The test usually opens with "Do you work or are you a student?". Depending on your answer, the examiner asks three or four questions about your job or your studies. Your first answer shapes the first impression, so prepare it well.
What the examiner asks on this topic
Do you work or are you a student?
What do you study, and why did you choose it?
What do you like most about your studies?
Is there anything you find difficult about your course?
What do you do in your job?
What would you like to do after you graduate?
Model answers (aimed at band 7+)
Do you work or are you a student?
I'm a student at the moment. I'm in my third year at a university in Tashkent, studying economics, and I also do a bit of part-time tutoring in the evenings.
Why did you choose economics?
Mostly because I've always been good with numbers, but I didn't want something purely technical. Economics felt like a good balance, since it's about real people and real decisions, not just formulas.
Is there anything you find difficult about your course?
The statistics modules, to be honest. The theory is fine, but some of the assignments take hours, and I've had to learn to manage my time much better than I did in my first year.
What would you like to do after you graduate?
Ideally I'd like to get a master's degree abroad, maybe in Europe, and then come back and work in banking. It's a long-term plan, but I think it's realistic if I keep my grades up.
Useful words and phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm in my third year | I'm in my third year |
| part-time | part-time |
| good with numbers | good with numbers |
| a good balance | a good balance |
| manage my time | manage my time |
| keep my grades up | keep my grades up |
| a master's degree | a master's degree |
| in the long term | in the long term |
How to answer
- Do not stop at "I'm a student": add what, where and which year you are in.
- When you talk about work, separate the present simple (regular duties) from the present continuous (current projects).
- Vary the forms for plans: "I'd like to", "I'm planning to", "I'm hoping to".
- If you name a local university or company, explain briefly in English what it is.
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
Everything about Part 1: the Part 1 guide. More topics: all articles.
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
