Band 9 IELTS Speaking Answers: Expert Analysis & Examples

Getting a Band 9 in IELTS Speaking is not about memorising impressive answers or filling your speech with complicated vocabulary.

Band 9 represents an expert level of spoken English. According to the official IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors, a Band 9 speaker demonstrates highly fluent, coherent speech, precise and flexible vocabulary, consistently accurate grammar and pronunciation that is effortlessly understood.

That is why simply collecting “Band 9 answers” is not enough.

You need to understand why a high-level answer works.

This guide provides examples for IELTS Speaking Parts 1, 2 and 3 and breaks them down according to the four official assessment criteria:

Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Pronunciation

The examples are designed as Band 9-style models for analysis and practice, not scripts to memorise.

What Does Band 9 Mean in IELTS Speaking?

IELTS Speaking is assessed using four criteria, and each criterion contributes equally to the Speaking score:

Fluency and Coherence
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Pronunciation

A Band 9 speaker needs to demonstrate consistently exceptional performance across these areas.

Band 9 Fluency and Coherence

The official Band 9 descriptor says the speaker is fluent with only very occasional repetition or self-correction.

Importantly, any hesitation is mainly used to prepare the content of the next utterance rather than search for vocabulary or grammar.

The speaker also develops topics coherently and extends ideas appropriately.

In practical terms, this means a Band 9 response should sound:

Natural
Connected
Spontaneous
Well developed
Easy to follow

It does not mean speaking as quickly as possible.

Band 9 Lexical Resource

Band 9 requires total flexibility and precise vocabulary use across contexts, including sustained use of accurate and idiomatic language.

This does not mean using unusual words in every sentence.

A Band 9 speaker chooses the right word for the intended meaning.

For example, instead of forcing an obscure synonym for “important”, a strong speaker might naturally say:

“It plays a crucial role in…”

when that expression genuinely fits the context.

Band 9 Grammatical Range and Accuracy

At Band 9, grammatical structures are precise and accurate, apart from mistakes that can occur in native-speaker speech.

A high-level response can include:

Simple structures
Complex sentences
Conditionals
Relative clauses
Concessions
Participial structures
Embedded clauses
A range of tense forms

The important point is control, not complexity for its own sake.

Band 9 Pronunciation

Band 9 pronunciation should allow the speaker to be effortlessly understood.

The official descriptor also refers to flexible use of phonological features and connected speech to communicate precise or subtle meaning.

You do not need to sound British, American or Australian.

Your accent can be perfectly acceptable.

What matters is that your pronunciation supports clear communication.

How Is the IELTS Speaking Test Structured?

The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a trained examiner and lasts approximately 11–14 minutes. It contains three parts.

Part	Approximate Time	Main Focus
Part 1	4–5 minutes	Familiar topics
Part 2	3–4 minutes	Individual long turn
Part 3	4–5 minutes	Discussion and abstract ideas

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Part 1 involves familiar topics such as your home, family, studies, work or interests.

The purpose is to assess your ability to give information and express opinions about everyday experiences.

IELTS Speaking Part 2

In Part 2, you receive a task card, have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.

You are expected to organise your ideas and speak at length about the given topic.

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Part 3 develops into a more general and abstract discussion related to the Part 2 topic.

You may need to:

Explain opinions
Compare ideas
Analyse problems
Speculate
Discuss causes and consequences
Justify your position

This part particularly rewards the ability to develop ideas spontaneously.

What Makes a Band 9 IELTS Speaking Answer Different?

Compare these two answers.

Basic Answer

I like living in Doha because it is nice and there are many things to do. The weather is good in winter and there are many restaurants. I also have friends here.

This answer communicates meaning, but it is limited.

Higher-Level Answer

I genuinely enjoy living in Doha, mainly because it offers a fairly unusual combination of modern infrastructure and a relatively relaxed lifestyle. During the cooler months, for instance, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, and I particularly like spending evenings at the waterfront with friends. What I appreciate most, though, is the convenience; most places I need to visit are within a reasonable distance, so day-to-day life feels remarkably manageable.

The second answer is stronger because it:

Develops the response
Uses precise vocabulary
Connects ideas naturally
Includes specific details
Varies sentence structures
Sounds spontaneous rather than memorised

The difference is not simply “advanced vocabulary”.

