An Exciting Book You Like

Part 3 follow-up questions

These are the discussion questions examiners asked after this cue card. Sample answers are shown where available.

1. 1. What types of things do people most enjoy reading in your country?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   This 6.5 answer gives a direct, plainly connected account of reading habits, leaning on simple linking words like 'because' and 'so' and repeating basic vocabulary such as 'self-help books'.

   I think people mostly read short things now, like news articles and social media posts, because everyone is busy and has less time. For books, self-help books are very popular, and also romance novels and manga. As for me, I usually read design blogs and sometimes a graphic novel in the evening. This is because I look at screens all day at work, so long books feel tiring. Older people still like poetry too.

   Why this band

   • FC“As for me,” — This is a simple topic-shift connector used to move from general reading habits to the speaker's own habit. A 6.5 answer strings ideas together with this kind of plain signposting, whereas a higher band would use a more varied cohesive device or embed the shift inside a longer sentence.
   • LR“self-help books” — The word 'books' is repeated three times across the passage instead of being varied, showing the narrow, common vocabulary typical of 6.5. A 7.5 answer would likely replace this with a more precise collocation like 'personal-development titles' to avoid repetition.
   • GRA“so long books feel tiring” — This is a short main clause joined only with 'so', a basic coordinating structure with no subordination or embedding. A higher band would likely compress this into a participial or conditional structure instead of a flat cause-effect statement.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer adds a reflective spoken opener ('Honestly, I'd say') and a moderately complex 'since' clause, while still keeping the overall structure close to plain reporting.

   Honestly, I'd say short-form content like news articles and social captions gets read the most these days, simply because people's attention is pulled in so many directions. When it comes to actual books, though, self-help titles and romance novels sell really well, especially among younger readers. As for me, I mostly stick to design blogs and the occasional graphic novel in the evening, since staring at a screen all day for work makes anything longer feel like extra effort. To be fair, poetry still has a loyal following too, mainly among older readers who grew up studying it.

   Why this band

   • FC“Honestly, I'd say” — This spoken discourse marker signals a natural, reflective stance rather than a flat statement of fact. A 6.5 answer would more likely open with a plainer 'I think', while a 7.5 answer might drop the marker altogether in favour of more compact phrasing.
   • LR“people's attention is pulled in so many directions” — This is a moderately natural collocation ('attention is pulled') rather than the plainest possible wording like 'people are busy'. A 6.5 answer would likely just say people are busy, while a 7.5 answer might reach for an even more vivid image.
   • GRA“since staring at a screen all day for work makes anything longer feel like extra effort” — This combines a 'since' subordinate clause with a non-finite '-ing' phrase, which is more complex than a simple 'so' clause. A 6.5 answer would likely split this into two short sentences instead.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer opens with a vivid list set off by dashes, uses the less common collocation 'sell briskly', and closes with an evaluative remark about reading habits that 'calcify with age'.

   Short-form content probably wins out these days — news snippets, social captions, that sort of thing — simply because everyone's attention is stretched so thin across a dozen apps at once. Self-help and personal-development titles do sell briskly here, alongside romance novels and manga translations that have quite a devoted, almost fanatical teenage following. Having stared at screens all day for work, I tend to unwind with design blogs or, occasionally, a graphic novel, since anything text-heavy feels like a second shift by evening. Poetry, interestingly, still holds a loyal readership among older generations who grew up reciting it at school, which says something about how reading habits calcify with age.

   Why this band

   • FC“Poetry, interestingly, still holds a loyal readership” — The evaluative aside 'interestingly' is embedded mid-sentence rather than tacked on as a separate comment, giving smoother, more sophisticated cohesion than a lower band's simple listing of ideas. A 6.5 answer would more likely just add 'Also,' as a new sentence.
   • LR“sell briskly” — This is a less common, more precise collocation than the plainer 'are very popular' or 'sell well'. A 6.5 answer would use the plainest option, while this phrase shows a wider and more natural lexical range typical of 7.5.
   • GRA“Having stared at screens all day for work, I tend to unwind with design blogs” — This is a fronted participial (non-finite) clause replacing a full subordinate clause like 'Because I have stared at screens...'. It produces more compact, flexible grammar than the plain coordinated sentences typical of lower bands.

2. 2. What sorts of books do younger people and older people enjoy?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer states a plain opinion with a simple 'because' reason and basic, repeated vocabulary such as 'things that happened in the past'.

   Younger people usually like fantasy, romance and manga, and also books about how to be successful at work because there is a lot of pressure to do well early. Older people, like my parents, prefer historical novels and biographies about things that happened in the past. My grandmother reads the same few classic Vietnamese novels again and again instead of trying new ones. I think younger people want escape and to improve themselves, but older people want to remember things they know well.

   Why this band

   • FC“I think” — This is a plain, direct opinion marker placed at the start of the closing sentence. A 6.5 answer typically states its stance this simply, while a 7.0 or 7.5 answer would likely soften or vary this with a spoken hedge like 'I'd say' or 'honestly'.
   • LR“how to be successful at work” — This is a plain paraphrase rather than a more precise collocation such as 'self-improvement' or 'career advancement'. It shows the narrower vocabulary range typical of 6.5, where common everyday words substitute for more specific terms.
   • GRA“because there is a lot of pressure to do well early” — This is a simple 'because' clause with basic subordination and no further embedding. A higher band would likely compress this into a reduced clause or attach it to a more complex sentence rather than stating it plainly.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer uses the natural spoken opener 'Honestly' and a moderately complex comparative structure, 'would rather reread... than pick up anything new'.

   Honestly, younger readers here tend to go for fantasy, romance and manga, along with self-improvement books aimed at getting ahead in their careers, since there's real pressure to succeed early. Older readers, from what I've noticed with my parents' generation, lean toward historical novels and biographies, often about periods they actually lived through. My grandmother, for instance, would rather reread the same handful of classic Vietnamese novels every couple of years than pick up anything new. I'd say the difference comes down to what each generation wants from reading — escapism for the young, familiarity for the old.

   Why this band

   • FC“Honestly, younger readers here tend to go for” — This spoken discourse marker opens the answer with a natural, conversational tone rather than a flat statement. It signals fluency typical of 7.0, where a lower band would more likely start with a plain 'Younger people like'.
   • LR“self-improvement books aimed at getting ahead in their careers” — This is a moderately more precise collocation than the plain paraphrase a 6.5 answer would use, such as 'books about being successful'. It shows a slightly wider, more natural range of vocabulary.
   • GRA“My grandmother, for instance, would rather reread the same handful of classic Vietnamese novels every couple of years than pick up anything new” — This uses a comparative 'would rather... than' structure, which is moderately more complex than a simple coordinated sentence. A 6.5 answer would likely split this into two short, plain sentences instead.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the less common verb 'gravitate toward' and closes with a compact evaluative summary beginning 'What it boils down to, I think'.

