Band 7 Example

Question: Why do people often have problems when using new products?

Idea 1

Resistance to Change
Model Answer
The main issue is that we're used to doing things a certain way. When something changes our usual habits, we get a bit confused because it's different from what we're accustomed to. For example, when we get a new phone. If we switch brands or upgrade, the phone's size may change. This can lead to pressing the wrong buttons, and even the power button might be in a new place, so we accidentally lower the volume instead! It's all about getting used to the new device, and this can take some time.
The main problem is that we are programmed for routine. If anything changes our routine, it momentarily confuses us as it's not what we're used to. Take getting a new mobile for instance. If we change the maker or get an updated version, the size might be different which means we might keep pressing the wrong key, and the on/off button might be in a different position, so we turn the volume down instead! It's about becoming accustomed to the product and this sometimes takes a bit of time.
Grammar Analysis
Passive voice usage: "we are programmed for routine" The passive voice is used here to emphasize our habitual behavior, rather than active choice, reflecting a more complex language structure. Conditional sentence pattern: "If anything changes our routine, it momentarily confuses us" This conditional sentence pattern clearly expresses a hypothetical situation and its result, demonstrating complex logical relationships and sentence structures. Present participle as adverbial: "getting a new mobile" Here, the present participle "getting" acts as an adverbial, introducing a specific example to support the previous point, enhancing the coherence and persuasiveness of the sentence. Comparative degree usage: "the size might be different" The comparative degree "different" is used here to effectively compare the differences between the new and old phones, making the description more vivid and specific.
Vocabulary
  • programmed for routine
  • momentarily confuses us
  • updated version
  • on/off button
  • in a different position
  • become accustomed to

Idea 2

Lack of Familiarity
Model Answer
When it comes to new products, the main issue is getting used to them. Like, if the design or interface is different from what we're used to, it can be a bit tricky to adapt. Also, when there are new features or tech involved, it takes a while to get the hang of it, especially if they're advanced.
One of the challenges people face with new products is the lack of familiarity. Adapting to innovative interfaces or designs can be daunting, especially if they deviate significantly from previous models. Moreover, understanding and utilizing advanced features or technology in new products often requires a learning curve, making it challenging for users to fully exploit these advancements initially.
Grammar Analysis
Noun phrase as subject: "One of the challenges" uses a noun phrase as the subject of the sentence, effectively introducing the topic and demonstrating the ability to handle and construct complex information. Present participle as adverbial: "Adapting to innovative interfaces" uses "Adapting" as a present participle, acting as an adverbial to describe the process of adapting to new interfaces, adding complexity and specificity to the sentence. Comparative degree usage: In "deviate significantly from previous models," the comparative degree (significantly) effectively expresses the difference between the new product and old models, increasing the complexity of the answer. Non-restrictive relative clause: In "making it challenging for users to fully exploit these advancements," the "making" introduces a non-restrictive relative clause, adding additional information to the sentence and enhancing the depth and detail of the answer.
Vocabulary
  • challenge
  • lack of familiarity
  • innovative interfaces
  • daunting
  • deviate significantly
  • learning curve
  • exploit
  • advancements