Band 7 Example

Question: Do you think computers make our life simpler or more complex?

Idea 1

Simpler
Model Answer
I believe computers have definitely made our lives simpler. For one, they allow us to work from home, which is super convenient and saves a lot of time. Also, being able to watch movies or TV shows whenever we want is another great perk. These features really add to our daily comfort.
Absolutely, I'm convinced that computers have simplified our lives in many ways. For instance, the flexibility to work from home, enabled by computers, is a game-changer. It not only reduces commute time but also allows for a more flexible schedule. Additionally, the convenience of accessing entertainment like TV shows and movies anytime has revolutionized our leisure time. Computers have transformed the way we work and unwind.
Grammar Analysis
Passive Voice: "enabled by computers" uses the passive voice to emphasize the role of computers, rather than the work itself, reflecting the logic and linguistic diversity of the answer. Present Perfect Tense: "have simplified" uses the present perfect tense to express the long-term impact of computers on our lives, emphasizing the continuous effect from the past to the present. Comparative Degree: "not only reduces commute time but also allows for…" uses the comparative degree structure to compare the different benefits brought by computers, reflecting the complexity and subtlety of the answer.
Vocabulary
  • simplify
  • flexibility
  • enable
  • game-changer
  • reduce
  • convenience
  • revolutionized

Idea 2

More complex
Model Answer
I think the original plan was to make life simpler, but the internet has changed that. For example, if I want to start a bakery, I need a computer system for the cash registers, an updatable website, and social media accounts. Without these, my bakery might not succeed. So, instead of just opening a store, it's obvious that computers have made things more complex, especially for those who aren't good with computers.
I think the original idea was to make our lives simpler but the internet changed all that. So, if I want to open a bakery, for instance, and open the shop, unless I have a computer system to control the tills, a website that I can update, and some kind of social media account to run, then it's very likely that my bakery will close. So, instead of simply opening a shop, it's clear to see that computers have actually made our lives much more complicated, even more so if we aren't particularly computer literate.
Grammar Analysis
Conditional sentence: "unless I have a computer system to control the tills, a website that I can update, and some kind of social media account to run" This conditional sentence effectively illustrates the necessary conditions for successfully opening a store, demonstrating the complexity and logic of grammar. Passive voice: "it's very likely that my bakery will close" The appropriate use of passive voice conveys a possibility, making the sentence more objective and professional. Comparative: "have actually made our lives much more complicated" The comparative "much more complicated" used here emphasizes the increase in life complexity due to computers, providing an effective way to express comparison and emphasis in IELTS speaking. Subjunctive mood: "if we aren't particularly computer literate" The use of subjunctive mood reflects a hypothesis about a situation that has not occurred, adding complexity and depth to the sentence.
Vocabulary
  • original idea
  • make our lives simpler
  • computer system
  • control the tills
  • update a website
  • social media account
  • computer literate