Prompt
Do you enjoy cooking? Why or why not?
Band 9 sample transcript
Band 9 sample transcript
Sentence-by-sentence analysis
Speaking examiner breakdown
The Band 9 label is inherited from the approved transcript. Pronunciation coaching is separate and is not a score claim from text alone.
Yes, I do, although it depends on the day. On weeknights I don’t want anything complicated, but I still enjoy putting a simple meal together because it helps me switch off after work. Cooking feels quite hands-on and relaxing—chopping vegetables or stirring a sauce is almost like a little routine that clears my head.
I also like the sense of control it gives me. If I cook at home, I can keep the food lighter, use fresher ingredients, and adjust the flavours to my taste—like adding more garlic or making things less salty. And honestly, it’s usually cheaper than ordering takeaways all the time.
That said, I’m not the type of person who spends hours following a fancy recipe. If I’m tired or busy, I’ll just make something quick like an omelette, noodles with vegetables, or a basic pasta. But overall, yes—I enjoy it because it’s practical, it saves money, and it’s a small creative outlet.
Examiner summary
The answer gives a qualified yes, explains relaxation, control, health and cost, then acknowledges that elaborate cooking is not always appealing. The concession prevents the response from sounding one-sided or rehearsed.
Pronunciation coaching
- Use a slight fall after the opening “Yes, I do” before the qualification “although it depends on the day”.
- Group “keep the food lighter / use fresher ingredients / adjust the flavours” into three even chunks.
Natural phrases to reuse
On weeknights, ...
to set a routine context
On weeknights I keep it simple.
That said, ...
to introduce a contrast smoothly
That said, I don’t cook anything fancy.
If I’m tired or busy, ...
to describe an exception or condition
If I’m tired or busy, I’ll make something quick.
Pronunciation and fluency notes
- Use clear linking for natural rhythm: ‘weeknights I don’t’ / ‘helps me switch off’.
- Stress key content words: RELAXing, CONtrol, FRESHer, CHEAPer.
- Reduce ‘and’ in lists to sound fluent: ‘cheaper than ordering takeaways’ (smooth /ðən/).
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