It is control and communication.

Band 9 IELTS Speaking Part 1 Answers

Part 1 answers should not sound like prepared speeches.

The examiner is asking about familiar topics, so your answers should sound conversational while still demonstrating strong language control.

Question: Do You Like Your Hometown?

Band 9-Style Answer:

Yes, definitely. What I like most about my hometown is that it has a strong sense of community without feeling too small or isolated. I grew up knowing most of the people in my neighbourhood, so there was always a sense of familiarity. At the same time, it has changed quite a lot over the years, which has made it a more interesting place to live.

Why This Answer Works

Fluency and Coherence: The answer moves naturally from general opinion to specific reasons and then to a contrast.

Lexical Resource: Expressions such as “sense of community”, “isolated” and “sense of familiarity” communicate precise meanings.

Grammar: The speaker uses several structures naturally, including relative clauses and contrast.

Development: The answer goes beyond “yes” and gives enough detail to demonstrate speaking ability.

Question: Do You Enjoy Cooking?

Band 9-Style Answer:

I do, although I’m much more enthusiastic about cooking when I have plenty of time. During the week, I tend to prepare fairly simple meals because I’m usually busy with work, but at weekends I enjoy experimenting with different recipes. I particularly like trying dishes from other countries because it gives me an opportunity to learn about different ingredients and cooking techniques.

Why This Answer Works

The answer contains a natural qualification:

“I do, although…”

This is more conversational than simply saying “Yes, I enjoy cooking.”

It also uses precise expressions such as:

“fairly simple meals”
“experimenting with different recipes”
“different ingredients”
“cooking techniques”

The speaker also moves from personal preference to a broader reason without sounding rehearsed.

Question: Do You Prefer Studying Alone or With Other People?

Band 9-Style Answer:

It really depends on what I’m studying. If I’m trying to learn something that requires intense concentration, I’d much rather study on my own because I can work at my own pace without getting distracted. However, if I’m preparing for something like a language exam, studying with other people can be extremely useful because we can challenge each other’s ideas and give one another immediate feedback.

Why This Answer Works

This answer demonstrates a sophisticated but natural structure:

It depends → situation 1 → reason → situation 2 → reason.

The phrase:

“It really depends on…”

is useful because it allows the speaker to give a nuanced response rather than an artificially absolute opinion.

How Long Should a Band 9 Part 1 Answer Be?

There is no official rule saying that a Part 1 answer must contain a specific number of sentences.

The goal is to answer naturally and appropriately.

A useful pattern is:

Answer → Reason → Detail

For example:

Answer: Yes, I enjoy travelling.
Reason: I like experiencing unfamiliar places.
Detail: I particularly enjoy visiting smaller cities because they often give me a better impression of everyday life.

Avoid turning every Part 1 question into a one-minute speech.

Part 1 is a conversation about familiar topics, and the test is designed to assess how effectively you communicate rather than how much you can recite.

Band 9 IELTS Speaking Part 2 Answers

Part 2 is different because you need to speak for an extended period.

You receive a task card and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes.

The biggest challenge is often not vocabulary.

It is idea organisation.

Part 2 Cue Card: Describe a Person Who Has Influenced You

You should say:

Who the person is
How you know them
What they have done
And explain how they influenced you

Band 9-Style Answer

One person who has had a particularly strong influence on me is one of my former teachers. I met her when I was in secondary school, and although she taught me English, I would say that the most important lessons I learned from her had very little to do with grammar or vocabulary.

What stood out about her was the way she encouraged us to question things rather than simply accept information at face value. Whenever we expressed an opinion, she would ask us to explain why we thought that way or whether there might be another perspective. At the time, I found this slightly challenging because I was used to looking for a single correct answer, but gradually I became much more comfortable expressing my own ideas.

I think that experience has influenced me well beyond school. Even now, when I’m making an important decision, I tend to consider different possibilities before settling on a conclusion. So, although she was technically my English teacher, I’d say she ultimately taught me how to think more independently.

Expert Analysis

Fluency and Coherence

The answer develops naturally from:

Who → background → specific influence → example → long-term impact.

There is no abrupt jump between unrelated ideas.

