Band 7 Example

Question: Do people nowadays have more ways to relax than in the past?

Idea 1

Yes, More Ways
Model Answer
In today's world, the range of leisure activities has expanded significantly. The advent of the internet has introduced major changes, enabling us to enjoy time online or get immersed in video games, a trend that is quite a departure from traditional pastimes. This evolution has certainly increased our options for relaxation and entertainment.
Certainly! Today's world offers a broader range of leisure activities. The internet has really changed things up, allowing us to hang out online or dive into video games, which is something quite new compared to the past. This shift has definitely enriched our choices for unwinding.
Grammar Analysis
Present perfect tense: "has changed". Here the present perfect tense is used to indicate that the impact of the internet on leisure activities started in the past and continues up to the present. Present participle functioning as an adverbial phrase: "allowing us to hang out online or dive into video games". Using the present participle as an adverbial phrase increases the fluency and complexity of the sentence, while also explaining how the internet has changed things. Comparative degree: "broader range". Using the comparative adjective "broader" to describe "range" showcases an increase in the variety of leisure activities, emphasizing the difference between the past and the present.
Vocabulary
  • broader range
  • leisure activities
  • hang out online
  • dive into
  • enrich

Idea 2

No, Similar Ways
Model Answer
I believe that the fundamental ways in which we unwind haven't changed much. Activities such as immersing ourselves in a good book or engaging in outdoor sports are still top choices for many. Despite the advancements in technology, these classic forms of relaxation have remained popular and stood the test of time.
Well, I'd say that the core ways we relax remain quite similar. Activities like enjoying a good read or playing outdoor games are still favorites for many. Despite technological advances, these old-fashioned relaxation methods have stood the test of time, maintaining their popularity.
Grammar Analysis
Present continuous tense: "are still favorites" Using the present continuous tense to express a continuous state, that is, reading and outdoor games are still favorites for many people. Past participle as an adjective: "old-fashioned relaxation methods" Here, using the past participle "old-fashioned" as an adjective to modify "relaxation methods," adding detail and accuracy to the description. Present participle as an adjective: "maintaining their popularity" Here, the present participle "maintaining" as an adjective emphasizes that these leisure activities are still maintaining their popularity.
Vocabulary
  • core ways
  • outdoor games
  • technological advances
  • old-fashioned
  • stood the test of time