Part 1 · Band 9

Do you work or are you a student?

Source-reported band score · 212 words

Sample answer

I am currently a student at Tashkent State University, where I am pursuing a degree in English language and literature. I am particularly interested in American literature, and I have been studying works by authors like Ernest Hemingway and Mark Twain. I am also taking courses in linguistics and translation, which are helping me develop my skills in both written and spoken English. In addition to my coursework, I am involved in several extracurricular activities, such as the university's literary club, where we discuss various literary works and host events to promote reading among students. This involvement not only enriches my understanding of literature but also allows me to connect with like-minded peers who share my passion. Furthermore, I have taken on a part-time job as a tutor for high school students, which has been incredibly rewarding. It enables me to apply my knowledge practically while helping others improve their language skills. Balancing my studies and work has taught me valuable time management skills and has reinforced my commitment to my education. Overall, being a student at Tashkent State University has been a fulfilling experience, as I am constantly learning and growing both academically and personally. I look forward to continuing my studies and eventually pursuing a career in teaching or translation.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer moves in a clear sequence from your degree and literary interests to university activities, tutoring, and future plans. The closing “I look forward to continuing my studies” gives it a clear endpoint. However, this much detail is lengthy for a Part 1 response. Practise giving a 30–40-second version using the same sequence and selecting only one detail for each main point. Text alone cannot show spoken fluency.

Lexical Resource

Your vocabulary is varied and well matched to the topic: “linguistics and translation,” “extracurricular activities,” and “time management skills” communicate specific ideas clearly. The answer also avoids relying on one repeated word for your studies or interests. Some expressions, such as “like-minded peers who share my passion,” are a little formal for a short spoken reply. For a more conversational sound, simplify one or two phrases while keeping the subject-specific vocabulary.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use a strong range of accurate structures, including the relative clause in “where I am pursuing a degree” and the participial phrase “Balancing my studies and work.” Longer sentences remain understandable, and the verb forms consistently describe current study, past experience, and future plans. As an optional refinement, break up a few long sentences when speaking so that each point is easier to follow; no clear grammatical error stands out.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation cannot be assessed from this text, and this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise “Tashkent State University” with clear stress on the main content words, and say “extracurricular activities” slowly before blending it into a natural phrase. Group the opening into thought units: “I am currently a student at Tashkent State University / where I am pursuing a degree…” Record yourself reading it, then check that the word endings remain clear and the groups are not rushed.

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

  • Aim for a 30–40-second response: state your student status, give one detail about your studies, and add one detail about work or university life.
  • Practise choosing one example rather than listing several; for example, mention either the literary club’s events or the people you meet there.
  • Record a version using thought groups, then check whether phrases such as “linguistics and translation” and “time management skills” are clear without making the answer sound memorised.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Briefly explain when you finished school to establish your timeline.
  • Describe your current plan to explore career options.
  • Give a reason for taking on projects and jobs, such as gaining experience before making a decision.

Suggested structure

  1. Answer directly by stating whether you currently work or study.
  2. Give the relevant background and time reference.
  3. Explain what you are doing at present.
  4. End with the purpose of those activities or your next decision.
Useful vocabulary & examples
explore career options
consider different possible types of work before choosing a direction

I'm taking a year to explore different career options.

short-term project
a piece of work intended to last for a limited period

I've been working on some short-term projects.

gain experience
develop practical knowledge or skills by doing work

I'm taking part-time jobs to gain experience.

decide what to do next
choose the next action or direction

I'm gaining experience before deciding what to do next.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

Band 9

I graduated from school last year, and at the moment, I'm taking a year to explore different career options. I've been working on some short-term projects and part-time jobs to...

Band 8

Well, currently, I am working as a math teacher at a secondary school called Alicia. I have been working there for 2 years, and I was a volunteer in my 1st year. Additionally, I...

Band 7

Yes, both. I'm studying and working at my university. It is a great chance to improve my future career. After graduation, I'm going to study abroad.

Band 6

Well, I'm a student at the university, and this is my 3rd year at this place. Also, I have a part-time job as a teacher at a vocational school. I'm still working this term at th...

Band 5

Well, I'm studying at school currently in 9th grade. I have subjects like English and events. Also, I help my father in a market in my free time.

Band 4

For now, I'm still a very school student. But sometimes during my own vacation, I work a part-time job. So I do work and study.