Band 7 Example

Question: Do you think it’s a waste of money for governments to celebrate national events?

Idea 1

No, it's not a waste of money
Model Answer
No, I don't think it's a waste of money. National events are important because they bring people together and make everyone feel proud of their country. These celebrations can also attract tourists, which helps local businesses and the economy. Plus, they give people a chance to learn more about their history and culture, and it's a good way for everyone to relax and have fun.
No, I don't see it as a waste at all. National events play a key role in building a sense of unity and national pride among citizens. They often attract tourists, which can give a real boost to the local economy. Besides, these celebrations are a great opportunity to educate people about the country's history and culture. On top of that, they allow people to unwind and create lasting memories with friends and family.
Grammar Analysis
1. Present simple tense: The answer uses the present simple tense throughout (e.g., "play a key role," "attract tourists," "allow people to unwind"), which is appropriate for stating general truths and opinions. 2. Infinitive of purpose: Phrases like "to educate people" and "to unwind and create lasting memories" use the infinitive form to express purpose, making the answer clear and direct. 3. Relative clause: "which can give a real boost to the local economy" is a relative clause that adds detail and explanation to the previous statement, showing a good command of complex sentence structures. 4. Parallel structure: The answer lists several benefits of national events in a parallel way (e.g., "educate people," "allow people to unwind and create lasting memories"), which helps with fluency and coherence.
Vocabulary
  • play a key role
  • building a sense of unity
  • national pride
  • attract tourists
  • give a real boost to the local economy
  • great opportunity
  • educate people
  • country's history and culture
  • unwind
  • create lasting memories

Idea 2

Yes, it can be a waste of money
Model Answer
Yes, sometimes it can be a waste of money. Some of these events cost a lot and only last for a day or two. I think the government should spend more on things like healthcare or education, which are more important for people's lives. Also, not everyone cares about these celebrations, so the money might not be used in the best way.
Yes, in some cases it really is a waste of money. Some national events are extremely expensive and only last a short time, so the benefits don't always match the costs. I think governments should focus on spending money on more essential services like healthcare or education. Plus, not everyone is interested in these events, and sometimes the funds aren't managed very efficiently or transparently.
Grammar Analysis
1. Conditional phrase: "in some cases" introduces a condition, showing the answer isn't absolute and adds nuance. 2. Comparative structure: "the benefits don't always match the costs" uses a comparative structure to weigh pros and cons, which is a good way to develop your answer. 3. Modal verb for suggestion: "governments should focus on..." uses 'should' to make a recommendation, which is a common and effective way to express opinions in IELTS Speaking. 4. Negative structure: "not everyone is interested" and "aren't managed very efficiently or transparently" use negatives to highlight problems, adding balance and depth to your answer.
Vocabulary
  • waste of money
  • extremely expensive
  • benefits don't always match the costs
  • essential services
  • healthcare
  • education
  • not everyone is interested
  • managed very efficiently
  • transparently

Idea 3

It depends
Model Answer
I think it depends on the situation. If the event is well-organized and brings real benefits, like boosting tourism or making people feel more connected, then it's worth it. But if the country is struggling financially, maybe it's better to have smaller celebrations that don't cost too much.
It really depends on the circumstances. If a national event is well-planned and actually brings tangible benefits, such as promoting tourism or strengthening national identity, then I think it's justified. Small-scale celebrations can also be meaningful without putting too much strain on the budget. Ultimately, whether it's a waste or not depends on the country's economic situation and what its priorities are at the time.
Grammar Analysis
1. Conditional clause: "If a national event is well-planned and actually brings tangible benefits... then I think it's justified." This shows the ability to use conditional sentences to express nuanced opinions. 2. Passive voice: "is well-planned" uses the passive voice, which is common in formal and semi-formal spoken English. 3. Noun phrases: Phrases like "tangible benefits," "small-scale celebrations," and "strain on the budget" demonstrate the use of descriptive noun phrases to add detail and clarity. 4. Present simple tense: Used throughout to express general truths and opinions, e.g., "It really depends," "can also be meaningful," and "depends on the country's economic situation."
Vocabulary
  • well-planned
  • tangible benefits
  • promoting tourism
  • strengthening national identity
  • justified
  • small-scale celebrations
  • strain on the budget
  • economic situation
  • priorities
Analysis →