Band 7 Example
Topic: Describe a time when you heard a stranger talking on the phone in a public place
Example
Overhearing a phone conversation Where it happened I'm going to talk about a time when I overheard a stranger talking on the phone in a public place. This incident took place at a coffee shop in the city center, which is a popular spot for people to relax and enjoy their drinks. The shop is usually bustling with activity, and on that particular day, it was no different. When it happened This happened about two months ago, on a Saturday afternoon. I remember it vividly because I was there to catch up on some reading and enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. The shop was quite busy, with people chatting, typing on their laptops, and the sound of the coffee machine in the background. What he/she said As I was sitting there, a woman at the table next to mine received a phone call. She spoke quite loudly, so it was impossible not to overhear her conversation. She seemed to be talking to a friend or family member, and she was discussing her plans for an upcoming vacation. She mentioned how excited she was about visiting a new country, trying out local cuisines, and exploring the culture. She also talked about the challenges she faced in planning the trip, like booking flights and accommodations, and how she managed to get a great deal on a hotel. And explain how you felt about the experience At first, I felt a bit annoyed because I was trying to concentrate on my book, and her voice was quite distracting. However, as the conversation went on, I found myself getting drawn into her excitement and enthusiasm. It was interesting to hear about her travel plans and the places she was looking forward to visiting. In a way, it was like getting a glimpse into someone else's life and sharing in their joy. By the end of the conversation, I felt more relaxed and even inspired to think about my own travel plans. It was a reminder of how diverse and interconnected our world is, and how a simple phone call can bring a sense of adventure and excitement to an ordinary day.
Grammar Analysis
The answer uses a variety of sentence structures, including simple, compound, and complex sentences, which contribute to the overall fluency and coherence of the response. For example, "This incident took place at a coffee shop in the city center, which is a popular spot for people to relax and enjoy their drinks." This sentence uses a relative clause to provide additional information. The use of past tense is consistent and appropriate for recounting a past event, as seen in "This happened about two months ago, on a Saturday afternoon." The answer also effectively uses transition words and phrases, such as "At first," "However," and "By the end of the conversation," to guide the listener through the narrative and express changes in feelings.
Vocabulary
  • overheard
  • bustling with activity
  • vividly
  • catch up on
  • local cuisines
  • accommodations
  • distracting
  • enthusiasm
  • glimpse into
  • interconnected