Band 7 Example

Question: Do people smile more when they are younger or older?

Idea 1

Younger People Smile More
Model Answer
I think younger people definitely smile more. Kids and teenagers usually have fewer worries and more free time to enjoy themselves. They laugh at simple things and are easily amused, like when they play games or joke with friends at school. Also, they don’t have to worry about jobs or paying bills, so they are more relaxed and open with their feelings.
In my opinion, younger people tend to smile more often. Children, for example, are generally carefree and find joy in the simplest things, whether it’s playing with friends or discovering something new. They haven’t yet been burdened by adult responsibilities like work or family, so their lives are less stressful. This freedom allows them to be more expressive and open with their emotions, resulting in more frequent smiles and laughter.
Grammar Analysis
1. Comparative structure: "smile more often" uses the comparative form to show the difference in frequency between age groups. 2. Present perfect passive: "haven’t yet been burdened by adult responsibilities" demonstrates use of present perfect passive to describe a state that has not occurred. 3. Infinitive of purpose: "to be more expressive and open with their emotions" uses the infinitive to explain the result or purpose. 4. Present simple tense: Used throughout to describe general truths and habits, e.g., "Children are generally carefree." ####
Vocabulary
  • younger people
  • carefree
  • find joy in the simplest things
  • burdened by adult responsibilities
  • less stressful
  • freedom
  • expressive
  • open with their emotions
  • more frequent smiles
  • laughter

Idea 2

Older People Smile More
Model Answer
Some people say older people smile more. Maybe it’s because they have more life experience and know how to enjoy small things. For example, grandparents often smile when they are with their grandchildren. Also, older people might smile to be friendly or polite in social situations, even if they have worries.
On the other hand, it could be argued that older people actually smile more. As people age, they often develop a greater appreciation for life’s small pleasures and may have learned to manage stress more effectively. For instance, grandparents frequently smile when spending time with their grandchildren, and many older adults use smiling as a way to appear approachable and maintain positive social relationships, even if they face challenges.
Grammar Analysis
- Comparative structures: "smile more," "more effectively" - Present simple tense for general truths: "older people actually smile more," "they often develop" - Use of adverbial clauses: "As people age," "when spending time with their grandchildren" - Modal verbs for possibility: "could be argued," "may have learned"
Vocabulary
  • smile more
  • greater appreciation
  • life’s small pleasures
  • manage stress more effectively
  • grandparents
  • spending time
  • approachable
  • maintain positive social relationships
  • face challenges
  • younger generation
  • older adults
  • display cheerful expressions

Idea 3

It Depends on Personality and Situation
Model Answer
I think it really depends on the person and the situation. Some young people are shy or have a lot of stress from school, so they might not smile much. At the same time, some older people are very cheerful and love to talk and laugh. Also, things like culture and personal experiences can change how much someone smiles.
Honestly, I believe the amount people smile depends more on personality and circumstances than on age. For example, some young people might be introverted or under a lot of academic pressure, which could make them smile less. Conversely, there are older individuals who are naturally cheerful and sociable, always ready with a smile. Cultural background and personal experiences also play a significant role, as does the environment or mood a person is in at any given time.
Grammar Analysis
- Comparative structures: “more than,” “less than,” “depends more on… than…” - Conditional clauses: “if,” “when,” “depending on” - Present simple tense for general truths: “people smile,” “personality plays a role” - Use of examples to support ideas: “For example, some young people…”
Vocabulary
  • grin
  • beam
  • express joy
  • look cheerful
  • children
  • youth
  • adolescents
  • the young generation
  • elderly
  • seniors
  • older adults
  • the aged
  • personality
  • circumstances
  • cultural background
  • environment
  • mood
  • life experiences