Band 7 Example

Question: Do you think we should preserve old buildings in cities?

Idea 1

Yes, we should preserve old buildings
Model Answer
Yes, I think we should keep old buildings in cities. They show our history and culture, and they make the city look more interesting. Also, tourists like to visit these places, so it helps the city make money.
Yes, I definitely think we should preserve old buildings in cities. They are an important part of our history and culture, and they make cities more beautiful and unique. Plus, they attract tourists, which is great for the local economy. I also believe that preserving them helps teach younger generations about our past.
Grammar Analysis
1. Modal verb: The use of "should" expresses opinion and recommendation, which is appropriate for this kind of question. 2. Coordinating conjunctions: The answer uses "and" and "plus" to connect ideas smoothly, making the response coherent and easy to follow. 3. Relative clause: "which is great for the local economy" is a non-defining relative clause, adding extra information in a natural way.
Vocabulary
  • important part of our history and culture
  • beautiful and unique
  • attract tourists
  • local economy
  • teach younger generations about our past

Idea 2

No, sometimes it's better to replace them
Model Answer
No, I think sometimes it's better to build new things. Some old buildings are not safe or useful anymore, and cities need more space for new houses or offices. Also, fixing old buildings can cost a lot of money.
No, I think in some cases it's better to replace old buildings. Some of them are unsafe or just not practical for modern life. Cities often need space for new developments, like housing or offices, and maintaining old buildings can be really expensive. Not every old building has historical value, so I think it depends on the situation.
Grammar Analysis
1. Use of modal verbs: The answer uses modal verbs like "can" (can be really expensive) and "should" (in the question) to discuss possibility and obligation, which is appropriate for expressing opinions. 2. Conditional language: "I think in some cases it's better to..." and "so I think it depends on the situation" show the ability to use conditional and hedging language, making the answer more nuanced and less absolute. 3. Parallel structure: The answer lists reasons in a parallel way (unsafe, not practical, expensive), which helps organize ideas clearly.
Vocabulary
  • replace old buildings
  • unsafe
  • practical for modern life
  • new developments
  • maintaining old buildings
  • historical value
  • depends on the situation

Idea 3

It depends
Model Answer
I think it depends. If the building is important for history or culture, we should keep it. But if it's just old and not special, maybe it's okay to build something new.
Honestly, it depends. If a building has historical or cultural significance, I think it should definitely be preserved. But if it's just an old building with no special value, then maybe it's okay to replace it. Sometimes, it's even possible to keep the outside and modernize the inside, which is a good compromise.
Grammar Analysis
1. Conditional sentences: The answer uses first conditional structures ("If a building has... I think it should...") to express opinions based on certain conditions, showing flexibility in grammar. 2. Modal verbs: The use of modal verbs like "should", "maybe", and "it's possible to" demonstrates the ability to express possibility, suggestion, and uncertainty, which is appropriate for spoken English.
Vocabulary
  • historical or cultural significance
  • no special value
  • keep the outside and modernize the inside
  • compromise