Band 7 Example

Question: Do you think being polite is very important?

Idea 1

Yes, being polite is very important
Model Answer
Yes, I think being polite is very important. It shows respect to others and helps people get along better. In my culture, we always try to be polite, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
Absolutely, I believe being polite is really important. Politeness shows respect for others and helps build good relationships. It also makes social interactions much smoother and more pleasant. In my culture, being polite is highly valued, especially when meeting new people, and I think polite people are generally more well-liked and trusted.
Grammar Analysis
1. Use of present simple tense: The answer consistently uses the present simple tense (e.g., "shows," "helps," "makes," "is valued," "are liked and trusted") to express general truths and opinions, which is appropriate for this type of question. 2. Use of linking words: The answer uses linking words and phrases like "and," "also," and "especially" to connect ideas smoothly, making the response coherent and easy to follow.
Vocabulary
  • shows respect for others
  • helps build good relationships
  • smoother and more pleasant
  • highly valued
  • well-liked and trusted

Idea 2

Not always
Model Answer
I don't think being polite is always necessary. Sometimes, if you are too polite, it can feel fake or make things awkward. In some situations, like emergencies, it's better to be direct.
I don't think being polite is always the most important thing. Sometimes, being too polite can come across as insincere or even make conversations a bit awkward. In certain situations, like emergencies or when giving honest feedback, it's actually more important to be direct. Also, in some cultures, people value directness over politeness.
Grammar Analysis
1. Conditional structure: "Sometimes, being too polite can come across as insincere..." uses a conditional idea to discuss possible outcomes, showing flexibility in expressing hypothetical situations. 2. Comparative structure: "it's actually more important to be direct" uses a comparative form to weigh the importance of directness versus politeness. 3. Use of examples: "In certain situations, like emergencies or when giving honest feedback..." demonstrates the ability to provide specific examples to support an opinion, which is a strong feature of higher band answers.
Vocabulary
  • come across as insincere
  • awkward
  • honest feedback
  • direct
  • directness over politeness