Part 1 · Band 5

what do you Study?

Source-reported band score · 30 words

Sample answer

When I was in college, I was studying physical engineering at Lappeenranta University, which involves knowledge of how to implement and correlate. This is applied knowledge. To explore natural resources.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The answer gives relevant points about your subject and university, then mentions applied knowledge and exploring natural resources. However, the final phrase, “To explore natural resources,” feels disconnected from the preceding explanation, so the ideas do not yet form a complete spoken response. Practise a 30-second answer using this material: say what you studied, explain what the subject involves, and finish by linking that knowledge to natural resources.

Lexical Resource

You use relevant subject vocabulary, including “physical engineering,” “applied knowledge” and “natural resources,” which makes the topic clear. Some wording is less natural or specific: “implement and correlate” does not explain what is being implemented or connected. For a clearer answer, use familiar collocations such as “put knowledge into practice” and “connect ideas,” then add a brief explanation of how these relate to your subject.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The opening sentence uses a relative clause effectively: “at Lappeenranta University, which involves…” However, “To explore natural resources” is a sentence fragment rather than a complete sentence, and the reference of “which” is unclear because it follows the university name. Join the final purpose to a complete clause and make the subject explicit—for example, say that the knowledge can be used for exploration.

Pronunciation

No recording was provided, so this is not an assessment of your pronunciation. For practice, stress the key words in “physical engineering” (PHYSical engiNEERing), “applied knowledge” (apPLIED KNOWledge) and “natural resources” (NATural reSOURces). Say the answer in thought groups, pausing briefly between the subject, its explanation and its application. Record it, then check that each phrase is clear and the main words 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.

  • Open with a direct answer about your studies; keep the past tense if you are describing college in the past.
  • Explain “applied knowledge” with one clear phrase, such as putting knowledge into practice or connecting ideas.
  • Turn the final purpose into a complete sentence that links the knowledge to exploring natural resources.

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

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

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.