Part 1 · Band 7

What do you do in your free time?

Source-reported band score · 55 words

Sample answer

Recently, I've had a pretty busy schedule, but when I have free time, I usually prefer to travel. I always have a backpack packed and ready to go by the door. I try to find the cheapest places whenever I can. I just grab my backpack and head off on an adventure. I love it.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas follow a clear sequence: you introduce your busy schedule, explain your preference for travel, then describe your ready-to-go backpack and spontaneous approach. The ending, “I love it,” is clear but could develop the reason for your enthusiasm a little more. Practise giving this answer in 30 seconds, keeping the same sequence and adding one brief explanation after that final sentence. Text alone cannot establish spoken fluency.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “head off on an adventure” make the answer lively and natural, while “cheapest places” clearly communicates your budget-conscious approach. The vocabulary suits a casual Part 1 response and is used accurately. Travel and backpack are repeated, though, and you could add a little more precision without making the answer sound rehearsed. For example, practise alternatives such as “affordable destinations” or “set off spontaneously.”

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses accurate sentence forms, including the present perfect in “I've had a pretty busy schedule” and a time clause in “when I have free time.” The infinitive in “prefer to travel” and the coordinated actions near the end also work well. Most sentences are straightforward, so there is limited variety in how the ideas are linked. As a next step, try one natural reason clause, such as explaining why you like travelling.

Pronunciation

This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording; text does not reveal your pronunciation. Practise the word stress in “backpack” (BACK-pack), “cheapest” (CHEAP-est) and “adventure” (ad-VEN-ture). Read in thought groups: “I usually prefer to travel / I always have a backpack packed and ready to go / by the door.” Record the answer, then check whether each phrase is easy to understand and the stressed syllables stand out.

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

  • Add one short reason for enjoying travel after “I love it,” such as the freedom or change of scenery it gives you, if that is true for you.
  • Use one precise alternative to “cheapest places,” such as “affordable destinations,” while keeping the answer conversational.
  • Practise the answer in 30 seconds and keep its sequence: busy schedule, preference, preparation, and enjoyment.

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

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Band 5

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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...