Part 1 · Band 4

Do you work or study?

Source-reported band score · 16 words

Sample answer

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

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas follow a clear sequence: you name your school, then explain that you completed your semester and graduated two months ago. The repeated reference to graduating makes the answer slightly circular, and it does not explicitly clarify whether you currently work or study. Practise giving this answer in 15 seconds: state your current status first, then add the school and graduation timing, using only details that are true for you.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary is clear and relevant: “graduated from Ipekaunar School” and “two months ago” communicate the key information directly. “Finished my last semester” is understandable, though “completed my final semester” is a slightly more precise and natural alternative here. Because the answer is brief and repeats “graduated,” there is limited evidence of range. Try adding one accurate detail about your studies or current plans.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Both sentences are grammatically clear. In “I finished my last semester and graduated two months ago,” the two past-tense verbs are correctly coordinated, and “I recently graduated” is also well formed. The answer relies on simple past-tense structures, so it shows limited grammatical variety, but there is no need to add complexity for its own sake. Practise extending one sentence with a time or reason clause, if you can do so truthfully.

Pronunciation

This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording; no pronunciation can be judged from the text alone. Practise the word stress in “recently graduated” and “Ipekaunar School,” then say “two months ago” as one connected thought group. Record yourself reading the answer, check that each phrase is easy to understand, and compare your recording with a clear model pronunciation of the school name if one is available.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • Answer the work-or-study question directly at the start, stating your current status only if it is accurate.
  • Avoid repeating “graduated”: give the school once, then use the second sentence for your semester or graduation timing.
  • Practise a 15-second version and include one additional true detail, such as what you studied or what you plan to do next.

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

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

Band 8

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Band 7

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Band 6

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Band 5

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Band 4

Currently, I am a student. I attended Lake Widowan High School in my hometown and graduated with a grade twelve diploma.