Of course! Talking about a family business is a very common and excellent topic for IELTS Speaking Part 2. It allows you to showcase a range of vocabulary and grammar structures.

Here’s a complete guide to help you prepare, including a sample answer, key vocabulary, and useful structures.

Part 2: Cue Card

You should say: What the business is How long your family has had this business What people do in this business And explain how you feel about this family business.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9 Level)

(This answer is structured to be natural and fluent, with a range of vocabulary and grammar.)

"That's a fascinating topic. I'd like to talk about a family business that's very close to my heart – my grandparents' small, traditional teahouse.

The business is a quaint little teahouse located in the old quarter of my hometown. It's not a massive, commercial chain; it's more of a hidden gem that has been cherished by locals for decades. They specialize in serving a wide variety of Chinese tea, from delicate green teas to rich, aged Pu'er, all served in a serene and tranquil setting.

As far as I know, my grandparents established this business over forty years ago. It started as a humble venture, just a small storefront with a handful of tables. They poured their life savings and passion into it, and through sheer hard work and word-of-mouth, it gradually grew into the beloved establishment it is today. My parents also joined the business later on, and for a time, it was a true family affair.

Nowadays, the daily operations are run by my parents and a few long-term, loyal staff who are almost like family themselves. My grandparents, though in their late 70s, still come in every morning to greet the regular customers and share stories. They say it keeps them young! My mother is the master tea brewer, ensuring the quality is always exceptional, while my father manages the front of house, making sure every guest has a wonderful experience.

Personally, I have incredibly mixed feelings about this family business. On one hand, I feel a profound sense of pride when I see it bustling with happy customers. It's a tangible legacy of my grandparents' hard work and a symbol of our family's values of hospitality and perseverance. On the other hand, it comes with a great deal of pressure. There's an immense sense of responsibility to carry on their legacy and ensure the business not only survives but thrives in the modern world. It’s a heavy weight on my shoulders, but it’s a weight I’m proud to bear."

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

To get a high score, you need to move beyond simple words. Here are some categorized words and phrases you can use.

Nouns (to describe the business and its nature)

• A venture / an enterprise: A business project or undertaking.
• An establishment: A business or public place.
• A legacy: Something handed down from an ancestor or previous occupant.
• A tradition / a heritage: Customs or beliefs passed down through generations.
• A passion / a calling: A strong enthusiasm or a sense of being destined for something.
• A niche market: A small, specialized segment of the market.
• A stronghold: A place where a particular belief or activity has great strength.
• An asset: A useful or valuable quality or person.

Verbs (to describe actions and processes)

• To establish / to found: To set up or create an organization.
• To run / to operate / to manage: To be in charge of the business.
• To inherit: To receive something from a predecessor.
• To expand / to grow: To make the business larger.
• To diversify: To vary the range of products or services.
• To specialise in / to focus on: To concentrate on a particular product or area.
• To pass down: To transfer knowledge or ownership through generations.
• To pour one's heart and soul into: To dedicate all of one's energy and passion to something.
• To carry on the legacy: To continue the work and reputation of previous generations.

Adjectives (to describe the business and your feelings)

• Quaint / charming: Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
• Humble / modest: Unpretentious and not grand.
• Lucrative: Producing a great deal of profit.
• Steadfast / resilient: Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
• Demanding / strenuous: Reiring much effort or energy.
• Fascinating / intriguing: Arousing curiosity or interest.
• Rewarding: Providing satisfaction, especially a sense of achievement.
• Stressful / pressurised: Causing mental or emotional stress.

Useful Idioms & Collocations

• A family affair: An activity involving all members of a family.
• To pour one's life savings into something: To use all the money you have saved.
• Word-of-mouth: Recommendation through informal communication.
• A hidden gem: Something that is excellent but not widely known.
• Bustling with activity: Full of energetic and noisy activity.
• To keep the lights on: To have enough money to stay in business.
• To have the weight of the world on one's shoulders: To feel a great deal of responsibility.

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

Examiners will often ask more abstract questions about this topic.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of a family business?

• Advantages: "Well, the primary advantage is trust. In a family-run business, there's a built-in level of loyalty and commitment that you might not find elsewhere. Family members are often more willing to go the extra mile. Another benefit is shared vision; since everyone is working towards a common legacy, there's a stronger sense of purpose. Also, decision-making can be much faster as you don't have to go through layers of bureaucracy."
• Disadvantages: "On the flip side, the main drawback is the blurring of lines between professional and personal life. Work issues can easily spill over into family gatherings, causing tension. Another problem is nepotism, where family members might be promoted or hired based on their relationships rather than their qualifications, which can lead to resentment among non-family employees. And of course, there's immense pressure to keep the business going, which can be stressful for everyone involved."

Q: Do you think family businesses are becoming less common? Why?

• "I believe they are, at least in the traditional sense. The global market has become incredibly competitive, and it's often difficult for small, family-run enterprises to compete with large corporations that have vast resources for marketing and technology. Furthermore, the younger generation today often has different career aspirations; they might prefer to work in a multinational company for the experience, benefits, and structured career path, rather than taking over the family business. So, while they might not disappear entirely, their dominance is certainly waning in many sectors."

Q: What skills are important for running a successful family business?

• "I'd say a combination of hard and soft skills is crucial. Obviously, you need solid business acumen – an understanding of finance, marketing, and management. But perhaps more importantly, you need excellent communication skills to navigate the complex dynamics of family relationships while maintaining a professional environment. You also need a great deal of resilience to weather the inevitable storms and the foresight to adapt to changing market trends. And above all, you need a shared passion for the business, because it's that passion that will keep everyone motivated during the tough times."