Part 1 · Band 9

Do you work or study?

Source-reported band score · 22 words

Sample answer

I am currently a student focusing on my studies at school, but I am also exploring career options for my future work.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer follows a clear sequence: it identifies your present role, adds your current focus, then contrasts this with future career exploration. That makes it relevant and complete for the question, though the future point is not developed further. Practise a 20-second response: say this answer, add one brief reason for exploring careers, and record yourself checking that the extra detail stays relevant. Text alone cannot establish spoken fluency.

Lexical Resource

“Focusing on my studies” and “exploring career options” are relevant, natural topic vocabulary, and “currently” anchors the answer in the present. The range is appropriate for this brief Part 1 question, but the wording relies on familiar phrases and offers limited evidence of broader lexical flexibility. To extend it naturally, vary one phrase—for example, “considering possible career paths”—without adding detail that is not true for you.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The sentence uses a clear present-time statement and joins the current studies with future plans through “but.” The participle phrase “focusing on my studies” adds detail efficiently, and the meaning remains easy to follow. There is no clear grammatical error to correct; the short response simply provides limited evidence of a wider range of structures. For practice, try separating the two ideas into shorter sentences while keeping their contrast clear.

Pronunciation

This practice guide is not an assessment of a recording: text alone cannot show how the words are pronounced. Practise the phrases “currently a student,” “focusing on my studies,” and “exploring career options.” Give the main stress to “STU-dent,” “STUD-ies,” and “ca-REER op-TIONS,” and group the answer into two thought groups: current studies / future career options. Record it, then check that the stressed words are clear and the 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.

  • For a more natural closing phrase, use “options for my future career” rather than “options for my future work.”
  • When it is true for you, add one brief reason for exploring career options, such as what interests you about the possibilities.
  • Practise the answer in about 20 seconds, using a clear pause between your current studies and your future plans.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Give your current status and where you study or work: you are a student researcher at NIAB.
  • Briefly describe your research focus: crop germplasm and marker-assisted approaches.
  • Add a personal view and a future direction: the work is rewarding, and you see yourself growing in the field.

Suggested structure

  1. Answer the work-or-study question directly.
  2. Name your institution or workplace.
  3. Describe your research area in one concise sentence.
  4. Add how you feel about the work.
  5. Finish with a relevant future plan.
Useful vocabulary & examples
student researcher
A student who carries out research as part of their studies.

I’m a student researcher at NIAB.

marker-assisted approaches
Methods that use genetic markers to support research or selection in crops.

I work on crop germplasm using marker-assisted approaches.

challenging and rewarding
Difficult in some ways but satisfying or worthwhile.

I find my research both challenging and rewarding.

grow in this field
To develop skills or progress in a particular area of work or study.

I can see myself continuing to grow in this field.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

Band 9

Currently, I am a student researcher at NIAB. I thoroughly enjoy engaging in research as part of my studies. I work on crop germplasms utilizing marker-assisted approaches, whic...

Band 8

I've been working as a medical technologist for the past two years. I recently passed my American licensure and certification exams. Hopefully, by next year, I'll be a certified...

Band 7

I'm currently a student at a special school called Yevgen in my hometown. I just recently finished the 10th grade and will be moving to the 11th grade starting in September.

Band 6

Recently, I have completed my graduation in Bachelor of Arts from the Ghana Devi University. Later on, I started preparing for my IELTS exam. And, uh, after that, I am focusing...

Band 5

Currently, I'm working as an English tutor at a center based in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

Band 4

I recently graduated from Ipekaunar School. I finished my last semester and graduated two months ago.