Sample answer
In my free time, I enjoy listening to music. Speaking with friends is also important. I will thrive during this time because it helps me stay active and happy.
Part 1 · Band 4
What do you do in your free time?
Source-reported band score · 29 words
Answer analysis
Fluency & Coherence
The answer moves from listening to music, to speaking with friends, and then to a reason these activities matter. This gives it a clear basic sequence, but the final sentence does not develop the ideas much, and “I will thrive during this time” makes the connection less direct. Practise speaking for 30 seconds: name both activities, add one detail about each, and finish by explaining how they make you feel.
Lexical Resource
The answer uses relevant everyday vocabulary, including “listening to music,” “friends,” and “stay active and happy.” These phrases make the topic clear, but the range is limited and “thrive during this time” sounds less natural for describing a regular free-time routine. To extend your vocabulary naturally, practise adding one specific detail, such as a type of music, and use a precise phrase such as “feel refreshed” or “stay connected.”
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
You use complete sentences and a clear reason clause in “because it helps me stay active and happy.” The present simple in “I enjoy listening” is suitable for a routine, while “I will thrive” shifts unexpectedly to the future. Also, “it” could refer to more than one idea. Keep the answer mainly in the present for regular habits, and use “these activities” when referring to both listening to music and speaking with friends.
Pronunciation
This is a text-only sample, so pronunciation cannot be assessed. As a practice guide, mark the thought groups in “In my free time / I enjoy listening to music” and “stay active and happy.” Give the main stress to content words such as “music,” “friends,” “active,” and “happy.” Record yourself saying the answer, then check whether each phrase is easy to understand and the key words are clearly stressed; this guide is not an assessment of a recording.
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 with a direct personal preference, then give one supporting detail for each activity you mention.
- Replace “I will thrive during this time” with a natural present-tense phrase such as “I feel better when I do these things.”
- Practise a 30-second version and include one specific detail about the music or conversations without adding unrelated information.
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
- Answer the question directly by naming your free-time activity.
- Give a brief reason you enjoy it.
- Describe the types of books you typically read.
- 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.
Compare answers on this topic
Band 9
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 boo...
Band 8
Generally, I'm the kind of person who doesn't have enough free time. However, when I realize that I have some, I usually go to the gym or ride a bike around the city. I also con...
Band 7
I'm usually quite busy, but when I do have free time, I love to travel. I'm always ready for an adventure. With my backpack packed and waiting, I try to find affordable destinat...
Band 6
In my free time, I like reading books. It really helps me relax from my busy day. If it is a long weekend coming, I will enjoy going shopping with my friends, or doing something...
Band 5
Okay. In my free time, I do many activities. For example, I play sports such as football or volleyball. And sometimes, I go swimming in the summer. I often go to beautiful place...
Band 4
To be honest, I don't have a lot of free time because of my studies. However, when I do have some free time, I like to relax and enjoy activities that help me unwind. I try to m...