Band 7 Example

Question: How does learning to read a map help you learn more about your country?

Idea 1

Geographical Knowledge
Model Answer
There are many ways, but the most important is to learn about the big rivers and mountains. Looking at a detailed map shows us the highest mountains, mountain ranges, rivers, and their smaller rivers. It makes us realize how complicated and connected the natural world is.
There are lots of ways but the main one is learning about the major rivers and mountains in the country. When we look at a detailed map of the country, we can see the highest peaks, mountain ranges, rivers and their tributaries. It really brings home how complex the natural landscape actually is and how intertwined everything is.
Grammar Analysis
Subject clause: "There are lots of ways but the main one is" - Using a subject clause to introduce the main way of learning increases the complexity of the sentence. Adjective as attribute: "the highest peaks, mountain ranges" - Using an adjective as an attribute to describe the characteristics of peaks and mountain ranges increases the detail and accuracy of the description.
Vocabulary
  • detailed
  • the highest peaks
  • ranges
  • tributaries
  • brings home
  • landscape
  • intertwined

Idea 2

Personal Growth
Model Answer
Maps help us feel independent. It's really interesting to look at maps of our big country. When we learn how to read them, we can find our way around by ourselves. When we travel, we can move from one place to another without needing help from others or technology, and this feels good.
I believe it helps with other subjects, especially history, as we can connect historical events with their locations. We learn about famous battles and empires in history classes but when we see the locations on paper maps, it really brings it to life. We can also recognize the impact of these historical events on today's geography through cities and their connecting roads.
Grammar Analysis
Phrasal verb: "learning to read one properly" Using a phrasal verb as a subject complement demonstrates the complexity of the sentence and points out the importance of learning map reading skills. Present participle: "fascinating looking at maps" Using a present participle adjective phrase as a subject complement indicates the fascinating nature of looking at maps. Modal verb: "are able to go" Using the modal verb "are able" expresses ability and possibility, showing the syntactic diversity of the sentence.
Vocabulary
  • historical
  • battles
  • empires
  • brings it to life
  • recognize
  • impact