   Younger readers here gravitate toward fantasy, romance and manga, plus a steady stream of self-improvement titles aimed squarely at career advancement, given how much pressure there is to get ahead early. Older readers, judging by my parents' generation, favour historical novels and biographies instead, particularly ones covering eras and upheavals they actually lived through. My grandmother embodies this perfectly, returning to the same handful of classic Vietnamese novels every few years rather than venturing into anything unfamiliar. What it boils down to, I think, is that each generation reads for a different reward: escapism and self-development for the young, reflection and comforting familiarity for the old.

   Why this band

   • FC“What it boils down to, I think, is that” — This is a cleft-like fronted construction that ties the whole answer together in a cohesive closing statement. A 6.5 answer would more likely just add a plain new sentence starting with 'I think', without this compact framing device.
   • LR“gravitate toward” — This is a less common, more vivid verb choice than the plainer 'like' or 'prefer' used at lower bands. It shows the kind of natural, less predictable lexis expected at 7.5.
   • GRA“returning to the same handful of classic Vietnamese novels every few years rather than venturing into anything unfamiliar” — This is a participial phrase ('returning to...') attached to the main clause instead of a separate finite sentence, producing more compact, flexible grammar than the plain coordinated sentences a 6.5 answer would use.

3. 3. Why are some books popular for a very long time?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer strings ideas together with the plain connector 'Also,' and a simple 'because' clause, keeping vocabulary basic throughout, as in 'sound old quickly'.

   I think it is because they show things about people that do not really change, even if the story is old. A character's fears or dreams can still feel real many years later, so schools keep teaching the same classic books. A good story also helps, because a strong plot lasts longer than slang words, which can sound old quickly. Also, parents often give their favourite childhood book to their own children, so the book stays popular for a long time. Films based on books can help too.

   Why this band

   • FC“Also,” — This is a plain additive connector used to open a new sentence and introduce a new idea. A 6.5 answer typically sequences points this way, while a higher band would more likely fold this idea into the previous sentence with a more varied cohesive device.
   • LR“sound old quickly” — This is plain, common phrasing rather than a more precise word such as 'date' or 'feel outdated'. It reflects the narrower vocabulary range typical of 6.5.
   • GRA“because a strong plot lasts longer than slang words” — This is a simple 'because' clause with a basic comparative, with no further subordination or embedding. A 7.0 or 7.5 answer would likely build a relative clause onto this comparison instead of leaving it as a standalone statement.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer adds the qualifying spoken connector 'To be fair,' and the more natural collocation 'ages better than trendy slang'.

   I'd say it's usually because they capture something about human nature that doesn't really change, even when the setting feels a bit dated now. A well-written character's fears or ambitions can still feel relevant decades later, which is probably why classics keep getting assigned in schools generation after generation. To be fair, strong plotting helps too, since a good structure ages better than trendy slang, which can make a book feel outdated within just a few years. There's also the fact that parents tend to pass their favourite childhood book down to their own kids, which honestly keeps certain titles circulating long after they were first published.

   Why this band

   • FC“To be fair,” — This is a spoken hedging connector that introduces a qualifying, secondary point rather than simply listing it. A 6.5 answer would more likely just say 'Also' or 'A good story also helps' without this reflective qualifier.
   • LR“ages better than trendy slang” — This is a moderately more natural collocation ('ages better') than the plainer 'lasts longer' a 6.5 answer would use, showing a slightly wider range of expression.
   • GRA“which can make a book feel outdated within just a few years” — This is a relative clause introduced with 'which', adding a moderately complex layer of subordination onto the main comparison. A 6.5 answer would more likely state this as a separate, simple sentence.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer opens with a fronted concessive clause, 'however dated the setting itself might look', and uses the vivid collocation 'ages far more gracefully'.

   Usually it comes down to a book capturing something about human nature that barely shifts, however dated the setting itself might look. A vividly drawn character's fears or ambitions can feel just as relevant decades on, which explains why classics keep getting assigned to yet another generation of students. Strong storytelling structure matters too — a well-built plot ages far more gracefully than trendy slang, which can date a book within a handful of years. Word of mouth plays its part as well, with parents habitually passing a beloved childhood book on to their own kids, quietly keeping certain titles in circulation long after their original release.

   Why this band

   • FC“Word of mouth plays its part as well, with parents habitually passing a beloved childhood book on to their own kids” — This fronted topic plus a participial 'with... passing' clause links a new idea smoothly into the paragraph. A 6.5 answer would more likely start this idea with a plain 'Also,' as a separate sentence.
   • LR“ages far more gracefully” — This is a vivid, less common collocation than the plainer 'lasts longer' or 'ages better' used at lower bands, showing precise and slightly idiomatic word choice.
   • GRA“however dated the setting itself might look” — This is an inverted, fronted concessive clause used in place of a plain 'even if the story is old'. It produces more compact, flexible grammar typical of 7.5, where a 6.5 answer would use a much simpler 'even if' clause.

4. 4. Is it better to read the book first before seeing the film based on it?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer gives a direct preference with the plain contrastive connector 'But sometimes' and simple, basic phrasing like 'make you curious'.

   I prefer to read the book first because it lets me imagine the characters and places myself, before I see how a director shows them. After you watch the film, it is hard to picture the characters in any other way again. But sometimes watching the film first can make you curious to read the book, especially if you were not sure you would like it. There is no fixed rule, but for books with a lot of description, I think reading first is usually better than watching the film.

   Why this band

   • FC“But sometimes” — This is a plain contrastive connector used to introduce a counterpoint. A 6.5 answer signals contrast this directly, while a 7.0 answer would more likely use a softer spoken connector such as 'That said,'.
   • LR“make you curious” — This is plain, everyday phrasing rather than a more natural collocation such as 'work like a preview' or 'spark curiosity'. It reflects the basic vocabulary range typical of 6.5.
   • GRA“it is hard to picture the characters in any other way again” — This is a simple present-tense clause with a basic structure and no subordination. A higher band would likely restructure this with a passive or gerund subject, such as 'picturing the characters any other way becomes almost impossible'.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer softens the stance with 'That said,' and builds a moderately complex sentence around 'Once you've seen the film, it's honestly almost impossible...'.

   I'd generally rather read the book first, mainly because it lets my own imagination build the characters and settings before a director's version takes over. Once you've seen the film, it's honestly almost impossible to picture the characters any other way afterwards. That said, watching the film first can sometimes work like a preview that makes you curious enough to try the book, especially with a story you weren't sure you'd enjoy. There's no strict rule really, though for anything heavy on description, I'd say reading first usually captures more than the film manages to show.

