Band 7 Example

Question: When was the last time you praised someone?

Idea 1

Recently
Model Answer
I praised my friend this morning for their new haircut. It really suited them, and I thought it looked great, so I told them.
Just this morning, I praised my friend for their new haircut. It really suited them, and I thought it looked fantastic, so I made sure to let them know how great they looked.
Grammar Analysis
1.Past Simple Tense: The use of the past simple tense ("praised", "suited", "thought", "looked") effectively describes a completed action that took place in the past. 2.Causative structure: The phrase "made sure to let them know" demonstrates the use of a causative structure, indicating the speaker's intention to ensure their friend was aware of the compliment.
Vocabulary
  • suited
  • fantastic
  • great

Idea 2

Not Very Recently
Model Answer
I don't remember the last time I praised someone. I usually show appreciation by doing things for them instead of saying it.
I can't quite recall the last time I verbally praised someone. It's been a while, as I tend to show appreciation through actions rather than words. I believe actions speak louder than words, so I often express my gratitude by helping others out or doing something nice for them.
Grammar Analysis
1.Usage of modal verbs: "I can't quite recall" uses the modal verb "can't" to express uncertainty, showing the speaker's inability to remember a specific event. 2.Usage of conjunctions: "as I tend to show appreciation through actions rather than words" uses "as" to introduce a reason, explaining why verbal praise is not frequently given.
Vocabulary
  • actions speak louder than words
  • helping others out
  • express my gratitude