Sample answer
Right now, I am a student. And yeah, I'm just a student. I'm probably not working that much. It's just a hobby. I don't work to earn money, but I work to do some interesting things.
Part 1 · Band 5
Do you work or are you a student?
Source-reported band score · 36 words
Answer analysis
Fluency & Coherence
The answer follows a sensible sequence: it states your current status (“I am a student”), describes your limited work, then clarifies that it is a hobby rather than a source of income and gives a reason. However, repeating “student” and “work” leaves the idea only lightly developed. Practise a 20-second version: answer directly, explain the hobby-versus-paid-work distinction, and add one brief reason. Record it and check that each sentence adds new information.
Lexical Resource
The vocabulary is clear and relevant: “hobby,” “earn money,” and “interesting things” communicate the main point. However, “student” and “work” recur several times, and “interesting things” is quite general. For a more precise answer, replace one repetition with a natural phrase such as “paid work” and specify what you find interesting only if it is true for you. This would add variety without making the response sound memorised.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Your sentences are generally understandable, and you use both a simple statement (“I am a student”) and a contrast with “but.” The main limitation is the narrow range of sentence patterns; several short clauses repeat the same subject and verbs. Try joining related points, for example, linking your student status with the fact that you do not do much paid work. Keep the contrast between earning money and doing something as a hobby clear.
Pronunciation
This is a text-only response, so pronunciation cannot be assessed; this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “student” (first syllable), “earn money” (stress “earn” and the first syllable of “money”), and “interesting things” (stress the first syllable of “interesting” and “things”). Record yourself saying: “I’m a student / and I don’t work to earn money.” Check that the thought 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.
- Open with one direct sentence identifying yourself as a student; avoid repeating that information in the next sentence.
- Clarify whether you mean paid work by using a phrase such as “paid work,” then contrast it with your hobby.
- Replace “interesting things” with a specific activity only if it accurately describes what you 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
- Answer directly by stating whether you currently work or study.
- Give the relevant background and time reference.
- Explain what you are doing at present.
- 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.
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.