   Why this band

   • FC“That said,” — This is a natural spoken connector that introduces a qualifying counterpoint rather than a blunt 'But'. It shows a more developed range of cohesive devices than a 6.5 answer would use.
   • LR“work like a preview” — This is a mildly more natural collocation than the plain 'make you curious' a 6.5 answer would use, showing a slightly wider and more figurative use of vocabulary.
   • GRA“Once you've seen the film, it's honestly almost impossible to picture the characters any other way afterwards” — This combines an 'once' time clause with an inserted adverb ('honestly') before the main clause, producing a moderately more complex sentence than the plain statement a 6.5 answer would give.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the vivid phrase 'locks them in permanently' and a compact passive-gerund construction, 'picturing the characters any other way afterwards becomes almost impossible'.

   Reading the book first is generally my preference, largely because it lets my own imagination shape the characters and settings before a director's interpretation locks them in permanently. Once a film has been watched, picturing the characters any other way afterwards becomes almost impossible, however hard you try to unsee it. That said, watching the adaptation first can occasionally work as a kind of preview, nudging you toward a story you weren't otherwise sure you'd enjoy. There's no hard rule here, though for anything dense with description or interior thought, reading first tends to capture far more nuance than a film usually manages to translate onto the screen.

   Why this band

   • FC“That said, watching the adaptation first can occasionally work as a kind of preview, nudging you toward a story you weren't otherwise sure you'd enjoy” — The participial phrase 'nudging you toward...' extends the sentence compactly instead of starting a new one, giving smoother, more sophisticated cohesion than a lower band's separate short sentences.
   • LR“locks them in permanently” — This is a vivid, less common phrase compared to the plainer 'shows them' or 'makes it hard to imagine' used at lower bands, showing precise and slightly idiomatic word choice.
   • GRA“Once a film has been watched, picturing the characters any other way afterwards becomes almost impossible” — This uses a passive 'once' clause followed by a gerund subject ('picturing... becomes'), a compact and flexible structure. A 6.5 answer would state this far more simply as 'it is hard to picture the characters'.

5. 5. Do you agree that films are usually not as good as the books they are based on?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer reaches a plain conclusion with 'So overall,' and describes the film's pacing with the basic phrase 'very quickly'.

   Mostly I agree, but not always. Books have more space to show a character's thoughts and feelings, which a two-hour film often has to cut out. I remember reading a novel about a family separated by war, and the book let me feel each character's sadness slowly, over many pages. But the film version showed the same parts very quickly, so it lost that deep feeling. A film can sometimes be paced better, though. So overall, I think books are usually deeper, but films can feel powerful too.

   Why this band

   • FC“So overall,” — This is a simple concluding connector used to wrap up the answer plainly. A 6.5 answer typically signals its final point this directly, whereas a higher band might instead use a more compact, parallel closing structure.
   • LR“very quickly” — This is a plain adverb-adjective combination rather than a more vivid or precise word choice such as 'rushed'. It reflects the basic vocabulary typical of 6.5.
   • GRA“the book let me feel each character's sadness slowly, over many pages” — This is a simple past-tense clause joined to the previous one with 'and', a basic coordination rather than subordination. A higher band would likely use a contrastive 'while' clause here instead.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer inserts the qualifying connector 'Occasionally, though,' and a moderately complex 'while' contrast clause describing the rushed film scenes.

   Mostly, yes, though I wouldn't say it's true every time. Books simply have more room to develop a character's inner thoughts and backstory than a two-hour film usually has time for. I remember reading a novel about a family separated during wartime, and the book let me sit with each character's grief for pages, while the film adaptation rushed through the same scenes in minutes and lost a lot of that emotional weight. Occasionally, though, a film actually improves on pacing issues the book had, or a strong visual style adds something the text simply couldn't. I'd say books usually win on depth, while films sometimes win on emotional impact.

   Why this band

   • FC“Occasionally, though,” — This spoken qualifying connector introduces a counterpoint mid-answer, showing more developed cohesion than a 6.5 answer's plainer 'Sometimes, though,'.
   • LR“sit with each character's grief for pages” — This is a natural collocation ('sit with grief') rather than the plainer 'feel sadness' used at 6.5, showing a slightly more precise and idiomatic word choice.
   • GRA“while the film adaptation rushed through the same scenes in minutes and lost a lot of that emotional weight” — This combines a 'while' contrast clause with a coordinated verb phrase ('rushed... and lost'), a moderately complex sentence. A 6.5 answer would likely split this into two separate short sentences.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer opens with a fronted participial phrase, 'Reading a novel once about a family torn apart by war...', and uses the vivid verb 'gutting' in place of a plainer word.

   Largely, yes, though I wouldn't call it a hard and fast rule. Books simply have more room to unpack a character's inner thoughts, backstory and the small details a two-hour film has to sacrifice for time. Reading a novel once about a family torn apart by war, I found the book let me sit with each character's grief for pages, whereas the adaptation rushed through those same scenes in minutes, gutting most of the emotional weight. Occasionally, though, a film smooths over pacing issues the source material struggled with, or a striking visual style adds something the text simply couldn't reach. On balance, books tend to win on depth, films occasionally on raw emotional punch.

   Why this band

   • FC“On balance, books tend to win on depth, films occasionally on raw emotional punch” — This closing sentence uses a compressed parallel structure, omitting the repeated verb 'win' in the second half. This kind of ellipsis produces a more cohesive, compact summary than a 6.5 answer's fuller, plainer restatement.
   • LR“gutting most of the emotional weight” — This is a vivid, less common verb choice ('gutting') instead of the plainer 'lost' used at lower bands, showing precise and slightly idiomatic vocabulary.
   • GRA“Reading a novel once about a family torn apart by war, I found the book let me sit with each character's grief for pages” — This opens with a fronted participial phrase ('Reading a novel once...') modifying the main clause, a compact non-finite construction. A 6.5 answer would state this as two separate, plain sentences joined by 'and'.

6. 6. Can films based on novels encourage people to read more?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer closes on the plain connector 'But films can still help people start reading' and uses the basic phrase 'big readers'.

   Yes, I think they can, especially for people who do not usually read books. A good film often makes people curious about parts that were left out or changed, so some of them want to read the real book. I have seen this with a couple of my friends who are not big readers, but they bought the book after they loved the film, just to see how the ending was different. It does not work for everyone, because some people are happy with just the film. But films can still help people start reading.

   Why this band

   • FC“But films can still help people start reading” — This is a simple concluding sentence with the plain connector 'But', giving a basic wrap-up. A higher band would likely fold this final point into a more cohesive closing phrase instead of a new short sentence.
   • LR“big readers” — This is a plain, common phrase rather than a more precise term such as 'avid readers' or 'natural readers'. It reflects the narrower vocabulary range typical of 6.5.
   • GRA“so some of them want to read the real book” — This is a simple 'so' result clause, a basic coordination without further embedding. A 7.0 answer would likely replace 'so' with a more precise verb like 'nudges' inside a relative clause.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer opens with the reflective spoken marker 'Honestly, yes,' and uses the moderately natural collocation 'nudges some of them toward the original novel'.

