Part 1 · Band 6

What do you do in your free time?

Illustrative target band for this model answer · 68 words

AI-completed learning example

Uh, well, basically, it is quite tough for me to grab a lot of free time. But when I do have some free time, I usually read a lot of books. I am a huge fan of football, so I watch a lot of football games. In my free time, I always try to read whenever I get the chance, even if I only have a short break.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas move clearly from having limited free time to reading and then watching football. The final point returns to reading, which gives the response a sense of emphasis, though it also repeats information already given. As this is text only, fluency cannot be assessed. Practise delivering this answer in 30 seconds, then repeat it in 20 seconds while keeping the same sequence and removing one repeated point.

Lexical Resource

You use relevant, natural expressions such as “a huge fan of football” and “when I do have some free time” to describe your interests. “Grab a lot of free time” is understandable but not the most idiomatic collocation; “find much free time” would sound more natural. You also repeat “a lot” and “free time,” so try varying these with phrases such as “spare moments” and “fit in some reading.”

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer includes accurate simple and complex structures, for example “when I do have some free time” and “so I watch a lot of football games.” The added ending, “even if I only have a short break,” also gives you a clear conditional contrast. No serious grammatical error prevents understanding. To show a little more range, connect the final reading point to the earlier one with a concise phrase rather than repeating the full idea.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation cannot be assessed from text, and this practice guide is not an assessment of a recording. Practise the word stress in “football games” and “short break,” then say the answer in thought groups: “I usually read a lot of books / I am a huge fan of football / so I watch a lot of football games.” Record one take, check that each group is easy to follow, and compare it with a second take.

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 “grab a lot of free time” with “find much free time” or “have much spare time” to improve collocation.
  • Avoid repeating the reading point: explain briefly what you enjoy about reading, or use the final sentence to add a distinct detail without inventing facts.
  • Practise a 20–30-second version with a clear sequence: limited free time, reading, then football.

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

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...