Part 1 · Band 4

Do you work or study?

Source-reported band score · 21 words

Sample answer

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

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The sequence is clear: “Currently, I am a student” answers the question, then the reference to Lake Widowan High School adds background. However, the answer ends with the past diploma and does not develop what you study now, so the response may feel brief. Practise for 20 seconds: say this answer, then add one true sentence about your current studies and why you chose them.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary is clear and relevant: “student,” “High School,” and “grade twelve diploma” communicate your situation and educational background. The range is limited, though, with few details about your current studies or education. To extend your answer naturally, learn a few topic-specific phrases—such as “I’m studying…” or “I’m working towards…”—and use one that accurately describes your situation.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses accurate, straightforward sentence forms. “I attended Lake Widowan High School in my hometown and graduated…” correctly links two past actions, while “Currently, I am a student” gives a clear present-time contrast. There is little variety beyond these simple structures. For a small extension, add a reason clause to a true detail, for example, “I’m studying [subject] because…”

Pronunciation

This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording; pronunciation cannot be judged from text alone. Practise the word stress in “currently” (CUR-rent-ly), “Widowan” (check the name’s preferred pronunciation), and “grade twelve diploma” (stress GRADE and DIPLOMA). Record yourself saying the answer, mark pauses after each sentence, then listen back and check that each phrase is easy to understand.

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

  • Add one accurate detail about what you are studying now so the answer fully develops the present-tense response.
  • Connect your school background to your current status with a short transition, such as “After graduating, I continued my education.”
  • Practise a 15–20 second version aloud, keeping the answer direct and adding only details that are true for you.

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

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.