   Honestly, yes, especially for people who wouldn't normally pick up a book on their own. A gripping film often leaves viewers curious about details that were left out or changed, which nudges some of them toward the original novel out of curiosity rather than habit. I've actually noticed this with a couple of friends who aren't big readers but bought the book after loving the adaptation, just to see how the ending differed. It doesn't work for everyone, of course, since plenty of people are content with the film alone. But as a gateway into reading, I'd say adaptations genuinely help.

   Why this band

   • FC“Honestly, yes,” — This is a spoken affirmation opener with a reflective tone, showing more natural fluency than a 6.5 answer's flatter 'Yes, I think they can'.
   • LR“nudges some of them toward the original novel” — This is a moderately natural collocation ('nudges toward') rather than the plainer 'makes them want to read' used at 6.5, showing a slightly wider vocabulary range.
   • GRA“which nudges some of them toward the original novel out of curiosity rather than habit” — This relative clause introduced with 'which' is combined with a contrastive 'rather than' phrase, a moderately complex structure. A 6.5 answer would likely state this as two separate, simpler sentences.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer closes with the idiomatic collocation 'earn their keep' and a compact reduced clause, 'particularly for viewers who'd never otherwise pick up a novel'.

   They can, certainly, particularly for viewers who'd never otherwise pick up a novel. A gripping film often leaves audiences curious about whatever got trimmed or altered along the way, nudging some of them toward the source material out of sheer curiosity rather than habit. I've seen this play out with a couple of friends who aren't natural readers but went and bought the book after loving the adaptation, purely to see how the ending diverged. Granted, it doesn't work universally, since plenty of viewers are perfectly content with the film alone and feel no pull toward the page. Still, as a gateway into reading, adaptations clearly earn their keep.

   Why this band

   • FC“Still, as a gateway into reading, adaptations clearly earn their keep” — This closing sentence ties the whole discussion together with a compact evaluative phrase, giving smoother, more cohesive closure than a 6.5 answer's plainer final sentence.
   • LR“earn their keep” — This is an idiomatic, less common collocation compared to the plainer 'genuinely help' used at 7.0, showing precise and slightly idiomatic word choice typical of 7.5.
   • GRA“particularly for viewers who'd never otherwise pick up a novel” — This uses a fronted reduced relative clause with a contraction ('who'd never otherwise'), producing more compact grammar than a 6.5 answer's fuller, plainer 'people who do not usually read books'.

7. 7. What benefits can reading stories have for children's development?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer links its claim about empathy directly with 'because' and uses the plain phrase 'learn new words' rather than a more precise term.

   Reading stories helps children learn new words and use their imagination, instead of just watching everything on a screen. Stories also teach empathy, because children follow a character through problems and learn to understand other people's feelings. My sister used to read to our neighbour's daughter almost every evening when we lived in Hue, and after about a year, that girl's vocabulary was much better than her classmates', her teacher said. Stories can also teach children right and wrong gently, through the story itself.

   Why this band

   • FC“Stories also teach empathy, because” — This is a plain connector directly linking the claim to its reason. A 6.5 answer typically builds coherence this simply, while a higher band would likely add a hedge such as 'to be fair' before the reason.
   • LR“learn new words” — This is a plain, everyday phrase rather than a more precise term such as 'build vocabulary'. It reflects the basic vocabulary range typical of 6.5.
   • GRA“her teacher said” — This is a short clause tacked on at the end of the sentence, a basic reporting structure. A higher band would likely embed this as 'according to her teacher' within the main clause instead.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer inserts the hedging spoken phrase 'to be fair,' and the more natural collocation 'noticeably outpaced her classmates''.

   Stories build vocabulary and imagination in a way that's hard to replace with screens alone, since kids have to picture the scenes themselves rather than being shown everything. They also teach empathy, to be fair, because following a character through difficulty helps children understand feelings outside their own experience. My sister used to read to the neighbour's daughter most evenings when we were still in Hue, and within about a year, that little girl's vocabulary had noticeably outpaced her classmates', according to her teacher. Beyond language, stories introduce ideas about consequences and right and wrong fairly gently, which tends to stick with children better than direct lecturing.

   Why this band

   • FC“to be fair,” — This spoken hedging connector is inserted mid-sentence, adding a reflective qualifying tone rather than the flat 'because' a 6.5 answer would use.
   • LR“noticeably outpaced her classmates'” — This is a moderately more precise collocation than the plain 'was much better than her classmates'' used at 6.5, showing a slightly wider vocabulary range.
   • GRA“which tends to stick with children better than direct lecturing” — This relative clause introduced with 'which' adds a comparative subordinate idea onto the main statement, a moderately complex structure compared to a 6.5 answer's separate, simpler sentence.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the less common verb 'conjure' and a compressed gerund construction, 'following a character through hardship teaching kids to recognise feelings...'.

   Stories build vocabulary and imagination in ways screens alone struggle to replicate, since children have to conjure the scenes themselves rather than have everything shown to them. They also cultivate empathy, following a character through hardship teaching kids to recognise feelings well outside their own experience. My sister used to read to the neighbour's daughter most evenings back when we were still in Hue, and within a year that little girl's vocabulary had noticeably outpaced her classmates', or so her teacher reported. Beyond language, stories quietly introduce notions of consequence and right and wrong through narrative rather than direct lecturing, a gentler approach that tends to stick far more durably with children.

   Why this band

   • FC“Beyond language, stories quietly introduce notions of consequence and right and wrong through narrative rather than direct lecturing” — This topic-shift opener ('Beyond language') links a new idea smoothly to the prior point, showing more sophisticated cohesion than a 6.5 answer's plainer 'Stories can also teach'.
   • LR“conjure the scenes themselves” — This is a vivid, less common verb choice ('conjure') instead of the plainer 'picture' used at lower bands, showing precise and slightly idiomatic vocabulary.
   • GRA“following a character through hardship teaching kids to recognise feelings well outside their own experience” — This is a compressed construction using two participles ('following', 'teaching') without an explicit finite subordinator, producing compact, flexible grammar. A 6.5 answer would state this with a plain 'because' clause instead.

8. 8. What are the benefits and drawbacks of reading historical novels?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer signals its result plainly with 'So readers might get a slightly wrong idea' and uses the basic phrase 'not really happen'.

   Historical novels are a good way to learn about real events, because a story makes facts easier to remember than a plain textbook timeline. I learned more about Vietnam's history from novels my father recommended than from years of school lessons. The problem is that writers sometimes change small facts, adding conversations or events that did not really happen, to make the story more interesting. So readers might get a slightly wrong idea if they think the book is true. But if people remember it is fiction, the benefits are bigger than the risk.

