Prompt
How do you usually travel to work or school?
Band 9 sample transcript
Band 9 sample transcript
I usually take the train to work, because it’s the most reliable option from where I live. The station is about a ten-minute walk from my apartment, and the journey itself takes roughly twenty-five minutes. I prefer it to driving because I don’t have to think about traffic or finding somewhere to park in the city centre.
Most mornings I use the journey to read, answer a few messages or just listen to a podcast before the day starts. If the trains are delayed, I can take a bus instead, although that usually adds another fifteen or twenty minutes. So the train isn’t perfect, but it gives me the best balance of speed and convenience.
Verified word count: 115
Why this answer scores highly
explanation
The sample combines accurate time expressions, commuting collocations and a natural conditional for delays. Coherence is maintained by moving from normal routine to exception and then overall judgement.
what this question tests
This question tests whether you can describe your usual mode of travel, add one or two practical details, and explain why that method suits you.
Natural phrases to reuse
the most reliable option
explain your usual transport choice
The train is the most reliable option for me.
the journey itself takes…
give travel time naturally
The journey itself takes about twenty-five minutes.
If the trains are delayed…
add a realistic transport exception
If the trains are delayed, I take the bus.
Pronunciation and fluency notes
- Use natural time chunks: “ten-minute walk”, “twenty-five minutes”, rather than stressing every word equally.
- Keep the transport comparison practical; one alternative is enough for Part 1.
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