Prompt
What do you like to do in your free time?
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.
In my free time, I usually do a mix of something active and something quiet, depending on my mood. On weekdays, I tend to go for a brisk walk or a short run after work because it helps me clear my head and sleep better. I’m not training for anything serious; it’s more of a stress-release routine.
When I’m staying in, I like reading—mostly non-fiction, like psychology or personal finance—because I enjoy learning practical ideas I can actually apply. If I have a bit more time, I’ll also cook something new. I’m the kind of person who gets bored eating the same meals, so I’ll try a different recipe and experiment with spices.
At the weekend, I often meet up with friends for coffee or we’ll watch a film together. I try not to spend the whole day scrolling on my phone, so I keep social media to a minimum and do things that feel more refreshing.
Examiner summary
The speaker balances active, quiet and social free-time habits, with each activity tied to a reason or personal preference. The variety feels coherent because the answer is organised by situation rather than by disconnected vocabulary.
Pronunciation coaching
- Stress the contrast between “active” and “quiet” in the opening sentence.
- Keep phrases such as “clear my head” and “keep social media to a minimum” as smooth chunks rather than word-by-word delivery.
Natural phrases to reuse
depending on my mood
to show flexibility in preferences
I choose what to do depending on my mood.
If I have a bit more time, ...
to extend with an additional point
If I have a bit more time, I’ll cook something new.
I’m not ...; it’s more of ...
to clarify and sound nuanced
I’m not training competitively; it’s more of a habit.
Pronunciation and fluency notes
- Use connected speech in phrases like “kind of person” and “a bit more time.”
- Place sentence stress on key content words: “brisk walk,” “non-fiction,” “keep social media to a minimum.”
- Maintain a steady pace; pause briefly between weekday and weekend routines to sound organised.
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