Sample answer
I'm a third-year finance student. I'm a junior at the University of Economics and my major is finance.
Part 1 · Band 6
Do you work or are you a student?
Source-reported band score · 18 words
Answer analysis
Fluency & Coherence
The answer follows a clear sequence: it identifies you as a “third-year finance student,” then adds your university and major. The second sentence partly repeats the first rather than developing the response with another detail. For practice, give this answer in 20 seconds, then add one relevant detail—such as what you enjoy about finance—while keeping the response focused. This is a text-only estimate, not an assessment of recorded speech.
Lexical Resource
The wording is relevant and easy to understand: “finance student,” “junior,” and “major” communicate your study status and subject. However, “finance” appears twice, and the vocabulary is limited to basic study-related terms. You could keep the answer concise while varying the phrasing—for example, say “majoring in finance” once—and add one specific academic interest if it is true for you.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Both sentences are grammatically clear. “I'm a third-year finance student” uses a correct noun phrase, and the second sentence joins two related clauses with “and.” The structures are accurate but simple, and “my major is finance” repeats information already given. As an optional refinement, combine the details in a relative clause: “I'm a third-year student at the University of Economics, where I major in finance.”
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 “third-year,” “finance,” and “University of Economics,” then group the answer into two thought groups: “I'm a third-year finance student / at the University of Economics, and my major is finance.” Record yourself reading it, listen back, and check that the key words are clear and prominent.
A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.
- Try combining your year, university, and major in one sentence, then use a second sentence only if you have a new relevant detail.
- Practise replacing “my major is finance” with “I major in finance” or “I’m majoring in finance” to vary your phrasing.
- Record a 20-second answer and check whether each sentence adds information rather than repeating your year or subject.
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.