Band 7 Example

Question: Why do people always tell children stories with animals?

Idea 1

Easier for Children to Understand
Model Answer
I think people use animals in stories because it's easier for children to understand. Animals are simple and kids can relate to them. Also, when animals do something good or bad, it's very clear, so children can learn right from wrong without feeling scared or confused. Stories with animals are usually less frightening than stories with people.
I believe the main reason is that animals make stories much easier for children to grasp. Kids naturally relate to animals, and when you use them as characters, it's simple to show clear examples of good and bad behavior. Plus, animal stories tend to be less intimidating or scary than those with people, which makes it more comfortable for children to absorb the message.
Grammar Analysis
1. Comparative structure: "much easier for children to grasp" uses the comparative form "easier" with the intensifier "much" to emphasize the point. 2. Present simple tense: The answer consistently uses the present simple tense (e.g., "Kids naturally relate to animals", "animal stories tend to be less intimidating") to state general truths and habits, which is appropriate for this type of question. 3. Infinitive of purpose: "to show clear examples" and "to absorb the message" use the infinitive form to express purpose, making the answer clear and direct. 4. Relative clause: "when you use them as characters" is a dependent clause that adds detail and complexity to the sentence structure.
Vocabulary
  • grasp
  • naturally relate to
  • characters
  • clear examples of good and bad behavior
  • less intimidating
  • absorb the message

Idea 2

Teaches Lessons in a Fun Way
Model Answer
People also use animal stories to teach lessons in a fun way. For example, animals can show things like being honest or kind. Kids usually pay more attention to stories with animals, so it's easier for them to learn. Sometimes, if the topic is difficult, it's better to use animals because it feels less serious.
Another reason is that animal stories are a great way to teach children important life lessons in a playful manner. Animals can easily represent values like honesty or kindness, and kids are naturally drawn to these stories, so they pay more attention. Plus, using animals helps adults talk about tricky subjects without making things too heavy or uncomfortable for children.
Grammar Analysis
1. Complex sentences: The answer uses several complex sentences, such as "Animals can easily represent values like honesty or kindness, and kids are naturally drawn to these stories, so they pay more attention." This shows the ability to connect ideas smoothly. 2. Modal verbs: The use of "can" in "Animals can easily represent values..." demonstrates the use of modal verbs to express possibility or ability. 3. Present simple tense: The answer consistently uses the present simple tense ("are," "represent," "pay," "helps") to talk about general truths and habits, which is appropriate for this type of question. 4. Infinitive of purpose: "to teach children important life lessons" and "to these stories" show the use of infinitives to explain purpose.
Vocabulary
  • life lessons
  • playful manner
  • represent values
  • honesty
  • kindness
  • naturally drawn
  • pay more attention
  • tricky subjects
  • too heavy or uncomfortable

Idea 3

Tradition and Imagination
Model Answer
Animal stories are also a tradition. People have been telling these stories for a long time, and many famous fairy tales have animal characters. These stories help children use their imagination and think about different worlds. It's something that has always been part of growing up.
There's also a strong element of tradition and imagination involved. Animal stories have been passed down through generations, and many classic fairy tales and fables feature animals as the main characters. These stories not only spark children's imagination but also connect them to a long history of storytelling, making it a meaningful part of childhood.
Grammar Analysis
1. Present perfect passive: "Animal stories have been passed down through generations" uses the present perfect passive to show an action that started in the past and continues to the present, which is a complex and natural structure. 2. Present simple for general truths: "many classic fairy tales and fables feature animals as the main characters" uses the present simple to state a general fact, which is common in IELTS answers. 3. Not only... but also: "These stories not only spark children's imagination but also connect them to a long history of storytelling" uses this correlative conjunction for emphasis and to show two related effects, which is a great way to add complexity and cohesion. 4. Present participle phrase: "making it a meaningful part of childhood" uses a present participle phrase to explain the result of the previous clause, which adds fluency and sophistication.
Vocabulary
  • element of tradition
  • imagination
  • passed down through generations
  • classic fairy tales
  • fables
  • main characters
  • spark imagination
  • connect them to a long history
  • meaningful part of childhood