Band 7 Example

Question: What do people do while waiting?

Idea 1

Using Technology
Model Answer
When waiting, there are many things you can do. For instance, if I'm waiting for a bus, I can check my emails, watch TV shows or movies, or call someone. Thanks to mobile phones, what used to be boring is now okay. If the bus doesn't show up, it's not a big issue for me; I can just watch TV on my phone or listen to music or a podcast.
There are actually loads of things people can do while they are waiting. I mean, if I'm waiting for a bus, I can catch up on some emails, or watch some TV or a film, or I might give someone a call. With mobile phones, what used to be something very tedious, has become something I don't actually mind. If the bus I'm waiting for doesn't come, then it's no skin off my nose; I can just turn the TV on on my phone and watch something, or listen to some music or a podcast.
Grammar Analysis
Conditional adverb clause: "If the bus I'm waiting for doesn't come" This conditional adverb clause sets up a hypothetical scenario, indicating possible actions under specific conditions, enhancing the practical application of the sentence. Object complement structure: In "I can just turn the TV on on my phone," "turn the TV on" serves as an object complement, making the sentence more vivid and specific. Metaphorical expression: "it's no skin off my nose" This metaphorical expression indicates that something is of no importance to oneself, demonstrating the liveliness and diversity of language expression.
Vocabulary
  • loads of things
  • catch up on some emails
  • it's no skin off my nose
  • turn the TV on on my phone
  • listen to some music or a podcast

Idea 2

Engaging in Social Interaction
Model Answer
While waiting, many people engage in chatting with those around them. It's a good way to kill time and you might even make a new friend. Also, if waiting with family or friends, it becomes a chance to catch up and spend quality time together, sharing laughs and stories.
During periods of waiting, people often find solace in engaging in conversations with nearby individuals. This not only serves as a delightful diversion but also opens avenues for new acquaintances. Similarly, waiting presents a unique opportunity for those accompanied by family or friends to deepen their bonds. It transforms idle time into moments of shared experiences, laughter, and meaningful exchanges.
Grammar Analysis
Gerunds as subjects: In "engaging in conversations," the gerund "engaging" serves as the subject, describing a common behavior among people during waiting periods, adding dynamism and complexity to the sentence. Noun phrases as objects: The noun phrase "avenues for new acquaintances" serves as the object, explaining the benefits of talking to strangers, adding detailed information and depth to the sentence. Participles as adjectives: In "shared experiences, laughter, and meaningful exchanges," the present participle "shared" and the adjective "meaningful" are used as adjectives to modify the nouns following them, expressing richer and more specific information. Infinitive phrases: "to deepen their bonds" serves as a purpose adverbial, explaining the purpose of deepening relationships with loved ones during the waiting period, adding complexity and depth to the sentence.
Vocabulary
  • solace
  • delightful diversion
  • avenue
  • opportunity
  • deepen
  • bond
  • idle time
  • laughter
  • meaningful exchanges

Idea 3

Personal Relaxation
Model Answer
While waiting, a lot of people turn to personal relaxation activities. Reading is a popular choice; diving into a book or magazine can make time fly. Some even use the time for meditation or mindfulness, which helps them stay calm and focused. It's a great way to use waiting time productively.
In moments of waiting, individuals often indulge in activities that foster personal relaxation. Immersing oneself in a book or magazine is a favored pastime, providing an escape from the monotony of waiting. Others may embrace practices like meditation or mindfulness, which not only pass the time but also instill a sense of tranquility and centeredness. These activities transform idle moments into opportunities for self-enrichment and mental rejuvenation.
Grammar Analysis
Gerund phrases as subjects: In "immersing oneself in a book or magazine," the gerund phrase "immersing oneself" serves as the subject, demonstrating a common activity during waiting, enhancing the descriptive and complex nature of the sentence. Present participles as modifiers: In "providing an escape from the monotony of waiting," the present participle "providing" functions as a modifier, providing additional information about the benefits of reading, enhancing the complexity and accuracy of the sentence's expression. Noun phrases as objects: "opportunities for self-enrichment and mental rejuvenation" This noun phrase serves as the object, elaborating on the outcomes of the moments of waiting, displaying the complexity of sentence structure and the detail of information.
Vocabulary
  • indulge
  • foster
  • immerse
  • pastime
  • monotony
  • embrace
  • mindfulness
  • instill
  • tranquility
  • centeredness
  • self-enrichment
  • mental rejuvenation