   Why this band

   • FC“So readers might get a slightly wrong idea” — This is a plain connector opening a straightforward result sentence. A 6.5 answer typically signals cause and effect this directly, whereas a higher band would likely fold this into a 'so' clause attached to the previous sentence.
   • LR“not really happen” — This is plain, everyday phrasing rather than a more precise term such as 'invented dialogue'. It reflects the basic vocabulary range typical of 6.5.
   • GRA“because a story makes facts easier to remember than a plain textbook timeline” — This is a simple 'because' clause with a basic comparative structure and no further subordination. A higher band would likely compress this using a phrase like 'the emotional pull of a story'.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer marks its counterpoint with 'The drawback, though, is that' and the more idiomatic collocation 'take creative liberties'.

   Historical novels are a fairly painless way to absorb real events, honestly, since the emotional pull of a story makes facts stick far better than a plain textbook timeline. I actually learned more about Vietnam's history from a couple of well-researched novels my father recommended than from years of school lessons. The drawback, though, is that authors take creative liberties, blending fact with invented dialogue or compressed timelines for the sake of drama, so readers can end up with a slightly distorted picture if they treat the book as pure history. As long as someone reads them as fiction inspired by real events rather than a factual record, I'd say the benefits outweigh that risk.

   Why this band

   • FC“The drawback, though, is that” — This spoken qualifying connector clearly marks the shift to a counterpoint, more developed than a 6.5 answer's flatter 'The problem is that'.
   • LR“take creative liberties” — This is a moderately more precise, idiomatic collocation than the plain 'change small facts' used at 6.5, showing a slightly wider vocabulary range.
   • GRA“so readers can end up with a slightly distorted picture if they treat the book as pure history” — This combines a conditional 'if' clause with a preceding result clause, a moderately complex sentence. A 6.5 answer would likely split this into two shorter, separate sentences.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer opens its closing sentence with the fronted clause 'Read as fiction inspired by real events rather than history itself, though,' and uses the less common collocation 'comfortably outweigh'.

   Historical novels offer a fairly painless route into real events, since a story's emotional pull tends to make facts stick far better than any textbook timeline manages. I genuinely absorbed more of Vietnam's history from a couple of well-researched novels my father recommended than from years of formal schooling. The drawback lies in the creative liberties authors take, blending fact with invented dialogue or compressed timelines purely for dramatic effect, which can leave readers with a slightly distorted picture if the book is mistaken for a factual record. Read as fiction inspired by real events rather than history itself, though, the benefits comfortably outweigh that risk.

   Why this band

   • FC“Read as fiction inspired by real events rather than history itself, though, the benefits comfortably outweigh that risk” — This fronted reduced clause functions like a conditional frame for the main clause, giving a more sophisticated, cohesive closing than a 6.5 answer's plainer 'But if people remember it is fiction'.
   • LR“comfortably outweigh” — This is a less common collocation than the plainer 'are bigger than' used at 6.5, showing precise and slightly idiomatic word choice.
   • GRA“The drawback lies in the creative liberties authors take, blending fact with invented dialogue or compressed timelines purely for dramatic effect” — This attaches a participial phrase ('blending...') to the main clause instead of a separate finite sentence, a compact non-finite construction typical of 7.5.

9. 9. Do you agree that reading non-fiction might be more worthwhile than reading fiction?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer gives a direct, plainly connected counter-opinion using 'But' and repeats the generic phrase 'for this reason'.

   Not really, I do not fully agree with this idea. Non-fiction is useful because it gives practical knowledge, and I read a lot of design and business books for this reason. But fiction helps people understand feelings and other people's lives in a way that facts alone cannot do. I think both types are useful for different reasons, not one better than the other. A mix of both is probably good for a reader, instead of only reading one type. Fiction is important because it helps us understand people better.

   Why this band

   • FC“But fiction helps people understand feelings” — This is a simple contrastive connector, 'But', opening a plain counterpoint. A 6.5 answer signals contrast this directly, while a higher band would more likely use a softer spoken connector or embed the contrast within a longer sentence.
   • LR“for this reason” — This is a plain, generic linking phrase rather than a more precise expression. It reflects the narrower range of cohesive vocabulary typical of 6.5.
   • GRA“I think both types are useful for different reasons, not one better than the other” — This is a simple coordinated clause with basic structure and no subordination. A higher band would likely compress this into a more complex sentence contrasting purpose directly.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer opens with the mild qualifier 'Not entirely, no,' and a moderately complex 'by putting you inside someone else's perspective' clause.

   Not entirely, no, I think that view undervalues what fiction actually offers. Non-fiction obviously builds practical knowledge more directly, and I read plenty of design and business books for that reason. But fiction develops empathy and emotional understanding in a way facts alone rarely manage, by putting you inside someone else's perspective for a few hundred pages. I'd say the two serve different purposes rather than one being superior, and honestly a balance between them probably benefits a reader more than leaning entirely on either side. Judging worth purely by usefulness, to be fair, misses what fiction does particularly well.

   Why this band

   • FC“Not entirely, no, I think that view undervalues what fiction actually offers” — This mild qualifying opener softens the stance compared to a 6.5 answer's flatter 'Not really, I do not fully agree', showing more natural, reflective fluency.
   • LR“leaning entirely on either side” — This is a moderately natural collocation rather than the plainer 'only reading one type' used at 6.5, showing a slightly wider vocabulary range.
   • GRA“by putting you inside someone else's perspective for a few hundred pages” — This is a non-finite 'by + gerund' clause, a moderately complex structure compared to a 6.5 answer's plain finite clause like 'it helps us understand people better'.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer closes with a compressed antithetical structure, 'Judged purely by practical usefulness, fiction loses; judged by... it wins comfortably', and uses the idiom 'sells fiction rather short'.

   Not entirely, no — I think that view sells fiction rather short. Non-fiction obviously builds practical knowledge more directly, which is why I get through plenty of design and business books myself. Fiction, though, cultivates empathy and emotional understanding in ways facts alone rarely manage, dropping you inside someone else's perspective for a few hundred pages at a stretch. I'd argue the two serve fundamentally different purposes rather than one outranking the other, and a balance between them probably serves a reader better than leaning entirely on either side. Judged purely by practical usefulness, fiction loses; judged by how well it teaches us to understand people, it wins comfortably.

   Why this band

   • FC“Judged purely by practical usefulness, fiction loses; judged by how well it teaches us to understand people, it wins comfortably” — This closing sentence uses a compressed parallel, semicolon-joined structure to contrast the two sides, giving more sophisticated cohesion than a 6.5 answer's plainer final sentence.
   • LR“sells fiction rather short” — This is an idiomatic, less common expression compared to the plainer 'undervalues what fiction actually offers' used at 7.0, showing precise and slightly idiomatic word choice.
   • GRA“dropping you inside someone else's perspective for a few hundred pages at a stretch” — This is a participial phrase ('dropping you inside...') acting as a compact non-finite construction, more flexible grammar than a 6.5 answer's plain finite clause.

