Part 1 · · 18 samples

Do you work or are you a student?

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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.

Sample answers

Band 7 sample

26 words · Source-reported band

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.

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Band 7 sample

34 words · Source-reported band

I'm an IT engineer working in the most popular IT solutions company in this country. My main roles include managing network systems, designing hardware configurations, installing software, and training staff on core operating procedures.

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Band 7 sample

36 words · Source-reported band

I'm an IT engineer working in the most popular IT solution company in this country. My main roles include managing network systems, designing hardware configurations, installing software, and training staff on correct operation procedures. Operation tomorrow.

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