Part 1 · Band 8

what do you Study?

Source-reported band score · 16 words

Sample answer

At my school, I studied physics, applied mathematics, and international languages like Russian, Japanese, and English.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer moves clearly from the setting, “At my school,” to a compact list of subjects, ending with examples of languages. That makes the information easy to follow, but the response offers little development beyond naming subjects. Try a 20-second speaking drill: give this answer, then add one sentence explaining which subject you found most interesting and why, using only details that are true for you.

Lexical Resource

The answer uses precise subject names, including “applied mathematics,” and gives a varied language list: “Russian, Japanese, and English.” These choices answer the question directly and avoid repetition. The phrase “international languages” is understandable but less natural here than simply “languages.” As a refinement, use that more idiomatic wording and add one accurate descriptive phrase about a subject or language.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The sentence is grammatically controlled: “I studied” has a clear subject and verb, and the list is punctuated clearly. However, the prompt asks what you study, while the answer uses the past tense “studied.” If you are describing your current studies, use the present tense; if you mean previous studies, the past tense is appropriate. Practise matching the verb tense to whether the studies are current or completed.

Pronunciation

This is text-only feedback, not an assessment of a recording, so no pronunciation band is assigned. For practice, stress the key syllables in “physics” (PHYS-ics), “applied mathematics” (a-PLIED; math-e-MAT-ics), and “Japanese” (Japa-NESE). Read the answer in thought groups: “At my school / I studied physics and applied mathematics / and languages like Russian, Japanese, and English.” Record it, then check that the stressed subject names are easy to distinguish.

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

  • Decide whether you mean current or completed studies, then keep the verb tense consistent with that meaning.
  • After listing the subjects, add one truthful detail about which one you enjoyed or found useful and why.
  • Practise a 20-second version: answer directly, name the subjects, then give one supporting detail without rushing the subject names.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain what you study and your current stage of study.
  • Give a brief reason for choosing the subject, such as family encouragement or personal interest.
  • Mention a challenge, an enjoyable aspect, and a future plan to make the answer personal and complete.

Suggested structure

  1. State your subject and year of study.
  2. Explain how you came to choose it.
  3. Describe one challenge and one part you enjoy.
  4. Finish with a short goal or reason the subject suits you.
Useful vocabulary & examples
career path
the direction of someone's working life or choice of profession

I was initially unsure about my career path.

financial stability
having a dependable level of income and financial security

My parents value the financial stability that a medical career can offer.

clinical placement
a period of practical learning in a healthcare setting

Clinical placements let students apply theoretical knowledge in practice.

a particular specialty
a specific area of professional focus, especially within medicine

I have not decided on a particular specialty yet.

Practise your answer →

Compare answers on this topic

Band 9

I am currently in my fifth year of medical school where I study medicine. Initially, I wasn't sure about my career path, but my parents encouraged me to pursue a career in medic...

Band 8

I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science. My program includes courses in artificial intelligence, programming, coding, and cybersecurity.

Band 7

Currently, I'm a student at Foreign Trade University. My major is international business. At school, I study logistics, marketing, sales, and other aspects related to the econom...

Band 6

As a high school student, I study a variety of subjects, including math, science, English, and history. This diverse curriculum helps me gain a well-rounded education and prepar...

Band 5

I study four languages. It's a really thorough study of languages, and I hope to pursue it as a career in the future.

Band 4

No, I am taking an English course located near my place to improve my English level so I can continue my master's degree in offices.