Part 1 · Band 7

Are you a student or do you work?

Source-reported band score · 33 words

Sample answer

I'm actually a graduate of both high school and university. I've been working as a backend developer in a software company since the early 2000s. I've been there for quite a while now.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer develops in a clear sequence: it gives your education, then your current role and employer, and closes with “I've been there for quite a while now.” That final point reinforces your length of service, though the response could connect the details a little more smoothly. Practise saying it in 20 seconds, linking each point with “and” or “so,” then record yourself to check that the ideas form one connected answer.

Lexical Resource

“Backend developer” is a precise, relevant job title, and “since the early 2000s” communicates a long work history naturally. The wording is clear and conversational, including “quite a while,” but the vocabulary range is necessarily narrow in this short response, and that phrase is less precise than the earlier time reference. You could refine the ending by saying “for many years” or “for over two decades” only if that accurately reflects your experience.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The response uses accurate sentence structures and a suitable present perfect continuous in “I've been working … since the early 2000s,” followed by “I've been there for quite a while now.” The time relationship is clear, and there are no evident grammatical errors. To build on this, combine the role and duration into one smoothly linked sentence, while keeping the tense consistent with work that continues now.

Pronunciation

This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording; pronunciation cannot be judged from text alone. Practise the stress in “BACK-end developer” and “early 2000s,” then say the answer in thought groups: “I've been working as a backend developer / in a software company / since the early 2000s.” Record yourself, check that the key words are easy to identify, and adjust the grouping if the meaning is unclear.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • Answer the work-or-study question directly in your opening phrase, then add your education as brief context.
  • Link the job and time reference with a clear connector, such as “and,” so the answer sounds like one connected response.
  • Use a precise closing time phrase; choose one that is accurate rather than relying on the vague “quite a while.”

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Briefly state your current education status before describing what happens next.
  • Connect waiting for results with preparing university applications.
  • Name a possible major and, if you want to extend the answer, give a short reason for your interest.

Suggested structure

  1. Answer directly: say whether you are a student or work.
  2. Give a brief detail about your current education.
  3. Explain your immediate next step, such as waiting for results or applying.
  4. Name a major you are considering and close with your likely choice.
Useful vocabulary & examples
wait for my results
Expect to receive the outcome of an exam or course.

I'm waiting for my results while preparing to apply to universities.

prepare to apply to universities
Get ready to submit applications to universities.

I'm preparing to apply to universities.

be intrigued by
Feel curious and interested in something.

I'm especially intrigued by biotechnology.

a possible major
A university subject area you may choose to study.

Biotechnology is a possible major I'm considering.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

Band 9

I am a student and I've just finished my Ontario Secondary School diploma. I'm currently waiting for my results while preparing to apply to universities. I've looked into majors...

Band 8

I am working now. I've been working since I was 21 after graduation. My first job was at the university as an international relations officer. I was there for two years, and aft...

Band 7

Well, currently, I'm a medical student. My major is general practice. I'm aiming to be a doctor in the future. My future job will involve taking care of patients and working in...

Band 6

Well, currently, I'm a medical practitioner. I work as a doctor, taking care of patients and providing for my family.

Band 5

I am a student at Forest Grace University, which is located on La Street. My school is about 5 kilometers away from where I live.

Band 4

Well, currently, I am still a student. I'm pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration at National Taiwan University.