Part 1 · Band 9

What do you do in your free time?

Source-reported band score · 48 words

Sample answer

I enjoy reading books in my spare time. Reading can help expand our knowledge because it provides a wealth of information on various topics. I typically read a wide range of books, from fiction to nonfiction, and I am considered a bookworm, especially when it comes to self-improvement.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas move in a clear sequence: you name reading as your hobby, explain its value, describe the range of books you read, and finish with a personal label and interest. This gives the answer a satisfying development, though the final detail could connect more directly to the kinds of books you choose. Practise delivering this answer in 30–40 seconds, then repeat it with one natural example of a self-improvement topic you enjoy.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “a wealth of information,” “a wide range of books,” and “self-improvement” show precise, varied vocabulary relevant to the topic. “Bookworm” adds a natural personal touch. One refinement is that “I am considered a bookworm” sounds slightly formal and indirect for a casual Part 1 response. Try “I’d say I’m a bit of a bookworm” to keep the same idea in a more conversational voice.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use accurate, varied structures, including the reason clause “because it provides” and the range construction “from fiction to nonfiction.” The present simple consistently describes your habits, and the sentences are easy to follow. The passive wording in “I am considered a bookworm” is grammatically sound, not an error, but it makes a personal answer less direct. A useful next step is to practise concise first-person phrasing.

Pronunciation

This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording; no spoken pronunciation can be judged from the text. Practise stressing the key words in “spare time,” “wide range,” and “self-improvement.” Group the answer into thought units: your hobby / why you value it / what you read. Record one 30–40-second delivery, then check whether each key phrase is clear and the thought 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.

  • Make the answer more personal by changing “our knowledge” to a first-person idea, such as what reading helps you learn.
  • Replace the passive “I am considered” with a direct conversational phrase such as “I’d say I’m a bit of a bookworm.”
  • Practise a 30–40-second response and add one specific example of a self-improvement topic you enjoy reading about, without letting the answer become a list.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain what you enjoy about reading, such as learning about different subjects.
  • Mention the range of genres you read, including fiction and nonfiction.
  • Add a personal detail by describing your interest in self-improvement books.

Suggested structure

  1. Answer the question directly by naming your free-time activity.
  2. Give a brief reason you enjoy it.
  3. Describe the types of books you typically read.
  4. Finish with a personal detail about your reading habits or interests.
Useful vocabulary & examples
a wide range of
A large variety of different things.

I read a wide range of books, from fiction to nonfiction.

a bookworm
Someone who enjoys reading a lot.

I’d say I’m a bit of a bookworm.

self-improvement
The process of developing your abilities or making positive changes in your life.

I’m especially interested in books about self-improvement.

in my spare time
During the time when you are not working or studying.

I enjoy reading in my spare time.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

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Band 4

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Band 4

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