Lexical Resource

Notice the precision of:

“had a particularly strong influence”
“accept information at face value”
“expressed an opinion”
“another perspective”
“settling on a conclusion”
“think more independently”

These expressions are useful because they communicate specific meanings.

Grammar

The response uses:

Relative clauses
Concessive structures
Time clauses
Complex sentences
Contrast
Cause-and-effect relationships

The structures are used to communicate meaning rather than to demonstrate grammar artificially.

Personalisation

The answer feels like a real experience.

That is important.

A memorised story may contain sophisticated language, but it can sound unnatural when it does not fit the candidate’s actual experience.

Another Band 9-Style Part 2 Answer

Cue Card: Describe a Place You Would Like to Visit

Band 9-Style Answer:

A place I’d really like to visit is Kyoto in Japan. I’ve seen countless photographs of the city, particularly during the cherry blossom season, and what appeals to me is the contrast between its traditional character and its modern urban life.

If I went there, I’d probably spend most of my time exploring the older parts of the city rather than rushing from one tourist attraction to another. I’d love to visit some of the traditional temples, walk through the quieter neighbourhoods and try local food. I’m also fascinated by Japanese craftsmanship, so I’d probably look for small workshops or markets where I could see how traditional products are made.

The main reason I’d like to go is that I tend to enjoy destinations where the culture is noticeably different from my own. I don’t just want to take photographs and leave; I’d like to understand how people live and what makes the place distinctive. That’s probably what would make Kyoto particularly memorable for me.

Why This Sounds Advanced

The answer does not depend on extremely rare vocabulary.

Instead, it uses precise language such as:

“traditional character”
“urban life”
“quieter neighbourhoods”
“Japanese craftsmanship”
“distinctive”
“particularly memorable”

The ideas are also extended rather than simply listed.

Band 9 IELTS Speaking Part 3 Answers

Part 3 is where many candidates struggle.

The questions become broader and more abstract, and you need to discuss ideas rather than simply describe personal experiences.

Question: Why Do People Enjoy Travelling?

Band 9-Style Answer:

I think there are several reasons. On a personal level, travelling gives people a break from their usual routines, which can be particularly valuable when their everyday lives are stressful or repetitive. On a broader level, though, travel also exposes people to different cultures and ways of thinking. That can challenge assumptions they may have developed in their own communities and make them more open-minded. So I would say that travelling is not merely a form of entertainment; it can also be a way of broadening someone’s perspective.

Expert Analysis

The answer moves through three levels:

Personal reason → social effect → broader conclusion

That is a useful model for Part 3.

The speaker also uses cautious language:

“I think…”

“can be particularly valuable…”

“I would say…”

This makes the answer sound analytical rather than excessively absolute.

Question: Has Technology Changed the Way People Communicate?

Band 9-Style Answer:

Absolutely. Technology has made communication considerably faster and more accessible, particularly for people who live far away from their families or work with international teams. However, I think there is a trade-off. Although digital platforms allow us to communicate instantly, they can sometimes encourage superficial interaction, because sending a quick message is not necessarily the same as having a meaningful conversation. So technology has certainly expanded our ability to communicate, but I don’t think it has automatically improved the quality of communication.

Why This Is Strong

The answer does not simply say:

“Technology is good because it is fast.”

Instead, it presents:

Benefit → limitation → evaluation

That type of development is especially useful for Part 3.

Question: Should Governments Encourage People to Use Public Transport?

Band 9-Style Answer:

Yes, particularly in large cities where traffic congestion and air pollution are persistent problems. If reliable public transport is available, governments can encourage people to leave their cars at home by making buses and trains both convenient and affordable. However, simply telling people to use public transport is unlikely to work if the system is unreliable or overcrowded. In my view, governments need to improve the quality of the service first and then introduce incentives that make public transport a genuinely attractive alternative.

What Makes This a Band 9-Style Response?

The response:

Gives a clear position.
Explains the position.
Introduces a condition.
Recognises a limitation.
Provides a practical solution.
Uses precise vocabulary.

The speaker is not trying to impress the examiner with complicated words.

They are developing an argument naturally.

Band 9 IELTS Speaking Vocabulary: What Should You Actually Learn?

One of the biggest misconceptions about Band 9 is that you need thousands of unusual words.

You do not.

You need a flexible vocabulary that allows you to express precise meanings.

