Part 1 · Band 8

What do you do in your free time?

Illustrative target band for this model answer · 107 words

AI-completed learning example

So in my free time, I really like to bake. Unfortunately, I'm not the very best cook, but for baking, I really enjoy it. I think to enjoy something, you shouldn't really have to be good at it or excel at it; you just have to enjoy it. And that's what I do. I enjoy the process, even if the result isn't perfect. Baking gives me a relaxing way to spend some time, and I like focusing on it. I'm still learning, but I don't think you need to be an expert to enjoy a hobby. As long as I enjoy doing it, that's enough for me.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The text develops in a clear sequence: you name baking, acknowledge that you are not the best cook, explain that enjoyment matters more than skill, and return to your personal experience. That gives the answer a relevant central idea. To practise extending it aloud, speak for 30 seconds using this answer, then add one brief reason or example without repeating “enjoy” in every sentence.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary is natural and relevant, especially “bake,” “the very best cook” and “excel at it.” These choices communicate your point clearly without sounding overformal. However, “enjoy” and “it” recur frequently, and “for baking, I really enjoy it” is less idiomatic than a direct phrase such as “I really enjoy baking.” Try varying the wording with expressions such as “the process” or “find it relaxing.”

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use accurate sentence forms and show some variety, including a contrast with “but” and a modal construction in “you shouldn't really have to be good at it.” The semicolon also connects two related ideas appropriately. Most clauses are straightforward, so the sample offers limited evidence of more complex structures. As a next step, keep the meaning but combine an explanation and result with a clause using “although” or “even if.”

Pronunciation

This text-only response does not provide evidence for assessing your pronunciation. For practice, stress “bake” in “I really like to bake,” make “excel at it” one thought group, and give “the result isn't perfect” a clear final stress on “perfect.” Record yourself reading those phrases, then check whether each word is easy to distinguish. This is a practice guide, 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.

  • Replace one or two repetitions of “enjoy” with specific alternatives such as “like the process” or “find it relaxing.”
  • Give one brief, genuine reason you like baking, then connect it to your main point that enjoyment matters more than skill.
  • Practise a 30-second response using the same idea order, and finish with a complete sentence rather than adding repeated restatements.

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

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Band 8

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Band 7

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Band 6

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Band 5

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Band 4

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