Part 1 · Band 9

Do you prefer tea or coffee?

Source-reported band score · 37 words

Sample answer

Honestly, I tend to drink green tea, especially in the morning because it gives me a lot of energy. But sometimes I drink coffee when I study to stay awake. Naturally, I prefer drinking tea over coffee.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer follows a clear sequence: it states a preference for green tea, explains when and why you drink it, then contrasts this with occasional coffee and restates your preference. The final sentence is slightly repetitive, but it gives the response a clear close. For practice, give this answer in 20 seconds, then repeat it in 15 seconds while keeping the morning, studying and preference points.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “green tea,” “in the morning” and “stay awake” are clear and well suited to this familiar topic. “I prefer drinking tea over coffee” communicates your choice directly. The vocabulary is accurate, though “a lot of energy” is quite general and the repeated tea preference limits variety. As an optional refinement, try “a useful energy boost” and “overall, I prefer tea to coffee.”

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses accurate, natural structures, including “I tend to drink” and the reason clause “because it gives me a lot of energy.” The time clauses in “when I study to stay awake” also make the contrast easy to understand. The grammar is mostly simple, which suits Part 1; to extend your range, you could combine the contrast and preference in one sentence while keeping the meaning unchanged.

Pronunciation

This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording. Try stressing the key words in “green tea” and “stay awake,” then group the answer into thought units: “Honestly, I tend to drink green tea / especially in the morning / because it gives me a lot of energy.” Record yourself saying it twice and check whether the key words are clear and each thought group is easy to follow.

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

  • Keep the answer to three moves: state your preference, give one reason or occasion, and finish with a brief contrast.
  • Replace one general phrase, such as “a lot of energy,” with a natural specific alternative like “a useful energy boost.”
  • Practise saying the answer in 15–20 seconds, making sure you include the morning routine, coffee while studying and your overall preference.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Mention which drink you usually choose and specify the kind, such as green tea.
  • Give a time or situation when you drink it, such as in the morning or while studying.
  • Add one reason for the choice, then briefly contrast it with the other drink.

Suggested structure

  1. State your usual preference.
  2. Add a specific type of tea or coffee.
  3. Give a time or situation when you drink it.
  4. Explain the benefit or reason.
  5. Mention the alternative and finish with your overall preference.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a useful energy boost
A noticeable increase in energy that helps you feel more alert.

Green tea gives me a useful energy boost in the morning.

stay awake
To remain alert instead of becoming sleepy.

I sometimes drink coffee while studying to stay awake.

overall, I prefer
A concise way to state your general choice after mentioning an exception or contrast.

I sometimes have coffee, but overall, I prefer tea.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

Band 9

Well, I think it depends. At home, I prefer tea, especially green tea in the morning, as it helps me stay focused throughout the day. It also offers various health benefits, lik...

Band 8

Honestly, I tend to drink green tea, especially in the morning because it gives me a lot of energy. But sometimes I drink coffee when I study in order to stay awake. Naturally,...

Band 7

I prefer tea over coffee. But sometimes I also enjoy having coffee with friends when we go out.

Band 6

Well, I am a coffee lover, you know. I have a big passion for coffee. I love coffee, such as Vietnamese coffee or some kind of espresso from America. On the other hand, coffee c...

Band 5

Well, it depends. For example, at home, I prefer to have tea. When I am out with friends, I usually order coffee because it helps me feel more alive. I enjoy a cozy atmosphere....

Band 4

Well, I tend to drink coffee because when I drink coffee, I feel better. It helps me to stay energized, too, especially at night. If I have more homework and studies, it makes m...