Prompt
Do you prefer reading books or watching films?
Band 9 sample transcript
Band 9 sample transcript
I’d say I slightly prefer reading books, although it depends on my mood. If I’ve got a quiet evening, a novel is my first choice because you can go at your own pace and really get inside the characters’ thoughts, which films don’t always have time to show. I also find reading more immersive in a different way—once I’m into a story, I’ll happily switch my phone off and disappear for an hour.
That said, I do watch films when I want something effortless or social. For example, at the weekend I might go to the cinema with friends, and it’s nice that everyone shares the same experience and you can talk about it straight afterwards.
But overall, books suit my routine better. I commute a lot, so I can read a chapter on the bus, whereas watching a film needs a solid block of time and a screen. So, if I had to choose one, I’d pick books, mainly for the depth and flexibility.
Verified word count: 165
Why this answer scores highly
explanation
Fluency is maintained with natural signposting (“although”, “that said”, “overall”), coherent sequencing, and flexible grammar (conditionals and relative clauses). Vocabulary is precise and idiomatic (“go at your own pace”, “get inside the characters’ thoughts”, “effortless or social”, “a solid block of time”). It also avoids memorised-sounding lists by grounding points in a commute/cinema example.
what this question tests
IELTS Speaking Part 1: giving a clear preference, extending a simple choice with 2–3 natural reasons, adding a brief personal example, and showing control of fluency devices (e.g., “it depends”, contrast, hedging) with accurate vocabulary for leisure and storytelling.
Natural phrases to reuse
I’d say I slightly prefer…
giving a soft, natural preference
I’d say I slightly prefer tea to coffee.
That said, …
introducing a contrast politely
That said, I do enjoy staying in sometimes.
If I had to choose one, …
concluding when options are close
If I had to choose one, I’d go with the earlier flight.
Pronunciation and fluency notes
- Linking: connect contrasts smoothly with /ðæt ˈsed/ (“that said”) and keep the pace steady after it.
- Word stress: IM-MER-sive, FLEX-i-bil-i-ty, RU-tine, COM-mute, CI-ne-ma.
- Intonation: rise slightly on “although it depends on my mood” to sound conversational; fall at the end to signal a clear conclusion.
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