Band 7 Example
Topic: Describe a difficult thing you did and succeeded
Example
Completing a marathon What it was I'm going to talk about the time I ran my first marathon, which was undoubtedly one of the most challenging things I've ever done. It was a full 42 kilometers, and the event took place in my hometown, which made it even more special for me. How you overcame the difficulties The training leading up to the marathon was intense. I had to follow a strict schedule that gradually increased my stamina and distance. There were days when I felt completely drained and thought about giving up, but I kept reminding myself of the goal. I also had to adjust my diet and ensure I was properly hydrated and nourished to maintain my energy levels. Whether you got help Yes, I definitely got help along the way. I joined a local running club where I met others who were also training for the marathon. We would often run together, which was not only motivating but also made the long training sessions more enjoyable. Additionally, my family was incredibly supportive, providing encouragement and attending my training sessions whenever they could. And explain how you felt after you succeeded Crossing the finish line was an overwhelming experience. I was exhausted, but the sense of accomplishment was indescribable. I felt proud of myself for not giving up despite the physical and mental challenges. It was a moment of personal triumph that taught me a lot about my resilience and determination. The support from the crowd and seeing my family cheering for me at the finish line added to the joy and made all the hard work worthwhile. This achievement has given me a lasting confidence boost and a belief in my ability to tackle other difficult tasks in life.
Grammar Analysis
The answer effectively uses a variety of grammatical structures to convey detailed information and personal reflections. It employs past continuous for ongoing actions in the past, e.g., "I was running," and simple past for completed actions, e.g., "I ran my first marathon." Conditional sentences are used to express hypothetical situations and resolutions, such as "There were days when I felt completely drained and thought about giving up, but I kept reminding myself of the goal." The use of modal verbs like "could" and "would" helps in expressing abilities and possibilities during the training. The narrative is well-structured with clear transitions that guide the listener through the stages of the experience.
Vocabulary
  • - **Challenging**: Indicates the difficulty level of the task, enhancing the narrative by setting the tone of the accomplishment.
  • - **Stamina**: Specific to the context of physical endurance, showing the speaker's awareness of the necessary qualities for running a marathon.
  • - **Drained**: Conveys a strong sense of physical exhaustion, making the listener empathize with the speaker's hardships.
  • - **Hydrated and nourished**: These terms are particularly relevant to marathon training, indicating a well-rounded approach to physical preparation.
  • - **Overwhelming experience**: Amplifies the emotional response to completing the marathon, adding depth to the narrative.
  • - **Resilience and determination**: These qualities are often highlighted in narratives of personal achievement, resonating with themes of perseverance and personal growth.
  • - **Confidence boost**: A common phrase that effectively communicates the positive impact of the experience on the speaker's self-esteem.
  • These elements of vocabulary are not only contextually appropriate but also enrich the narrative, making it more engaging and relatable for the listener.