Part 1 · Band 6

Are you a student or do you work?

Source-reported band score · 36 words

Sample answer

Uh, well, yes. I'm currently working as an English tutor in a cram school to teach children English. Uh, sometimes I also need to make teacher materials, like tests or exercises to make them more effective.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

Your ideas follow a clear order: you identify your current job, explain that you teach children English, then add a second duty with examples of the materials. The final purpose is slightly ambiguous because “them” could refer to the tests, exercises, or materials. For practice, give this same answer in 20 seconds, then repeat it in 25 seconds with one clear link between your teaching and preparation duties.

Lexical Resource

“English tutor,” “cram school,” and “tests or exercises” give relevant, concrete detail, and the wording is easy to understand. The main collocation issue is “make teacher materials”; “prepare teaching materials” is more natural. “Effective” also has an unclear reference in the final phrase. Next, learn job-and-duty collocations as chunks and name the intended result directly, such as more effective lessons or better student practice.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Most clauses are grammatically understandable, including “I’m currently working…” and “I also need to…,” and the present simple appropriately describes a recurring duty. The purpose phrase “to teach children English” is understandable but less smooth than a relative clause, while the final “to make them…” leaves its referent uncertain. Practise combining a job and responsibility with “where I…” and check that each pronoun clearly points to a noun.

Pronunciation

This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording: text alone cannot show your pronunciation. Mark the thought groups as “I’m currently working as an English tutor” / “at a cram school” / “where I teach children English.” Give the main stress to TUTOR, CRAM SCHOOL, and TEACH CHILDREN ENGLISH; keep smaller words lighter. Record two takes, then check whether the stressed words are easy to identify and pauses fall at the thought-group boundaries.

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

  • Replace “make teacher materials” with “prepare teaching materials” when describing this responsibility.
  • Clarify the purpose of your tests and exercises by naming what they improve, such as your lessons or students’ practice.
  • Practise a 20-second version, then a 25-second version that links your teaching duties and material preparation smoothly.

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

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 whi...

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.