Part 1 · Band 9

Do you work or are you a student?

Source-reported band score · 207 words

Sample answer

I am currently a student at a specialized school 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 understanding of language structure and its practical applications. In addition to my core subjects, I am involved in various extracurricular activities, such as the literary club, where we discuss and analyze different genres of literature. This has not only enhanced my analytical skills but also allowed me to connect with like-minded peers who share my passion for reading and writing. Moreover, I have taken up part-time tutoring for younger students, which has been a rewarding experience. It allows me to apply my knowledge and help others while also honing my communication skills. Balancing my studies and tutoring has taught me valuable time management skills, which I believe will be beneficial in my future career. Overall, being a student is a fulfilling experience for me, as it provides opportunities for personal growth and academic development. I look forward to continuing my studies and eventually contributing to the field of literature and education.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The written sequence is clear: you identify yourself as a student, describe your studies and club, then add tutoring and reflect on its benefits. For this short Part 1 question, though, the development is much longer than necessary and ends with a broad summary. Practise giving the same answer in 30–40 seconds: keep your study, one related activity and one brief personal benefit, then stop. This text-only review cannot assess spoken fluency.

Lexical Resource

Your vocabulary is varied and relevant, with precise terms such as “linguistics and translation,” “analytical skills” and “time management skills.” These choices let you explain several aspects of student life clearly. Some phrases, including “practical applications” and “contributing to the field,” sound formal for a simple conversational question. As a next step, keep the subject-specific vocabulary but use more everyday phrasing when describing what you personally enjoy or do.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You control a useful range of structures, including the relative clause in “where we discuss and analyze different genres of literature” and the present perfect in “I have been studying works.” The relationships between ideas are clear, and there is no clear grammatical error to correct. Several sentences are long and carry multiple points; try dividing one or two into shorter spoken units while retaining your accurate complex structures.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation cannot be assessed from text, and this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise word stress in “American literature,” “extracurricular activities” and “time management.” Mark thought groups in a sentence, for example: “Balancing my studies and tutoring / has taught me valuable time management skills.” Record one reading, then check whether the stressed words and pauses between meaning groups are 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.

  • Answer the question directly in your first sentence, then choose only two supporting details so the response fits a natural Part 1 length.
  • Practise a 30–40 second version that includes your degree, one activity such as tutoring, and one benefit such as improved communication skills.
  • Replace one or two abstract phrases, such as “practical applications,” with a plain explanation of what you study or do.

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.