Band 7 Example

Question: Do you think it's better to make a complaint in person or in writing?

Idea 1

In Person
Model Answer
I think it's better to make a complaint in person. When you talk directly, you can solve problems faster because you can explain better and they can ask questions if they don't understand.
I believe that making a complaint in person is generally more effective. Direct communication can often resolve issues more quickly, as it allows for immediate feedback and clarification. Moreover, expressing emotions and urgency face-to-face can often lead to a more sympathetic response from the listener.
Grammar Analysis
1. Modal verbs: The use of "can" in "Direct communication can often resolve issues more quickly" effectively indicates possibility, which is appropriate for discussing the potential benefits of in-person complaints. 2. Adverbial clauses: "as it allows for immediate feedback and clarification" serves as an adverbial clause of reason, providing a rationale for why direct communication is effective.
Vocabulary
  • - **Direct communication**: Indicates a straightforward, face-to-face interaction.
  • - **Immediate feedback and clarification**: Highlights the benefits of real-time responses and the opportunity to clear up misunderstandings instantly.
  • - **Face-to-face**: Refers to personal interaction, emphasizing the personal element in communication.
  • - **Sympathetic response**: Suggests an understanding or supportive reaction, which is often more easily elicited in person.

Idea 2

In Writing
Model Answer
I prefer to make complaints in writing. It's good because you have a record of what you said, and you can think about what you want to say before you write it.
I think it's better to make a complaint in writing. This method provides a record of the complaint for future reference and allows the complainant time to organize their thoughts and present a clear, concise argument. Additionally, written complaints can be escalated more easily if the issue is not resolved initially.
Grammar Analysis
1. Use of modal verbs: "I think it's better" - The use of "think" and "better" expresses personal opinion and preference effectively. 2. Passive voice: "can be escalated" - The use of passive voice focuses on the action and its feasibility rather than who performs it, which is typical in formal and objective writing.
Vocabulary
  • - **record of the complaint**: Indicates the importance of documentation.
  • - **time to organize their thoughts**: Suggests a thoughtful and deliberate approach.
  • - **clear, concise argument**: Highlights the effectiveness of communication.
  • - **escalated more easily**: Refers to the process of taking the complaint to higher levels of authority for resolution.

Idea 3

It Depends
Model Answer
It depends on the situation. If it's something urgent, maybe talking to someone is better. But if it's a big problem, maybe writing is better because you can keep a record of everything.
The best method to make a complaint really depends on the nature of the issue. For immediate service-related issues, in-person complaints might be more effective. However, for more formal grievances or legal matters, a written complaint could be preferable. Additionally, it also depends on the individual's comfort level with direct confrontation and the specific protocols of the company involved.
Grammar Analysis
1. Conditional structures: The use of "might be more effective" and "could be preferable" introduces conditional structures that indicate possibilities, showing a nuanced understanding of different scenarios. 2. Complex sentence structures: The answer uses complex sentences effectively, such as "Additionally, it also depends on the individual's comfort level with direct confrontation and the specific protocols of the company involved," which adds depth to the response by considering multiple factors.
Vocabulary
  • - **nature of the issue**
  • - **immediate service-related issues**
  • - **formal grievances**
  • - **legal matters**
  • - **direct confrontation**
  • - **specific protocols**