Part 1 Questions
- Do you know many small businesses where you live?
- Do you prefer buying things from big companies or small businesses?
- Have you ever worked in small businesses?
- Have you ever thought about starting your own business?
Sample Response
Do you know many small businesses where you live?
Yes, there are quite a lot in my neighborhood. We have many small shops like bakeries, coffee shops, and convenience stores. Most of them are family businesses.
Essential Vocabulary
Local small businesses
- mom-and-pop shops - small family businesses
- independent retailers - non-chain stores
- local establishments - neighborhood businesses
- boutique stores - small specialized shops
- corner shop - small neighborhood store
- family-run business - operated by family
- high street shops - main street businesses
- artisanal stores - handcraft/specialty shops
Shopping preferences
- support local - buy from local businesses
- personal touch - individual attention
- mass-produced - made in large quantities
- competitive prices - good value
- convenience factor - ease of shopping
- one-stop shopping - everything in one place
- unique finds - special items
- customer loyalty - regular customers
Working in small businesses
- tight-knit team - close working group
- wear many hats - do various jobs
- hands-on experience - direct involvement
- startup environment - new business setting
- limited resources - not much money/staff
- close to the owner - direct boss contact
- steep learning curve - learn quickly
- jack of all trades - do everything
Starting own business
- entrepreneurial spirit - business mindset
- be my own boss - work for myself
- business venture - commercial project
- startup capital - initial money needed
- market gap - unfilled customer need
- risk and reward - potential gains/losses
- business plan - formal proposal
- side hustle - part-time business
Natural Spoken Phrases
- "I'm all for supporting..." strong preference
- "There's something to be said for..." acknowledging benefits
- "I've toyed with the idea of..." considered casually
- "It's a tough call" difficult decision
- "The beauty of small businesses is..." main advantage
- "I've always admired people who..." respect for entrepreneurs
- "It crossed my mind" thought about briefly
- "Takes guts to..." requires courage