Part 1 · Band 8
Illustrative target band for this model answer · 78 words
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 continue my studying, not just the tasks that the teacher gave us, but broadening my horizons by exploring new topics that interest me. It gives me a balance between being active and learning something new, even when I only have a little time.
The ideas move in a clear sequence: you first describe limited free time, then give examples of exercise, and finally mention studying and exploring topics. The closing sentence connects these activities with a reason, which helps the answer feel complete. The text alone cannot show spoken fluency. Practise giving this answer in 30 seconds, then repeat it in 20 seconds while keeping the same sequence and one clear reason.
Phrases such as “broadening my horizons” and “ride a bike around the city” make the answer specific and varied. “Realize that I have some” is understandable, but “some” is less precise than repeating “some free time,” and “continue my studying” sounds unnatural. Next, practise a few natural collocations for leisure and learning, and use one precise phrase to name each activity.
The answer uses a range of structures, including “when I realize that I have some” and the longer contrast beginning “not just the tasks.” However, “not just the tasks … but broadening my horizons” does not keep the two parts parallel, and “continue my studying” is awkwardly formed. Practise pairing matching forms, such as “not only by doing … but also by exploring …,” while keeping the rest of the sentence simple.
No recording is available, so this practice guide is not an assessment of your pronunciation. Practise word stress in “broadening my horizons” and “exploring new topics,” and group the answer into thought units: “However, when I realize that I have some / I usually go to the gym / or ride a bike around the city.” Record one take, then check that each group is easy to follow and that the key content words are clearly stressed.
A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.
Try your own response before reading the samples.
I read a wide range of books, from fiction to nonfiction.
I’d say I’m a bit of a bookworm.
I’m especially interested in books about self-improvement.
I enjoy reading in my spare time.
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