Band 7 Example

Topic: Describe a change that you made recently

Example

Step 1: Identify the Part 2 question requirements The question asks you to describe a change you made recently. You need to explain: - What the change was - What caused the change - What you did for the change - How you feel about the change Step 2: Strategies for a better answer - Expand your answer with more details or extra stories: Give background, describe your feelings, and mention any challenges. - Coherence is important: Make sure your ideas flow logically from one point to the next. - Paraphrasing: Use different words to express the same ideas. - Referring: Refer back to earlier points to show connections. - Signposting: Use linking words and phrases to guide the listener. - Vocabulary needs to be appropriate as well as varied: Use a range of words related to change, feelings, and actions. - Using synonyms or substitution: Avoid repeating the same words. - Demonstrating a range of grammar is key factor: Use different tenses, conditionals, and complex sentences. - Whole Model Answer MUST be more than 300 words. Topic:Making a lifestyle change: Starting a regular exercise routine What the change was Recently, I made a significant change in my daily routine by starting a regular exercise program. For most of my life, I was not very active. I used to spend a lot of time sitting at my desk, either studying or working, and I rarely made time for physical activity. However, about two months ago, I decided to turn things around and commit to exercising at least five times a week. This was a big shift for me because I had never really enjoyed sports or going to the gym before. What caused the change The main reason behind this change was my health. I went for a routine medical check-up, and my doctor told me that my cholesterol levels were a bit high and that I needed to be more active to avoid future health problems. In addition, I noticed that I was often feeling tired and stressed, and I realized that my sedentary lifestyle was probably contributing to these issues. After discussing it with my family and reading some articles online about the benefits of regular exercise, I felt motivated to make a positive change. What you did for the change To implement this change, I started by joining a local gym and signing up for a beginner’s fitness class. At first, it was really challenging because my body wasn’t used to so much movement, and I often felt sore after workouts. However, I set small, achievable goals for myself, like walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes or trying a yoga class once a week. I also downloaded a fitness app to track my progress and keep myself accountable. Over time, I gradually increased the intensity and duration of my workouts. I also made an effort to walk or cycle instead of taking the bus for short distances. How you feel about the change Looking back, I feel extremely proud of myself for sticking with this new routine. Not only have I started to feel healthier and more energetic, but my mood has also improved significantly. I find that I sleep better at night and I am less stressed during the day. Although it was difficult at first, I now actually look forward to my workouts because they give me a sense of accomplishment. Overall, making this change has had a very positive impact on my life, and I am determined to continue with my new, healthier lifestyle.

Grammar Analysis

This answer demonstrates a strong command of grammar, using a wide range of sentence structures. There are complex sentences with subordinate clauses, such as "Although it was difficult at first, I now actually look forward to my workouts because they give me a sense of accomplishment." The answer also uses a variety of tenses, including past simple ("I made a significant change"), present perfect ("I have started to feel healthier"), and present simple ("I find that I sleep better"). Conditional and contrast structures are used to add depth, for example, "Although it was difficult at first..." and "If I hadn't made this change, I think I would still be feeling tired and stressed." The use of linking words and signposting phrases like "Looking back," "Over time," and "Overall" helps to organize ideas clearly and logically, which is important for coherence and cohesion in IELTS Speaking.

Vocabulary

  • significant change
  • daily routine
  • commit to
  • turn things around
  • sedentary lifestyle
  • cholesterol levels
  • implement this change
  • achievable goals
  • track my progress
  • keep myself accountable
  • intensity and duration
  • sense of accomplishment
  • positive impact
  • determined to continue