Band 7 Example

Question: Is it reasonable to charge a high price for handmade things?

Idea 1

Yes
Model Answer
Yes, I think it's fair to charge more for handmade items. They take a lot of time and effort to make, and each one is unique. The quality is often better because artisans use special skills and high-quality materials. Plus, buying handmade supports local craftsmen and small businesses, which is important for the community.
Absolutely, charging a premium for handmade items is justified. These products require a considerable amount of time and effort, and each piece is distinct, often showcasing superior quality. Artisans employ specialized skills and techniques, and they frequently use premium materials that are carefully chosen. Additionally, purchasing handmade goods supports local craftsmen and small businesses, which is vital for sustaining local economies and preserving traditional crafts.
Grammar Analysis
1.Adjective phrase as a modifier: "charging a premium" uses an adjective phrase to modify "handmade items," enhancing the expressiveness and precision of the language. 2.Present participle as an adverbial: "showcasing superior quality" uses the present participle "showcasing" as an adverbial to describe the action, adding complexity to the sentence structure. 3.Noun phrase as a subject: "purchasing handmade goods" serves as the subject of the sentence, using a complex noun phrase to describe an action, enhancing the depth and complexity of the expression. 4.Relative clause: "which is vital for sustaining local economies and preserving traditional crafts" uses a relative clause to provide additional information about "supporting local craftsmen and small businesses," showcasing advanced grammar structures.
Vocabulary
  • charging a premium
  • considerable amount of time and effort
  • distinct
  • superior quality
  • specialized skills and techniques
  • premium materials
  • local craftsmen and small businesses
  • sustaining local economies
  • preserving traditional crafts

Idea 2

No
Model Answer
On the other hand, some people might find high prices for handmade items unreasonable. Mass-produced goods are generally more affordable, making them accessible to a wider audience. Not everyone can afford the luxury of handmade products. Sometimes, the price of handmade items doesn't seem to match their perceived value, and they might not always be as durable or practical as mass-produced alternatives.
Conversely, there are valid arguments against high prices for handmade items. Mass-produced products tend to be more cost-effective, making them accessible to a broader range of consumers. Not everyone has the financial means to purchase handmade goods, which can be seen as a luxury. Additionally, the price of handmade items sometimes doesn't align with their perceived value, and they may not always offer the durability or practicality that mass-produced items provide. Market competition can also drive prices down, leading consumers to prioritize functionality over uniqueness.
Grammar Analysis
1.Contrastive conjunction: "Conversely" is used as a contrastive conjunction to introduce opposing arguments, demonstrating the ability to structure complex arguments. 2.Adjective phrase as a modifier: "valid arguments" and "cost-effective" are adjective phrases used as modifiers to enhance the precision and richness of the description. 3.Noun phrase as a subject: "Mass-produced products" and "Market competition" serve as subjects, using complex noun phrases to introduce key points, adding depth to the argument. 4.Comparative structure: "prioritize functionality over uniqueness" uses a comparative structure to highlight the trade-off between two qualities, showcasing advanced grammar skills.
Vocabulary
  • valid arguments against high prices
  • mass-produced products
  • cost-effective
  • accessible to a broader range of consumers
  • financial means
  • luxury
  • align with their perceived value
  • durability or practicality
  • market competition
  • prioritize functionality over uniqueness