following orders; she is deeply involved in modernising their brand identity and streamlining their distribution, which gives her a real sense of ownership. Moreover, she thrives on the tight-knit atmosphere. There is a certain warmth in working alongside relatives who share the same work ethic and values, which is something you rarely find in a soulless office environment. She told me once that the smell of fresh bread every morning is a far better reward than any performance bonus. Ultimately, she loves the autonomy to experiment with new recipes while knowing she is preserving her family’s heritage for future generations. It is refreshing to see someone find genuine purpose in a path that is both rooted in history and evolving with her own creative input.

255 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

Vocabulary from the answer

wholesale
selling goods in large quantities to other businesses
artisanal
made in a traditional way by skilled craftspeople
family fold
the group or business belonging to one's family
legacy
something handed down from the past or predecessors
autonomy
the freedom to act and make independent decisions
streamlining
making a process simpler, more efficient, and effective
tight-knit
a group of people with very close relationships
soulless
lacking human feeling, character, or individual personality

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe a person who enjoys working for a family business"?

Choose a real person you know to make the narrative flow more naturally.

How long should my answer be?

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

More cue cards: a person