Of course! Talking about a family business is a great topic for IELTS Speaking Part 2. It allows you to showcase your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to tell a story.

Here’s a complete guide to help you structure your answer, with vocabulary, sample answers, and key tips.

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe a family business you know.

You should say:

• What the business is
• Whether it is a big or small business
• What the people working there do
• And explain how you feel about this business.

Part 3: Follow-up Questions

Be prepared for these types of questions in Part 3:

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a family business?
• Do you think it's a good idea for young people to work in a family business?
• What are the main challenges for a family business to survive?
• How has the role of family businesses changed in your country over the last few decades?
• Do you think family businesses will become more or less popular in the future?

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: Start with a clear topic sentence.
• E - Explain: Give more details.
• E - Example: Provide a specific example or story.
• L - Link: Link your point back to the main cue card question.

Here’s a possible structure for your 2-minute answer:

Introduction (The "What")

• Start by directly answering the first question: "The family business I'd like to talk about is my uncle's restaurant."
• Give it a name if you can (e.g., "The Golden Wok").
• Briefly state what kind of business it is (e.g., "It's a traditional Chinese cuisine restaurant").

The Business (The "Big or Small")

• Describe its size and location. "It's a small, family-run establishment located in a quiet part of the city."
• Mention its atmosphere or reputation. "It's not a huge chain, but it's very well-known in the local community for its authentic food and warm, welcoming atmosphere."

The People (The "What they do")

• This is where you can tell a story. "The core of the business is my uncle and aunt."
• P: My uncle is the head chef.
• E: He's been cooking for over 30 years and has a real passion for creating classic dishes from his hometown.
• E: For example, his dumplings are legendary. He wakes up at 5 AM every morning to prepare the dough and the fillings from scratch, just like his father taught him.
• L: So, his role is absolutely central to the restaurant's identity.
• P: My aunt manages the front of the house.
• E: She greets all the guests, takes orders, and makes sure everyone has a wonderful dining experience.
• E: She remembers the regulars' names and their usual orders, which makes people feel like they're part of a big family.
• L: Her role is crucial for the customer service side of the business.

Your Feelings (The "Explain how you feel")

• This is your conclusion. Summarize your overall impression.
• "I have a great deal of admiration for this business for several reasons."
• Reason 1 (Tradition & Passion): "Firstly, I love the sense of tradition and craftsmanship. It's not just about making money; it's about preserving a family heritage and sharing a passion for food."
• Reason 2 (Hard Work & Dedication): "Secondly, it's a testament to their hard work and dedication. Seeing them work so tirelessly, yet still with a smile, is truly inspiring."
• Conclusion: "Overall, I feel it's a very special place. It represents the best of what a family business can be – a blend of personal pride, quality, and genuine human connection."

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

Here are some words and phrases to elevate your answer.

Describing the Business:

• Family-run / Family-owned: 家族经营的
• Small-to-medium enterprise (SME): 中小企业
• Niche market: 小众市场
• Well-established / Long-standing: 历史悠久的
• A local institution: 当地的一家老店/地标
• To build a reputation: 建立声誉
• To carve out a niche: 开创自己的小天地

Describing the People's Roles:

• To be in charge of: 负责
• The head chef / The master craftsman: 主厨 / 大师
• To oversee operations: 监督运营
• To manage the front/back of the house: 管理前台/后厨
• To handle finances / bookkeeping: 处理财务 / 记账
• To be the public face: 作为对外形象
• To have a flair for...: 在某方面有天赋
• To go the extra mile: 额外努力，做得更多

Describing the Atmosphere & Values:

• A strong sense of community: 强烈的社区感
• A warm and welcoming atmosphere: 温暖热情的氛围
• Personalized service: 个性化服务
• Craftsmanship / Artisanship: 工艺，手艺
• Passion and dedication: 热情与奉献
• Work ethic: 职业道德，工作伦理
• To pass down a tradition / heritage: 传承传统 / 遗产
• Integrity: 诚信，正直

Your Opinion:

• I have a great deal of admiration/respect for...: 我非常钦佩/尊重...
• It's a testament to...: 这是...的证明
• It's a double-edged sword: 这是一把双刃剑 (有优点也有缺点)
• On the one hand... on the other hand...: ....
• I believe...: 我认为...
• From my perspective...: 在我看来...

Sample Answer 1 (Positive)

Okay, I'd like to talk about my uncle's restaurant, which is a fantastic family business.

The business is a traditional Italian restaurant called "Mama's Kitchen." It's located in a small town near where I grew up. It's definitely a small business – it only has about 15 tables and has been running for over 20 years. It’s not a big, fancy place, but it's become a real local institution, famous for its homemade pasta and warm atmosphere.

The people working there are all family members, at least in the core roles. My uncle, the founder, is the head chef. He's an incredible cook with a real passion for authentic recipes from his grandmother. He spends hours every day making fresh pasta and sauces from scratch. His wife, my aunt, runs the front of the house. She’s incredibly welcoming and knows most of the customers by name. She takes orders, manages the small team of waiters, and makes sure everyone feels at home. Even my cousins help out during weekends, either serving or washing dishes.

I have a huge amount of respect for this business. I feel it represents the very best of what a family-run enterprise can be. It's not just about profit; it's about preserving a family heritage and sharing a passion for good food. You can taste the love and care in every single dish. It’s a place built on trust, hard work, and a genuine connection to the community. Seeing them work so diligently together, yet always with a smile, is truly inspiring. So, overall, I feel it's a very special and admirable business.

Sample Answer 2 (More Balanced/Neutral)

The family business I'm familiar with is actually my own family's. It's a small, private language tutoring center that my parents started about 15 years ago.

It’s a small-to-medium enterprise, or SME. We don't have a big campus; we operate from a few rented classrooms in an office building. We specialize in preparing high school students for major exams like the IELTS and SAT. It's grown from just my parents teaching to now having a team of about 10 tutors, but my parents still oversee the entire operation.

My father is the director and the main business strategist. He handles all the marketing, finances, and deals with the corporate clients who send their employees to us. My mother is the academic director. She designs the curriculum, hires and trains the tutors, and ensures the quality of our teaching. I used to help out during the summer holidays by managing the social media accounts and assisting with student enrollment.

How I feel about it is quite complex. On one hand, I have a great deal of admiration for their entrepreneurial spirit and dedication. They built something from nothing and have genuinely helped hundreds of students achieve their dreams. On the other hand, I've seen the