Band 7 Example

Question: What do people usually do when they get lost?

Idea 1

Using Technology
Model Answer
Nowadays, most people just whip out their phones, check their current location, and determine the direction they need to go to arrive at their destination. Before, it was difficult because we had to ask someone who knew the area to help us. But now, if we have a smartphone and a signal, it's hard to get lost.
Nowadays, most people just whip out their phone and check their location and see what direction they need to go in to get to their destination. It used to be quite a hassle and we had to look for someone who knew the local area to help us, but as long as we've got a smartphone and a signal, getting lost is a thing of the past.
Grammar Analysis
Verb phrase: "whip out" The use of this verb phrase demonstrates the richness of vocabulary and flexibility in expression in the answer, describing a quick and natural action. Present perfect tense: The use of "have got" shows the appropriate use of the present perfect tense, indicating that the state of owning a smartphone has been ongoing from the past to the present. Comparison between past and present tense: The use of "It used to be" and "but as long as" shows the comparison between the past and present, reflecting the development of the topic and the change in time, adding complexity to the answer.
Vocabulary
  • whip out
  • destination
  • hassle
  • local area
  • as long as
  • a thing of the past

Idea 2

Asking for Help
Model Answer
If it happens in a crowded place, I think the best thing to do is to ask someone. People walking around are usually happy to help, and if they can't, they might tell you where to find someone who can, like a police officer or a shop worker. Most of the time, people like to help others who are lost.
If it happens in a place where there are people, I suppose the most logical thing to do is just ask someone. Passersby are more than happy to help if they can, and if they can't, they can point us in the right direction of someone who can, like a police officer or shop staff. Generally, people are always happy to help people when they are lost.
Grammar Analysis
Conditional sentence: "If it happens in a place where there are people" Using a conditional sentence shows consideration for hypothetical situations, enhancing the logic and contextual adaptability of the answer. Indirect suggestion: "they can point us" This indirect way of giving a suggestion not only increases the politeness of the sentence but also enhances the complexity of the answer.
Vocabulary
  • logical
  • Passersby
  • point us in the right direction
  • shop staff
  • happy to help

Idea 3

Self-Reliance and Observation
Model Answer
Some people are really good with directions. If they pause to understand their surroundings, they can figure out where they are by looking at street signs and famous places. This could mean they see a mountain far away and use it to find their way, or maybe a river. I believe it's important not to worry too much.
Some people just have a great sense of direction and if they stop for a moment to get their bearings, they can work out where they are by observing street signs and landmarks that they can see. This might mean that they can see a mountain in the distance and they can navigate themselves using it, or a river even. I think the key here is not to panic.
Grammar Analysis
Conditional clause: "if they stop for a moment" The use of this conditional clause creates a hypothetical scenario, increasing the complexity and logic of the answer. Use of phrases: "to get their bearings" The use of this phrase not only enriches the vocabulary, but also demonstrates a higher level of language expression, enhancing the information and accuracy of the sentence.
Vocabulary
  • sense of direction
  • get their bearings
  • observe
  • street signs
  • landmarks
  • navigate
  • panic