Band 7 Example

Question: Do you prefer living in an old building or a modern house?

Idea 1

Modern House
Model Answer
I prefer living in a modern house because it is more comfortable. Modern houses have better things like air conditioning and elevators, and they are easier to clean.
I definitely prefer living in a modern house. They usually have better facilities, like air conditioning and smart home technology, and I really like the clean and simple design. Plus, they’re much easier to maintain and keep tidy.
Grammar Analysis
1. Use of comparative structures: The answer uses comparative adjectives like "better" and "easier" to compare modern houses with old buildings, which is a strong feature of spoken English. 2. Use of listing: The answer lists examples ("air conditioning and smart home technology") to support the main idea, showing the ability to elaborate and provide details.
Vocabulary
  • better facilities
  • air conditioning
  • smart home technology
  • clean and simple design
  • easier to maintain
  • keep tidy

Idea 2

Old Building
Model Answer
I like old buildings more because they have a special feeling. They are often more interesting and have a lot of history. Sometimes they are also in the city center, which is convenient.
Personally, I prefer old buildings because they have so much character and charm. I love the unique designs and the sense of history you get from living in a place like that. Plus, they’re often located right in the city center, which is really convenient.
Grammar Analysis
1. Use of comparative structures: The answer uses "because they have so much character and charm" to explain the preference, showing the ability to give reasons and details. 2. Use of relative clauses: "which is really convenient" is a relative clause that adds extra information about the location, making the answer more complex and natural.
Vocabulary
  • character and charm
  • unique designs
  • sense of history
  • city center
  • convenient

Idea 3

It Depends
Model Answer
It depends for me. If the old building is in good condition, I might like it. But if I want more comfort, I would choose a modern house.
Honestly, it depends on the situation. If the old building is well-maintained and in a good location, I might go for it because of the atmosphere. But for convenience and modern facilities, I’d probably choose a modern house.
Grammar Analysis
1. Conditional sentence: "If the old building is well-maintained and in a good location, I might go for it..." This is a first conditional sentence, showing the ability to talk about possible situations in the present or future. 2. Use of modal verbs: "I might go for it" and "I’d probably choose" use modal verbs (might, would) to express possibility and preference, which adds nuance and naturalness to the answer.
Vocabulary
  • depends on the situation
  • well-maintained
  • good location
  • atmosphere
  • convenience
  • modern facilities