Part 1 · Band 4

Do you work or are you a student?

Source-reported band score · 14 words

Sample answer

I'm a student presently completing my bachelor's degree. I am searching for a job.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas follow a clear, relevant sequence: you identify yourself as a student, add that you are completing a bachelor's degree, then mention job searching. The answer is easy to follow, though the connection between study and employment could be developed with one brief detail, if true. Practise this exact answer in a 15-second recording, then add one relevant detail and check that the response remains focused.

Lexical Resource

The wording is clear and appropriate: “bachelor's degree” gives a specific description of your studies, and “searching for a job” communicates your situation directly. The vocabulary is accurate but the short answer offers little range, and “presently” sounds a little formal in this conversational context. As a refinement, try a natural alternative such as “currently” or “looking for a job,” while keeping your meaning unchanged.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Both sentences are grammatically sound: “I'm a student presently completing my bachelor's degree” uses a clear main clause with a participle phrase, and “I am searching for a job” is a correct present-progressive sentence. The sample is too brief to show a wide range of structures, rather than containing an evident grammatical error. For a little more variety, connect the ideas in one sentence using “and.”

Pronunciation

This is a text-only sample, so this guide is not an assessment of a recording or of your pronunciation. Practise the word stress in “bachelor's degree” and “searching for a job,” then say the answer in two thought groups: “I'm a student presently completing my bachelor's degree” / “I am searching for a job.” Record yourself, check that each phrase is easy to understand, and repeat any unclear words.

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

  • Practise a 10–15-second version that answers the student/work question first, then gives your degree detail.
  • If it is true, add one specific detail about your job search, such as the kind of work you are seeking.
  • Try connecting the two points with “and” so the answer sounds like one smoothly linked response.

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.