Prompt
Do you like taking photos? Why?
Band 9 sample transcript
Band 9 sample transcript
Yes, I like taking photos, although I’m definitely not a serious photographer. What I enjoy is noticing things I would normally walk past, like reflections in windows, interesting light or a funny expression on someone’s face. Taking a photo makes me pay a little more attention to what’s around me.
I sometimes edit the best pictures afterwards, but only slightly, because I prefer them to look natural rather than heavily filtered. I’ll share a few with friends, but most of them just stay on my phone as a kind of visual diary. So for me, photography is less about showing people where I’ve been and more about noticing the moment while I’m actually in it.
Verified word count: 115
Why this answer scores highly
explanation
The sample uses vivid but ordinary visual vocabulary and controlled contrast structures such as “rather than” and “less about…more about…”. The development remains personal and coherent.
what this question tests
This Part 1 question tests a direct preference, a reason for that preference, and your ability to add a small example or habit without overdeveloping the answer.
Natural phrases to reuse
I’m definitely not a serious photographer
qualify your interest naturally
I like taking photos, but I’m definitely not a serious photographer.
a kind of visual diary
describe private photo collections
Most of my pictures stay on my phone as a kind of visual diary.
less about… and more about…
give a nuanced final contrast
It’s less about sharing and more about noticing things.
Pronunciation and fluency notes
- Let the visual examples sound spontaneous; do not over-emphasise them as if reciting a prepared list.
- Use clear contrast on “natural” versus “heavily filtered”.
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