10. 10. What kinds of reading materials do people like to read?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    The vague opener "I think people like to read many different things" states the idea plainly, unlike 7.5's more precise "a surprisingly wide range."

    I think people like to read many different things. Some of my colleagues at the software studio prefer short articles or blogs online, because they want quick information. I still like printed magazines sometimes. Last month, I bought a design magazine at a small bookstore near Han Market, and I enjoyed reading the pages slowly. My cousin Vy likes romance novels on her Kindle instead. So really, it depends on the person's interests and how much time they have.

    Why this band

    • FC“So really, it depends on the person's interests and how much time they have.” — A plain, functional closing. Compare 7.5's version, which frames the same idea as a weighed final judgement using "in the end."
    • LR“read many different things” — Vague, generic phrasing. Contrast 7.5's "a surprisingly wide range," a more precise formulation of the same idea.
    • GRA“Some of my colleagues at the software studio prefer short articles or blogs online, because they want quick information.” — One simple because-clause; less layered than the dash-extended sentences used at 7.0 and 7.5.

    Band 7.0

    The trailing "though" in "I still like printed magazines now and then, though" works as a natural spoken contrast marker, more fluent than 6.5's flat separate sentence.

    Honestly, I think people enjoy a pretty wide range, depending on their habits. A lot of my colleagues at the software studio prefer quick articles or tech blogs online, since they want to keep up with trends without spending hours reading. I still like printed magazines now and then, though — last month I picked up a design magazine at a small bookstore near Han Market, and flipping through the glossy pages felt refreshing after so much screen time. Then there's my cousin Vy, who loves romance novels, mostly on her Kindle. So I'd say it really comes down to convenience and personal taste.

    Why this band

    • FC“I still like printed magazines now and then, though” — A natural spoken contrast marker ("though" tagged on the end), more fluent than 6.5's flat separate sentence making the same point.
    • LR“flipping through the glossy pages felt refreshing after so much screen time” — A vivid sensory phrase beyond 6.5's plain "enjoyed reading the pages slowly."
    • GRA“last month I picked up a design magazine at a small bookstore near Han Market, and flipping through the glossy pages felt refreshing after so much screen time” — A longer coordinated sentence with a gerund subject ("flipping through..."), more ambitious than 6.5's short sentences.

    Band 7.5

    The inserted phrase "in the end" turns the closing sentence into a weighed judgement rather than the plainer summaries of the lower bands.

    People enjoy a surprisingly wide range, I'd say, depending on their habits and how much patience they have for screens. Plenty of my colleagues at the software studio prefer quick articles or tech blogs, since they want to keep up with trends without setting aside hours for a novel. I still like printed magazines now and then, though — just last month I picked up a design magazine at a small bookstore near Han Market, and flipping through the glossy pages was honestly refreshing after so much time staring at screens. Then there's my cousin Vy, who devours romance novels almost exclusively on her Kindle. So it comes down, in the end, to convenience and personal taste more than anything else.

    Why this band

    • FC“So it comes down, in the end, to convenience and personal taste more than anything else.” — The inserted "in the end" and closing intensifier give a more deliberate, weighed judgement than the simpler closings of the lower bands.
    • LR“devours romance novels almost exclusively” — A vivid, precise verb ("devours") beyond 7.0's plain "loves."
    • GRA“Plenty of my colleagues at the software studio prefer quick articles or tech blogs, since they want to keep up with trends without setting aside hours for a novel.” — A dense sentence combining a reason clause and a contrastive purpose phrase, more compact than 7.0's version of the same idea.

11. 11. Do people still read magazines nowadays?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    The bare closing "but they still have a place" is tidy but generic, unlike 7.5's fuller close naming "slower, offline moments."

    I think some people still read magazines, but not as much as before. Most of my friends get news from apps or websites now, because it is faster. But some people still read magazines in places like cafés or hair salons. Last weekend, I had a haircut near Vincom, and there were magazines on the table. I read an article about eco-friendly hotels in Hoi An, and I liked it a lot. So magazines are less common now, but they still have a place.

    Why this band

    • FC“So magazines are less common now, but they still have a place.” — A brief, tidy summary. Compare 7.5's fuller close specifying "slower, offline moments," which gives the same conclusion more texture.
    • LR“I liked it a lot” — Vague, generic evaluation. Contrast 7.5's "found myself genuinely absorbed," a more precise description of the reading experience.
    • GRA“Last weekend, I had a haircut near Vincom, and there were magazines on the table.” — A simple coordinated sentence, less developed than the semicolon-and-dash structures used at 7.0 and 7.5.

    Band 7.0

    The connector "That said" signals a natural spoken pivot to the counter-example, more fluent than 6.5's plain "But."

    I'd say people do still read magazines, but honestly, it's nowhere near as common as it used to be. Most of my friends get their news and entertainment from apps now, places like Zing News or even TikTok, where everything is instant. That said, some people still enjoy flipping through a magazine, especially in cafés or salons. Last weekend, for example, I got a haircut near Vincom, and there was a stack of magazines on the table — I ended up absorbed in an article about eco-friendly hotels in Hoi An. So while digital media dominates, print still has a certain charm in more relaxed moments.

    Why this band

    • FC“That said, some people still enjoy flipping through a magazine, especially in cafés or salons.” — The connector "That said" signals a natural spoken pivot, more fluent than 6.5's plain "But."
    • LR“where everything is instant” — A compact, idiomatic description; less developed than 7.5's added clause "where it's simply what's lying around."
    • GRA“there was a stack of magazines on the table — I ended up absorbed in an article about eco-friendly hotels in Hoi An” — A dash linking two clauses into one flowing sentence, more ambitious than 6.5's separated short sentences.

    Band 7.5

    The concessive "while" clause framing the closing sentence is more sophisticated than the simpler "So" openers used at the lower bands.

    People do still read magazines, I'd say, though it's nowhere near as common as it used to be. Most of my friends get their news and entertainment from apps now — places like Zing News or even TikTok, where everything arrives instantly. That said, some people still enjoy flipping through a magazine, especially in cafés or hair salons, where it's simply what's lying around. Last weekend, for instance, I got a haircut near Vincom, and there was a stack of magazines on the table; I picked one up and found myself genuinely absorbed in an article about eco-friendly hotels in Hoi An. So while digital media dominates, print magazines still hold a certain charm, especially for those slower, offline moments.

    Why this band

    • FC“So while digital media dominates, print magazines still hold a certain charm, especially for those slower, offline moments.” — A concessive "while" clause frames the whole conclusion, more sophisticated than 6.5/7.0's simpler "So" openers.
    • LR“found myself genuinely absorbed” — A precise, understated intensifier. Contrast 6.5's flat "I liked it a lot."
    • GRA“there was a stack of magazines on the table; I picked one up and found myself genuinely absorbed in an article about eco-friendly hotels in Hoi An” — A semicolon joining two independent clauses into a single fluent unit, more controlled than 7.0's dash version of the same idea.

