Band 7 Example

Question: Should students be allowed to use computers at school?

Idea 1

Yes
Model Answer
It's similar to asking if students should learn to use computers, and the answer is definitely yes. Imagine if kids didn't learn about computers in school. It would be unfair to them as they wouldn't know how to use them in their future jobs. Moreover, children from families that can't afford computers would be at a disadvantage. So, having computers in schools helps level the playing field for these less privileged kids.
It's kind of like asking whether students should be taught how to use computers and the answer is a resounding yes. Imagine if children didn't have computer lessons, we would be doing them a huge disservice as they would have no idea how to use them when they entered the world of work. Also, families that don't have the financial means to buy computers for their children would be at a disadvantage, so using computers at school puts these more disadvantaged children on a level playing field.
Grammar Analysis
Analogous sentence structure: "It's kind of like asking whether" This analogous sentence structure effectively connects the topic with a more widely accepted viewpoint, increasing the persuasiveness of the argument. Subjunctive mood: "Imagine if children didn't have computer lessons" The subjunctive mood is used here to describe a hypothetical scenario, demonstrating advanced language skills and the use of complex sentence structures. Passive voice: "we would be doing them a huge disservice" This passive sentence structure emphasizes the impact on children, rather than our actions, more objectively expressing possible consequences. Conditional sentences and comparisons: "Also, families that don't have the financial means" By setting conditions and contrasting different family situations, it enhances the multi-dimensionality and depth of the argument.
Vocabulary
  • resounding yes
  • doing them a huge disservice
  • entered the world of work
  • financial means
  • disadvantaged children
  • level playing field

Idea 2

No
Model Answer
I'm not sure if it's a good idea for students to use computers at school. There's a risk they could get hooked on the internet instead of focusing on their studies. Also, they might end up using the computers for non-educational stuff, which isn't what they're there for.
Allowing students to use computers in school might not be the best decision. There's a considerable risk of them developing an internet addiction, which could distract from their educational goals. Moreover, the temptation to use these devices for purposes other than learning is high, potentially sidetracking them from academic pursuits.
Grammar Analysis
Conditional adverbial clause: The conditional adverbial clause is used in "Allowing students to use computers in school", which sets up a hypothetical scenario and provides background for the main clause, increasing the complexity and logic of the sentence. Present continuous tense: The present continuous tense is used in "developing an internet addiction", expressing a continuous action or state, which demonstrates the accurate use of tense in IELTS speaking. Present participle phrase as adverbial: In "potentially sidetracking them from academic pursuits", the present participle "sidetracking" functions as an adverbial, adding descriptive and dynamic elements to the sentence.
Vocabulary
  • a considerable risk of
  • internet addiction
  • distract
  • educational goals
  • temptation
  • sidetrack