Band 7 Example

Question: What are the differences between paper and digital maps?

Idea 1

Physical Attributes
Model Answer
First, we need an electronic device like a smartphone to use a digital map. This makes them small and easy to carry. But, we have to make sure the device has enough battery. This is a downside compared to a paper map because if the battery dies, it won't work.
Well, firstly, we need an electrical device to use a digital map, so a smartphone or something similar. This means that they are very portable and compact. It does mean that we need to ensure that the device is charged sufficiently, and this is a drawback compared to a paper map as, if it runs out of battery, it is useless.
Grammar Analysis
Conditional sentence: "It does mean that we need to ensure" The use of this conditional sentence indicates a cause-effect relationship, emphasizing issues to consider when using digital maps, and enhances the logical complexity of the answer. Comparison structure: "compared to a paper map" The use of this comparison structure effectively illustrates the comparison between digital maps and paper maps, increasing the amount of information and depth of the answer. Verb tense usage: The use of the tenses "is charged" and "runs out of battery" accurately describes changes in device status, demonstrating the flexible use of different tenses.
Vocabulary
  • electrical device
  • digital map
  • portable
  • compact
  • ensure
  • charge
  • drawback

Idea 2

Functionality
Model Answer
Paper maps don't change. This means they don't show live information. So, when we go from one place to another, digital maps tell us exactly how long it will take. This is helpful if there's traffic or many ways to go somewhere using various kinds of transport. They offer more choices, so we can decide better.
Paper maps are static. By this I mean that they don't give us any real-time information, so if we are trying to get from one place to another, digital maps give us the actual number of minutes it will take. This is really useful if there is traffic or multiple ways to get someone using different modes of transport. They give us more options so we can make informed judgments.
Grammar Analysis
Comparison structure: The use of this comparison structure, "compared to digital maps," highlights the functional differences between paper maps and digital maps, increasing the amount and depth of information in the answer. Pronoun usage: In "They give us more options," "They" is clearly referred to, making the sentence coherent and helping to avoid repetition, demonstrating good grammar usage.
Vocabulary
  • static
  • real-time
  • actual number
  • different modes of transport
  • informed judgments