Instead of “Very Important”

Use:

Crucial
Essential
Fundamental
Highly significant
A key factor

But only when the context supports the meaning.

Instead of “Very Good”

Depending on context:

Beneficial
Effective
Valuable
Rewarding
Impressive
Highly practical

Instead of “Very Bad”

Depending on context:

Harmful
Counterproductive
Detrimental
Problematic
Concerning

Instead of “I Think”

You can naturally vary your language:

I would argue that…
I tend to think that…
From my perspective…
I’d say that…
In my view…
I would suggest that…

Do not replace “I think” mechanically every time.

Natural variation is more valuable than forced vocabulary.

Band 9 IELTS Speaking Collocations

Collocations can make your speech more natural and precise.

Topic	Useful Collocations
Education	broaden one’s knowledge
Education	develop critical thinking
Technology	technological advancement
Technology	digital communication
Environment	reduce carbon emissions
Environment	environmental impact
Work	maintain a healthy work-life balance
Work	professional development
Health	lead a healthy lifestyle
Health	public health
Travel	broaden one’s perspective
Travel	cultural exposure
Society	sense of community
Cities	traffic congestion
Education	access to education

The objective is not to memorise lists and insert them into every answer.

Learn the expressions well enough that they become available when you genuinely need them.

Band 9 IELTS Speaking Grammar

A Band 9 candidate should be able to use grammatical structures precisely and flexibly.

Complex Sentences

Although online communication is convenient, it can sometimes reduce the quality of face-to-face interaction.

Conditionals

If public transport were more reliable, many people would probably be willing to leave their cars at home.

Relative Clauses

People who work remotely often have greater flexibility in managing their schedules.

Concession Structures

While technology has made communication faster, it has not necessarily made it more meaningful.

Participle Clauses

Having grown up in a large city, I am quite comfortable with a fast-paced lifestyle.

Hedging

For analytical questions, you can use:

It could be argued that…
It tends to…
In many cases…
To some extent…
It is likely that…
This may result in…

These structures help you express nuance instead of making every statement absolute.

How to Sound Fluent Without Speaking Too Fast

Many candidates misunderstand fluency.

Speaking quickly is not the same as speaking fluently.

The official Band 9 descriptor focuses on continuity, coherence and appropriate hesitation rather than simply speed.

Use Natural Pauses

It is completely normal to pause briefly while organising an idea.

For example:

“I’d say… probably the main reason is…”

This is more natural than trying to eliminate every pause.

Avoid Functionless Repetition

Try not to repeatedly say:

“You know… you know… like… you know…”

Some hesitation is normal, but excessive fillers can interrupt the flow of your answer.

Use Discourse Markers Naturally

Useful expressions include:

Actually
To be honest
Having said that
In my experience
On the other hand
As a result
For example
In particular

Use them when they serve a purpose.

How to Improve IELTS Speaking Pronunciation for Band 9

Band 9 pronunciation is about intelligibility and control rather than copying a particular accent.

Focus on:

Word Stress

Make the important syllables clear.

Sentence Stress

Stress key words rather than giving every word equal emphasis.

Intonation

Use changes in pitch to communicate meaning and attitude.

Connected Speech

Learn how words naturally connect in fluent speech.

Clear Consonants

Pay attention to sounds that may cause misunderstanding.

The official Band 9 descriptor emphasises flexible use of phonological features and connected speech, with effortless intelligibility.

Why Memorised Band 9 Answers Can Hurt Your Speaking Score

One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is searching for “perfect IELTS Speaking answers” and memorising them word for word.

That is risky.

IELTS itself advises candidates not to over-rehearse perfectly crafted answers. Memorised responses can sound unnatural and may prevent the examiner from getting an accurate picture of your actual communication ability.

Learn Ideas, Not Scripts

Instead of memorising:

“I am extremely passionate about travelling because it broadens my horizons…”

learn the underlying idea:

Travel → new cultures → different perspectives → personal growth

Then express it naturally in the test.

Build Flexible Answer Frameworks

For Part 1:

Answer → Reason → Detail

For Part 2:

Introduce → Describe → Explain → Personal reaction

For Part 3:

Position → Explanation → Example → Qualification

These are frameworks, not scripts.

