IELTS Speaking Practice 19 Test 03
Practise Part 1 questions, a Part 2 cue card and Part 3 discussion questions with sample answers.
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Introduction and Interview
Answer familiar questions naturally and directly.
What do you do for work?
I work in customer support for an online retail company. I mainly answer customer questions, check orders, and help solve problems related to deliveries or products.
What do you like about your job?
I like the problem-solving part of the job. It’s satisfying when someone contacts us with a confusing issue and I can give them a clear solution fairly quickly.
What skills are important in your work?
Clear communication is essential, because customers need simple explanations. Patience is also important, and you have to stay organised when several cases need attention at the same time.
Do you like using pens or pencils?
I prefer pens for everyday writing because they feel smoother and the writing is darker. I mainly use pencils when I need to sketch something or make notes that I might erase.
What kind of pen do you usually use?
I usually use a simple black gel pen. I don’t care much about the brand as long as it writes smoothly and doesn’t leak in my bag.
Do you think stationery matters for studying?
A little. Good stationery won’t make someone a better student, but a comfortable pen and an organised notebook can make note-taking easier and more pleasant, especially during long study sessions.
Do you pay attention to public announcements?
Yes, especially in stations, airports, or shopping centres. I don’t listen to every announcement, but I pay attention when it might affect where I need to go.
Are announcements clear in your city?
Most of them are fairly clear, particularly on public transport. Sometimes the sound quality is poor in crowded places, though, so it can be difficult to catch every word.
Do you think announcements help people?
Yes, they can be very useful. They give people immediate information about delays, safety issues, or changes in services, especially when not everyone is looking at a phone.
Long Turn
Speak continuously and develop the cue card as one natural response.
Describe a small business you would like to support
- What the business is and what it sells
- Where it is located
- What you like about it
- Why you want to support it
A small business I’d like to support is a family-run noodle shop near my workplace. It’s in a side street about five minutes from the office, and it mainly sells handmade noodles, dumplings, and a few simple rice dishes. I first went there because a coworker recommended it, and since then I’ve probably eaten there dozens of times. What I like most is that the food is consistent and reasonably priced. The owners are also very friendly. They recognise regular customers, remember simple preferences, and never make the place feel rushed even when it’s busy. The shop is quite small and doesn’t have fancy decoration, but it has a warm atmosphere and the kitchen is always clean. I’d like to support it because independent places like this can easily struggle when rents rise or large chains open nearby. I also think they add character to a neighborhood in a way that identical chain restaurants can’t. Whenever possible, I choose to eat there rather than ordering from a large fast-food brand. It’s a small decision, but if enough local customers do the same, businesses like this have a better chance of surviving.
Do you often think about this experience?
Yes, occasionally. I pass the shop quite often, so it reminds me how much small local businesses depend on regular customers rather than large advertising campaigns.
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Discussion
Develop your ideas with reasons, examples, comparisons or qualifications where they fit.
What can governments do to help small businesses survive and grow?
Governments can help by reducing unnecessary paperwork, offering clear tax guidance, and providing affordable loans or grants for businesses with realistic plans. Training can also be useful, especially in areas like digital marketing, accounting, and online sales. However, support shouldn’t mean protecting every business from competition. The goal should be to remove avoidable barriers and give smaller firms a fair chance to grow, while still expecting them to provide good products and manage their finances responsibly.
Do you think people should be encouraged to buy from local businesses?
Yes, to some extent, because local businesses often keep more money circulating within the community and can make an area feel more distinctive. However, people shouldn’t be pressured to buy locally if the price is unreasonable or the quality is poor. Encouragement works best when local businesses offer real value. Governments or community groups can promote them, but customers should still be free to choose based on price, quality, convenience, and service.
Why do people choose to support some businesses over others?
People usually support businesses that give them a positive experience. Good service, reliable quality, fair prices, and trust all matter. Personal connection can make a difference too. A customer may prefer a small café because the owner knows them, even if another place is slightly cheaper. Values also influence choices now. Some people actively support businesses that use local ingredients, treat staff well, or reduce waste because those practices match their own priorities.
How can local people help businesses in their area?
Local people can help in simple ways, such as buying from independent shops, recommending them to friends, and leaving fair online reviews. Social media can be especially useful for a small business that doesn’t have a large advertising budget. People can also attend local markets or community events where small businesses sell their products. Support doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money; even sharing useful information can help a good local business reach new customers.
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