Part 1 · · 18 samples

Do you work or study?

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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.

Sample answers

Band 4 sample

16 words · Source-reported band

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

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Band 4 sample

21 words · Source-reported band

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

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Band 4 sample

167 words · Source-reported band

I'm currently working towards my goal of gaining skills and experience in my field. I'm actively seeking opportunities to do so. However, I'm also studying part-time to improve my qualifications. I'm planning to take the IELTS exam soon, as it's a requirement for many universities. I'm hoping to use my studies and work experience to apply for a master's program next year. Balancing work and study is challenging, bu…

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