How to Turn a Band 6 Answer Into a Band 9-Style Answer

Consider this answer:

I like my job because it is interesting and I meet many people. It is also good because I earn money and learn new things.

This answer communicates basic ideas, but the development is limited.

A stronger version could be:

I genuinely enjoy my job, mainly because it gives me a good balance between financial stability and personal development. I have to interact with a wide range of people, which has gradually made me more confident in unfamiliar situations. More importantly, I’m constantly exposed to new challenges, so I rarely feel as though I’m simply repeating the same routine every day.

What Changed?

The improved answer has:

More precise vocabulary
Better development
More natural collocations
Greater grammatical variety
Clearer relationships between ideas
More specific meaning

The goal is not to make every answer longer.

It is to make each answer more meaningful and better controlled.

Band 9 IELTS Speaking Answer Formula

There is no official Band 9 formula.

However, these structures can help you organise your thinking during practice.

Part 1 Formula

Direct Answer + Reason + Personal Detail

Example:

Yes, definitely. I enjoy cooking because it helps me unwind after a busy day. I particularly like experimenting with Asian recipes at weekends.

Part 2 Formula

Introduction + Main Details + Development + Personal Reflection

Example:

The person I’d like to talk about is…
I first met them when…
What made them memorable was…
Looking back, I realise that…

Part 3 Formula

Position + Explanation + Example + Qualification

Example:

I think it has several benefits. The main reason is… For instance… Having said that…

These frameworks should make your thinking easier, not turn your Speaking test into a memorised performance.

What Band 9 Candidates Do Differently in Part 3

Part 3 is an opportunity to demonstrate higher-level thinking.

Instead of answering:

“Is technology useful?”

with:

“Yes, technology is useful because it makes life easier.”

develop the idea:

“Yes, I think technology has made many aspects of daily life considerably more efficient. For example, people can now access financial services, education and healthcare information almost instantly. Having said that, convenience can sometimes come at the expense of privacy, so I think the overall impact depends largely on how responsibly these technologies are used.”

The second answer:

Takes a position
Explains it
Gives examples
Introduces a limitation
Reaches a nuanced conclusion

Common Mistakes When Trying to Get Band 9

Using Difficult Words Incorrectly

Advanced vocabulary is useless if the meaning is wrong.

Memorising Complete Answers

Memorised responses can sound unnatural and inflexible.

Speaking Too Quickly

Speed does not automatically equal fluency.

Giving Extremely Long Part 1 Answers

Part 1 should remain conversational.

Repeating the Same Vocabulary

If every answer uses “interesting”, “good”, “bad” and “important”, your lexical range becomes limited.

Avoiding Personal Examples

Specific examples often make answers easier to develop naturally.

Giving Short Part 3 Answers

Part 3 requires discussion, explanation and analysis.

Trying to Sound Like a Native Speaker

Your objective is clear, controlled communication—not imitation of a particular accent.

Ignoring Pronunciation

Strong grammar and vocabulary cannot compensate for consistently unclear pronunciation.

A 7-Day IELTS Speaking Band 9 Practice Plan

Day 1: Fluency

Choose ten Part 1 questions.

Answer each one without stopping to translate.

Record yourself.

Focus on maintaining a natural flow.

Day 2: Vocabulary

Choose three common topics:

Education
Technology
Travel

Build useful topic vocabulary and collocations.

Then use them in your own sentences.

Day 3: Grammar

Practise:

Conditionals
Relative clauses
Concessions
Cause and effect

Use them while answering Speaking questions rather than completing isolated grammar exercises.

Day 4: Part 2

Complete five cue cards.

Give yourself exactly one minute to prepare.

Speak for up to two minutes.

Record every response.

Day 5: Part 3

Practise abstract questions.

For every answer, use:

Position → Why → Example → Qualification

Day 6: Pronunciation

Choose one recorded answer.

Listen carefully for:

Word stress
Sentence stress
Intonation
Connected speech
Unclear sounds

Record the answer again.

Day 7: Full Speaking Simulation

Complete:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

without stopping the recording.

Then evaluate your performance using the four official criteria.

Band 9 IELTS Speaking Self-Assessment Checklist

Fluency and Coherence

Can I keep speaking without excessive hesitation?
Do my ideas connect naturally?
Can I extend my answers?
Do I avoid unnecessary repetition?
Can I explain an idea without losing my direction?

