Prompt
Do you like taking photos? Why?
Band 9 sample transcript
Band 9 sample transcript
Yes, I do, especially when I’m travelling or spending time somewhere new. I’m not very interested in taking hundreds of pictures, but I like capturing small details that I might forget later, like a street sign, a meal or an unusual building. Those kinds of photos usually bring back the atmosphere of a place better than a perfectly posed picture does.
I also take quite a few photos of friends and family, mostly because everyday moments become surprisingly valuable after a few years. That said, I try not to look at everything through my phone screen, so once I’ve taken one or two shots, I usually put it away.
Verified word count: 109
Why this answer scores highly
explanation
The response uses specific image-related vocabulary and an accurate comparative structure, while the concession prevents the answer from sounding simplistic or memorised.
what this question tests
This question tests whether you can give a clear preference, explain why, and add one realistic example or habit in a short Part 1 response.
Natural phrases to reuse
capturing small details
describe selective photography
I like capturing small details when I travel.
bring back the atmosphere
explain why photos matter to you
Those pictures bring back the atmosphere of the place.
look at everything through my phone screen
describe a limit on taking photos
I try not to look at everything through my phone screen.
Pronunciation and fluency notes
- Keep the examples quick; the answer is about why you like photos, not a list of objects you photograph.
- Use contrastive stress on “hundreds” versus “small details”.
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