Part 1 · Band 7

Where are you from?

Source-reported band score · 34 words

Sample answer

Although I was born and raised in Aripiṭiya, I currently live in Ambalancoda, which is located in the Galle District in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. I have been living here since 2008.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The ideas move logically from your birthplace and upbringing to your current home, then to how long you have lived there: “Although I was born and raised in Aripiṭiya, I currently live in Ambalancoda” sets up the contrast clearly. The answer is complete, though it does not develop the personal detail further. For practice, give this answer in 20 seconds, then add one relevant detail if true, such as what you like about living there.

Lexical Resource

The wording is precise for this topic: “born and raised,” “Galle District,” and “Southern Province” communicate upbringing and location clearly. The main limitation is that this short answer offers little variety beyond location vocabulary, rather than any misuse of words. To extend your range naturally, practise adding one accurate detail about the area or your connection to it, using a specific descriptive phrase rather than a string of extra place names.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

You use several structures accurately in a compact answer: “Although I was born and raised…” expresses contrast, “which is located…” adds a relative clause, and “I have been living here since 2008” uses a suitable continuing-time form. No clear grammatical error stands out. Because the sample is brief, it provides limited evidence of wider range; as a next step, practise giving a reason or a second sentence while keeping the time references clear.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation cannot be assessed from text, so this is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording. Practise the place names “Aripiṭiya” and “Ambalancoda” by checking their syllable stress with a reliable local pronunciation source, then group the answer as: “Although I was born and raised in Aripiṭiya / I currently live in Ambalancoda.” Record yourself and check whether both names are clear and the thought groups are easy to follow.

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

  • Practise saying the answer in about 20 seconds, keeping the sequence birthplace → current home → length of time.
  • If accurate for you, add one brief personal detail about Ambalancoda, such as a feature you appreciate or a reason you live there.
  • Record the answer and check that the place names are clear and that your location details are easy to follow.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Identify your hometown and its country.
  • Add a clear geographical detail, such as its location on the Caspian Sea.
  • Describe a feature that gives the city character, such as the contrast between historic buildings and new development.

Suggested structure

  1. Name your city.
  2. Give its country or another brief identifying detail.
  3. Describe its geographical setting.
  4. Add one distinctive feature or contrast.
Useful vocabulary & examples
on the coast of
located beside the sea

Baku is on the coast of the Caspian Sea.

a distinctive blend of
a noticeable combination of different qualities

The city has a distinctive blend of historic architecture and new developments.

historic architecture
buildings with historical significance or an older architectural character

Baku is known for its mix of historic architecture and modern development.

Practise your answer →

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