Band 7 Example
Topic: Describe a program or app on your computer or phone
Example
Step 1: Identify the Part 2 question requirements The question asks you to describe a program or app on your computer or phone. You should cover: - What it is - When and how you use it - Where you found it - How you feel about it Step 2: Think about strategies for a better answer - Expand your answer with more details or extra stories: Give specific examples of how you use the app, and maybe a memorable experience. - Coherence is important: Make sure your answer flows logically from one point to the next. - Paraphrasing: Use different ways to describe the app and your experiences. - Referring: Refer back to previous points to connect your ideas. - Signposting: Use linking words and phrases to guide the listener. - Vocabulary needs to be appropriate as well as varied: Use a range of vocabulary related to technology and daily life. - Using synonyms or substitution: Don’t repeat the same words; use alternatives. - Demonstrating a range of grammar is key factor: Use complex sentences, conditionals, and different tenses. - Whole Model Answer MUST be more than 300 words. Step 3: Output in the following format: Topic:A useful language learning app What it is The program I’d like to talk about is Duolingo, which is a language learning app that I have installed on my smartphone. Duolingo is quite popular worldwide and is designed to help users learn a new language in a fun and interactive way. The app offers a wide variety of languages, from Spanish and French to less common ones like Welsh or Hawaiian. What makes it stand out is its game-like structure, where you earn points for correct answers and can compete with friends. When and how you use it I started using Duolingo about a year ago, mainly because I wanted to improve my English and also pick up some basic Spanish. I usually use the app in the evening, right before I go to bed, as part of my daily routine. Sometimes, if I have a few minutes to spare during the day, like when I’m commuting or waiting for someone, I’ll open the app and do a quick lesson. The exercises are short and engaging, so it’s easy to fit them into a busy schedule. I particularly enjoy the speaking and listening tasks, which help me practice real-life communication skills. Where you found it I first heard about Duolingo from a friend who was using it to learn German. She recommended it to me because it’s free and very user-friendly. After that, I searched for it in the App Store on my phone and downloaded it. The installation process was straightforward, and I was able to start learning immediately. Since then, I’ve also seen a lot of positive reviews about the app online, which reassured me that I made a good choice. How you feel about it Overall, I feel really positive about using Duolingo. Not only has it helped me expand my vocabulary and improve my pronunciation, but it has also made language learning enjoyable and less stressful. I appreciate the reminders it sends to keep me motivated, and the sense of achievement I get when I complete a level or maintain a long streak. If I didn’t have this app, I think I would struggle to stay consistent with my language studies. In conclusion, Duolingo has become an essential tool in my daily life, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a new language in an effective and entertaining way.
Grammar Analysis
- **Complex Sentences:** The answer demonstrates a strong command of complex sentence structures, such as “What makes it stand out is its game-like structure, where you earn points for correct answers and can compete with friends.” This use of relative clauses and embedded clauses adds depth and detail. - **Variety of Tenses:** The response uses a range of tenses appropriately, including present simple (“Duolingo is quite popular”), present perfect (“I have installed”), past simple (“I started using Duolingo about a year ago”), and conditional (“If I didn’t have this app, I think I would struggle…”). This variety shows grammatical flexibility. - **Passive Voice:** Passive constructions are used naturally, e.g., “I was able to start learning immediately,” and “The installation process was straightforward.” - **Conditional Sentences:** The answer includes a second conditional structure: “If I didn’t have this app, I think I would struggle to stay consistent with my language studies.” - **Cohesive Devices:** Linking words and phrases such as “Overall,” “Not only…but also,” “In conclusion,” and “Since then” are used to organize ideas and guide the listener through the response. - **Pronoun Reference:** Pronouns are used effectively to avoid repetition and maintain cohesion, e.g., “it,” “this app,” “she,” “they.”
Vocabulary
  • - **Technology and App-Related Vocabulary:** “language learning app,” “installed,” “user-friendly,” “App Store,” “downloaded,” “installation process,” “reminders,” “maintain a long streak.”
  • - **Descriptive Adjectives:** “popular,” “fun,” “interactive,” “user-friendly,” “straightforward,” “positive,” “essential.”
  • - **Collocations and Phrases:** “pick up some basic Spanish,” “daily routine,” “fit them into a busy schedule,” “practice real-life communication skills,” “expand my vocabulary,” “improve my pronunciation,” “sense of achievement,” “stay consistent,” “effective and entertaining way.”
  • - **Paraphrasing and Synonyms:** Instead of repeating “app,” the answer uses “program,” “tool,” and “Duolingo.” “Game-like structure” and “interactive way” are used to describe the app’s features.
  • - **Idiomatic Language:** “a few minutes to spare,” “keep me motivated,” “made a good choice,” “has become an essential tool.”
  • These features together help the answer reach a Band 7.0 level by demonstrating a wide range of grammar and vocabulary, as well as clear and logical organization.