Part 1 · Band 8

What do you do in your free time?

Source-reported band score · 41 words

Sample answer

In my free time, I enjoy playing video games and studying, especially since I need to prepare for university next year. Currently, my study commitments are greater than in previous years, so I find myself dedicating more time to my studies.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The response follows a clear sequence: “In my free time” gives the direct answer, “especially since” explains the study commitment, and “so” links that commitment to its effect on your time. This makes the ideas easy to follow, though a brief closing contrast between gaming and studying could make the response feel more rounded. Practise delivering this exact answer in 30 seconds, then repeat it in 25 seconds while keeping all three links clear.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “playing video games,” “study commitments,” and “dedicating more time” express your activities and changing workload clearly. The vocabulary is accurate and appropriate, but “study” and “studies” recur close together, and the answer relies mostly on familiar wording. As an optional refinement, vary one phrase—for example, use “spend more time on my coursework”—while keeping the language natural for a Part 1 response.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use several structures accurately, including the reason clause “since I need to prepare for university next year,” the comparison “greater than in previous years,” and the result link with “so.” The sentences are controlled, and there is no clear grammatical error to correct. To show a little more range in a longer spoken answer, add a contrast using “although” or “while,” without making the response sound rehearsed.

Pronunciation

Text alone cannot show how you pronounce these words, so this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Mark the thought groups “In my free time” / “playing video games” / “prepare for university next year”; give the main stress to “free,” “games,” and the “VER” syllable in “university.” Record the answer twice, check that each phrase is distinct, and compare your word stress with a dictionary audio model.

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

  • Keep the direct answer first, then explain how preparing for university affects the time you have for leisure.
  • Reduce the nearby repetition of “study” and “studies” by replacing one occurrence with a natural alternative such as “coursework.”
  • Practise a 25–30 second version aloud, using a short pause between your leisure activity and the explanation of your study commitments.

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

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...