Lexical Resource

Can I express precise meanings?
Do I use topic-specific vocabulary naturally?
Can I paraphrase when I forget a word?
Do I use collocations accurately?
Do I avoid forcing advanced vocabulary?

Grammar

Can I use complex structures naturally?
Are my sentences usually accurate?
Can I vary my structures?
Can I use different tenses when appropriate?
Can I express conditions and contrasts accurately?

Pronunciation

Am I easy to understand?
Is my word stress clear?
Do I use sentence stress naturally?
Is my intonation varied?
Can I maintain clear pronunciation when speaking at length?

Frequently Asked Questions About IELTS Speaking Band 9 Answers

What does a Band 9 IELTS Speaking answer look like?

A Band 9-style answer is fluent, coherent, precise and natural. It develops ideas appropriately, uses vocabulary flexibly and accurately, demonstrates highly controlled grammar and remains effortlessly understandable. These qualities come directly from the official Band 9 Speaking descriptors.

Do I need to use very difficult vocabulary to get Band 9?

No. Band 9 requires flexible and precise vocabulary, including accurate and idiomatic language. Using rare words incorrectly is not a Band 9 strategy.

Can I memorise Band 9 IELTS Speaking answers?

It is better to learn ideas, vocabulary and response strategies than memorise complete answers. IELTS advises against over-rehearsing perfectly prepared responses because they can sound unnatural and fail to demonstrate genuine communication ability.

How long should my Part 1 answers be?

There is no official fixed number of words or sentences. Give a natural response that answers the question and provides enough development to demonstrate your speaking ability.

How long do I speak in IELTS Speaking Part 2?

You have one minute to prepare and then speak for up to two minutes.

Why is IELTS Speaking Part 3 important for Band 9?

Part 3 requires more general and abstract discussion and can involve analysing, discussing and speculating about issues. This gives candidates an opportunity to demonstrate sophisticated idea development and language control.

Is IELTS Speaking the same for Academic and General Training?

Yes. The IELTS Speaking test is the same for Academic and General Training.

Do I need a native English accent for Band 9?

No. The official criteria focus on pronunciation and intelligibility, including the ability to use phonological features effectively. A particular national accent is not a requirement.

How can I improve from Band 7 to Band 9?

Focus on precision rather than simply adding more vocabulary. Analyse recordings of your speaking, improve idea development, reduce unnecessary hesitation, increase grammatical control, practise paraphrasing and work on pronunciation and connected speech.

Can coaching help me improve my IELTS Speaking score?

Yes. Targeted coaching can be particularly useful when you already have reasonable English ability but cannot identify exactly why your performance is not reaching the level you want. A qualified coach can analyse your fluency, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation and response development and provide specific corrective feedback.

Improve Your IELTS Speaking With Expert Coaching

Reaching a high IELTS Speaking score is difficult to achieve through memorisation alone.

At higher bands, small differences in performance become increasingly important:

How naturally you develop an idea
Whether your vocabulary is precise
How flexibly you use grammar
Whether hesitation affects your fluency
How clearly you pronounce connected speech
Whether your answers sound spontaneous

This is where individual feedback becomes valuable.

A structured IELTS Speaking coaching programme can help you identify the specific weaknesses holding your score back and build a personalised practice strategy.

Instead of asking:

“What Band 9 answer should I memorise?”

ask:

“What is stopping my own English from sounding like a Band 9 performance?”

That is a much more useful question.

Ready to improve your IELTS Speaking performance? Explore IELTS Speaking coaching with IFI Qatar and get targeted feedback on your fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.

Final Tips for Band 9 IELTS Speaking Answers

Band 9 Speaking is not about sounding like a textbook.

It is about demonstrating expert control of spoken English.

Remember these principles:

Do not memorise complete answers.
Develop ideas rather than simply extending sentences.
Use precise vocabulary instead of unnecessarily difficult vocabulary.
Vary your grammar naturally.
Focus on clear, intelligible pronunciation.
Use Part 3 to demonstrate deeper thinking.
Record yourself and analyse your performance.
Get expert feedback when you cannot identify your weaknesses yourself.

The best Band 9 answer is not the one with the most impressive words.

It is the one that communicates the speaker’s meaning fluently, precisely, accurately and naturally.