Part 1 · Band 7

Do you work or study?

Source-reported band score · 22 words

Sample answer

Currently, I'm working as a secretary at an international school. At the same time, I'm studying English language at the Open University.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas follow a clear sequence: you answer the work-or-study question with your job, then add your English studies. “At the same time” makes the relationship between the two activities clear, though the response could develop the connection a little more. For practice, give this answer in 20 seconds, then repeat it in 30 seconds with one brief explanation of how you balance work and study.

Lexical Resource

Your vocabulary is relevant and clear: “secretary,” “international school,” and “Open University” communicate your work and study details precisely. The short answer uses a narrow range, so it offers little evidence of broader vocabulary; that is not a problem for clarity. As an optional extension, add one accurate detail about your duties or what you are studying, using a specific word or phrase rather than a general description.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use present progressive forms appropriately in “I’m working” and “I’m studying,” and both sentences are easy to understand. There is one small article issue in “studying English language”: in this phrasing, use “the English language,” or simply “English.” As a next step, check article use around singular countable nouns and language names when reviewing short spoken answers.

Pronunciation

This text-only response cannot show how you pronounce the words, so this is not an assessment of a recording. For practice, stress SEC in “secretary,” NA in “international,” and VER in “University.” Say the answer in two thought groups—“Currently, I’m working as a secretary at an international school” / “At the same time, I’m studying English…”—then record it and check that each key word is clear and the group boundaries feel natural.

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

  • Use “I’m currently working…” and “I’m also studying…” to connect the two activities smoothly.
  • Correct the article in “studying English language,” or simplify the phrase to “studying English.”
  • Practise a 20–30 second version and add one true detail about either your job or your studies.

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.