12. 12. What kinds of books do elderly people like to read?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    The plain binary in "whether someone wants memories or new information" is functional but less vivid than 7.5's parallel closing image.

    I think many elderly people like books that remind them of the past, or that teach them something. My grandmother in Hue often reads old folk tales and historical novels about the old imperial city. She once showed me a book about Emperor Tu Duc, and she said it reminded her of stories her mother told her when she was young. Some older people in my building in Da Nang also like practical books, like gardening or health guides, because they are useful for daily life. So it depends on whether someone wants memories or new information.

    Why this band

    • FC“So it depends on whether someone wants memories or new information.” — A plain binary summary. Compare 7.5's more evocative parallel, "whether someone prefers looking backward or staying useful."
    • LR“reminded her of stories” — A plain verb choice. Contrast 7.5's "brought back memories of stories," slightly more layered phrasing.
    • GRA“She once showed me a book about Emperor Tu Duc, and she said it reminded her of stories her mother told her when she was young.” — A simple coordinated sentence, less compact than 7.5's semicolon version joining two related ideas.

    Band 7.0

    The abstract nouns "nostalgia" and "usefulness" give a tidier binary conclusion than 6.5's plainer phrasing of the same contrast.

    I think a lot of elderly people enjoy books that either bring back memories or teach them something new. My grandmother in Hue, for instance, often reads folk tales and historical novels set in the old imperial city. She once showed me a well-worn copy of a book about Emperor Tu Duc's reign, and she said it brought back stories her own mother used to tell her. At the same time, I've noticed some older people in my building in Da Nang prefer practical books, like gardening or health guides, because they're relevant to their daily lives. So it probably depends on whether someone leans toward nostalgia or usefulness.

    Why this band

    • FC“So it probably depends on whether someone leans toward nostalgia or usefulness.” — Introduces the more abstract nouns "nostalgia" and "usefulness" for a tidier binary than 6.5's plainer phrasing of the same idea.
    • LR“a well-worn copy of a book about Emperor Tu Duc's reign” — A descriptive noun phrase beyond 6.5's plain "a book about Emperor Tu Duc."
    • GRA“She once showed me a well-worn copy of a book about Emperor Tu Duc's reign, and she said it brought back stories her own mother used to tell her.” — One sentence layering two ideas with a possessive chain ("her own mother used to tell her"), more developed than 6.5's shorter version.

    Band 7.5

    The inserted "in the end" and the antithesis "looking backward or staying useful" give the conclusion more weight than the plainer closings of the lower bands.

    I think many elderly people gravitate toward books that either bring back their past or teach them something practical for the present. My grandmother in Hue, for instance, often reads folk tales and historical novels set in the old imperial city; she once showed me a well-worn copy of a book about Emperor Tu Duc's reign, and said it brought back memories of stories her own mother used to tell her as a child. At the same time, some older people in my building in Da Nang prefer practical books, like gardening or health guides, because they're directly relevant to their current lives. It probably comes down, in the end, to whether someone prefers looking backward or staying useful.

    Why this band

    • FC“It probably comes down, in the end, to whether someone prefers looking backward or staying useful.” — The inserted "in the end" and the antithesis "looking backward or staying useful" give the conclusion more weight than the plainer closings of the lower bands.
    • LR“gravitate toward books that either bring back their past or teach them something practical for the present” — A precise, slightly abstract verb ("gravitate") beyond 7.0's plainer "enjoy."
    • GRA“she once showed me a well-worn copy of a book about Emperor Tu Duc's reign, and said it brought back memories of stories her own mother used to tell her as a child” — A semicolon-joined sentence with an embedded time reference ("as a child"), more layered than the equivalent sentence at 7.0.

13. 13. Do people like to read novels before watching movies?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    The bare repeated closing "So it really depends on the person" is functional but plain, unlike 7.5's fuller ending with the added detail about Huy.

    I think it depends on the person, but many people prefer to read the book first. If I know a film comes from a book, I usually read the book first, because I like imagining the characters myself before the director shows me theirs. Last year, I read 'The Silent Patient' after my colleague Trang told me about the film. I finished it in a weekend at my apartment, and it made watching the movie more interesting. But my friend Huy never reads the book first, because he finds it slow. So it really depends on the person.

    Why this band

    • FC“So it really depends on the person.” — A bare, repeated summary. Compare 7.5's fuller closing that adds the vivid detail "just wants the visuals handed to him."
    • LR“made watching the movie more interesting” — Vague, generic phrasing. Contrast 7.5's "made the movie experience noticeably richer, since I could compare the details," a more precise causal explanation.
    • GRA“I finished it in a weekend at my apartment, and it made watching the movie more interesting.” — A simple coordinated sentence, less layered than 7.5's version with an added "since" clause.

    Band 7.0

    The connector "That said" pivots naturally to the counter-example, more fluent than 6.5's flat "But."

    I think it really depends on the person, but from what I've seen, quite a lot of people prefer to read the novel first. Personally, if I know a movie is based on a book, I usually try to read it first, because I like forming my own picture of the characters before the director puts their spin on it. Last year, for example, I read 'The Silent Patient' after my colleague Trang mentioned the film adaptation, and finishing it over a weekend at my apartment made the film experience so much richer. That said, I have friends like Huy who never bother with the book — he finds it slow and just wants the visuals.

    Why this band

    • FC“That said, I have friends like Huy who never bother with the book” — The connector "That said" signals a natural spoken pivot to the counter-example, more fluent than 6.5's flat "But."
    • LR“puts their spin on it” — An idiomatic collocation beyond 6.5's plain "shows me theirs."
    • GRA“finishing it over a weekend at my apartment made the film experience so much richer” — A gerund-headed clause functioning as the sentence subject, more ambitious than 6.5's simple coordinated sentences.

    Band 7.5

    The idiom "handed to him" gives the closing detail more edge than the plainer version of the same idea at the lower bands.

    It really depends on the person, but from what I've seen, quite a lot of people genuinely prefer reading the novel first. Personally, if I know a film is based on a book, I usually try to read it beforehand, because I like forming my own picture of the world and characters before the director imposes theirs. Last year, for instance, I read 'The Silent Patient' after my colleague Trang mentioned a film adaptation was coming, and finishing it over a weekend at my apartment made the movie experience noticeably richer, since I could compare the details as I watched. That said, I have friends like Huy who never bother with the book at all — he finds it slow and just wants the visuals handed to him.

    Why this band

    • FC“he finds it slow and just wants the visuals handed to him” — The passive-flavoured idiom "handed to him" gives the closing detail more edge than the plainer "wants the visuals" at 7.0.
    • LR“imposes theirs” — A sharper, slightly more critical verb than 7.0's neutral "puts their spin on it."
    • GRA“finishing it over a weekend at my apartment made the movie experience noticeably richer, since I could compare the details as I watched” — A long sentence with an embedded reason clause and a trailing time clause, more layered than the equivalent sentence at 7.0.

