Band 7 Example

Question: What are your favourite activities?

Idea 1

Playing Sports
Model Answer
I like playing sports, especially basketball and badminton. It keeps me healthy and I can make new friends. I also enjoy the feeling of competition when I play.
One of my favourite activities is playing sports, particularly basketball and badminton. I find it keeps me healthy and active, and it’s also a fantastic way to meet new people. I really enjoy the competitive spirit when I’m on the court.
Grammar Analysis
1. Use of gerunds: "playing sports" is used as the subject of the sentence, showing good control of gerund forms. 2. Present simple tense: The answer uses the present simple tense ("find," "enjoy") to talk about general habits and preferences, which is appropriate for this context. 3. Use of relative clause: "when I’m on the court" adds detail and context to the enjoyment of the activity.
Vocabulary
  • playing sports
  • basketball and badminton
  • keeps me healthy and active
  • fantastic way to meet new people
  • competitive spirit

Idea 2

Listening to Music
Model Answer
Listening to music is something I do every day. It helps me relax after a long day, and I like finding new songs to listen to. Music always puts me in a good mood.
I absolutely love listening to music. It’s my go-to activity for relaxing after a stressful day, and I really enjoy discovering new artists and songs. Music always lifts my spirits and helps me unwind.
Grammar Analysis
1. Use of present simple tense: The answer uses the present simple tense ("love," "enjoy," "lifts," "helps") to describe general preferences and habits, which is appropriate for this type of question. 2. Use of gerunds: The answer uses gerunds ("listening," "relaxing," "discovering") correctly after verbs like "love" and "enjoy," showing good grammatical control.
Vocabulary
  • absolutely love
  • go-to activity
  • discovering new artists and songs
  • lifts my spirits
  • unwind

Idea 3

Reading
Model Answer
Reading is one of my favourite hobbies. I like getting lost in a good story, and I read both novels and non-fiction books. It helps me learn new things too.
I’m really into reading, whether it’s novels or non-fiction. I love getting completely absorbed in a good story, and I think reading is a great way to learn about new things and broaden my horizons.
Grammar Analysis
1. Present continuous with 'into': The phrase "I’m really into reading" uses the present continuous form with an informal expression to show a current interest or hobby. 2. Gerund phrases: "getting completely absorbed" and "reading" are both gerund phrases used as subjects or objects, which adds variety to sentence structure. 3. Use of infinitive: "to learn about new things and broaden my horizons" uses the infinitive form to explain the purpose or benefit of reading.
Vocabulary
  • into reading
  • completely absorbed
  • learn about new things
  • broaden my horizons

Idea 4

Hanging Out with Friends
Model Answer
I like hanging out with my friends. We often go out for food or coffee, and it’s a good way to relax. I enjoy chatting and laughing with them.
Spending time with friends is definitely one of my favourite activities. We usually go out for food or coffee, and it’s the perfect way to relieve stress. I love chatting and sharing a laugh with them—it always brightens my day.
Grammar Analysis
1. Gerund as subject: "Spending time with friends" is used as the subject of the sentence, showing a good grasp of gerund structures. 2. Present simple tense: The answer uses the present simple tense ("We usually go out", "it’s", "I love") to talk about regular activities and preferences, which is appropriate for this context.
Vocabulary
  • relieve stress
  • chatting and sharing a laugh
  • brightens my day

Idea 5

Traveling
Model Answer
Traveling is something I really enjoy. I like exploring new places and taking lots of photos. It gives me a fresh feeling and I learn about different cultures.
Traveling is probably my top favourite activity. I love exploring new places and cultures, and every trip gives me a fresh perspective on life. I always take loads of photos so I can remember all the amazing experiences.
Grammar Analysis
1. Use of present simple: The answer uses present simple tense ("is", "love", "gives", "take") to talk about general preferences and habits, which is appropriate for this type of question. 2. Use of conjunctions: The answer uses "and" and "so" to connect ideas smoothly, making the response coherent and natural.
Vocabulary
  • top favourite activity
  • exploring new places and cultures
  • fresh perspective on life
  • loads of photos
  • amazing experiences