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 9 sample

38 words · Source-reported band

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 gain experience before deciding what to do next.

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Band 9 sample

212 words · Source-reported band

I am currently a student at Tashkent State University, 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 skills in both written and spoken English. In addition to my coursework, I am …

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Band 9 sample

207 words · Source-reported band

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 m…

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