14. 14. Why do some people think movies are more enjoyable than books?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    The plain conclusion "movies have an advantage" is functional, unlike 7.5's more vivid close involving the simile about "comparing notes."

    I think a lot of people find movies more enjoyable because they are more immersive, with pictures, sound, and music all together. Last year, my friend Phuong invited me to watch a fantasy film at CGV Lotte Mart, and I was pulled into the story quickly because of the special effects and music. It felt more exciting than just reading words on a page. Movies are also social, because we talked about our favourite scenes for an hour after the film. So for excitement and a shared experience, movies have an advantage.

    Why this band

    • FC“So for excitement and a shared experience, movies have an advantage.” — A plain, functional conclusion. Compare 7.5's more vivid close, "comparing notes like we'd both been somewhere," which adds an image before the final judgement.
    • LR“pulled into the story quickly” — Plain phrasing. Contrast 7.5's "pulled straight into the story... before the opening credits had even finished," more specific and vivid.
    • GRA“It felt more exciting than just reading words on a page.” — A simple comparative sentence, less layered than 7.5's version with the added modal "could manage."

    Band 7.0

    The hedge "honestly" gives natural spoken emphasis to the account, more fluent than 6.5's flat statement of the same event.

    I think a lot of people find movies more enjoyable simply because they're so immersive — you get visuals, sound and music all at once. Last year, for example, my friend Phuong invited me to watch a fantasy film at CGV Lotte Mart, and honestly, I was pulled straight into the story by the special effects and soundtrack. It felt far more intense than reading a description on a page ever could. Movies are pretty social too, since we ended up chatting for an hour afterwards about our favourite scenes. So for sheer excitement and a shared experience, movies really do have the edge.

    Why this band

    • FC“honestly, I was pulled straight into the story by the special effects and soundtrack” — The inserted hedge "honestly" gives natural spoken emphasis, more fluent than 6.5's flat statement of the same event.
    • LR“chatting for an hour afterwards about our favourite scenes” — A slightly more natural collocation than 6.5's plain "talked about our favourite scenes."
    • GRA“It felt far more intense than reading a description on a page ever could.” — A comparative sentence with an emphatic "ever could," more developed than 6.5's plainer comparative.

    Band 7.5

    The added simile "comparing notes like we'd both been somewhere" gives the closing image more texture than the plainer social observation at 7.0.

    A lot of people find movies more enjoyable, I'd say, simply because they're so immersive — visuals, sound and music arrive all at once, with nothing left to the imagination. Last year, for instance, my friend Phuong invited me to a fantasy film at CGV Lotte Mart, and honestly, I was pulled straight into the story by the special effects and soundtrack before the opening credits had even finished. It felt far more intense than any description on a page could manage. Movies are inherently social too, since we ended up chatting for an hour afterwards about our favourite scenes, comparing notes like we'd both been somewhere. So for sheer excitement and a genuinely shared experience, movies really do have the edge.

    Why this band

    • FC“comparing notes like we'd both been somewhere” — A striking simile added to the closing image, going beyond the plainer social observation at 7.0.
    • LR“with nothing left to the imagination” — A precise idiomatic phrase capturing why movies feel immersive, more developed than 7.0's plain "all at once."
    • GRA“I was pulled straight into the story by the special effects and soundtrack before the opening credits had even finished” — A sentence extended with a time clause for emphasis, more ambitious than the shorter equivalent at 7.0.

15. 15. Why do some people prefer reading books while others prefer watching movies?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    The narrow closing "what helps someone relax" is functional but less inclusive than 7.5's expanded version adding "or feel inspired."

    I think it depends on how people like to experience stories. Books let you imagine everything yourself, so you can picture the characters however you want. My friend Ha loves that freedom, and she spends hours reading at a small café near Tran Phu street. She says books feel more personal to her. On the other hand, movies are quick and visual, which suits people who do not have much time. A colleague at my office told me he finds it easier to follow a story with pictures, especially after a long day of coding. So it depends on what helps someone relax.

    Why this band

    • FC“So it depends on what helps someone relax.” — A brief, functional closing. Compare 7.5's fuller version, which adds "or feel inspired" to widen the conclusion.
    • LR“books feel more personal to her” — Plain phrasing. Contrast 7.5's "more personal to her than anything on a screen," a sharper comparison.
    • GRA“A colleague at my office told me he finds it easier to follow a story with pictures, especially after a long day of coding.” — A single reported-speech sentence, less varied than 7.5's semicolon-based closing structure.

    Band 7.0

    The hedge-plus-dash close "Honestly, I don't think either is better — it depends on..." is a natural spoken judgement, more fluent than 6.5's flat "So it depends."

    I think it really comes down to how people like to experience a story. Books let you imagine everything in your own way, so you can picture the characters however you like. My friend Ha, for instance, loves that freedom — she spends hours reading at a small café near Tran Phu street and always says books feel more personal to her. Movies suit people who don't have much time, since everything is simply brought to life for you. A colleague of mine says it's easier to follow a story through visuals, especially after a long day of coding. Honestly, I don't think either is better — it depends on what helps someone unwind.

    Why this band

    • FC“Honestly, I don't think either is better — it depends on what helps someone unwind.” — A hedge plus dash gives a natural spoken closing judgement, more fluent than 6.5's flat "So it depends."
    • LR“brought to life” — An idiomatic collocation beyond 6.5's plain "easier to follow a story with pictures."
    • GRA“she spends hours reading at a small café near Tran Phu street and always says books feel more personal to her” — A coordinated sentence without a comma before "and," fluent but simpler than 7.5's version with an inserted comparison clause.

    Band 7.5

    The semicolon-joined closing pairing a hedge with a dual-option conclusion is more developed than 7.0's dash version of the same idea.

    It really comes down, I think, to how people prefer to experience a story. Books let you imagine everything in your own way, so you can picture the characters however you like. My friend Ha loves that freedom — she'll spend hours reading at a small café near Tran Phu street, and always tells me books feel more personal to her than anything on a screen. Movies, by contrast, are quick and visual, and suit people who don't have much spare time. A colleague of mine finds it easier to follow a story through visuals, especially after a long day buried in code. Honestly, I don't think one is inherently better; it just depends on what helps someone relax or feel inspired.

    Why this band

    • FC“Honestly, I don't think one is inherently better; it just depends on what helps someone relax or feel inspired.” — A semicolon-joined sentence pairing a hedge with a dual-option conclusion, more developed than 7.0's dash version.
    • LR“buried in code” — A vivid, idiomatic metaphor for intense work, beyond 7.0's plainer "a long day of coding."
    • GRA“she'll spend hours reading at a small café near Tran Phu street, and always tells me books feel more personal to her than anything on a screen” — A sentence with a future-habitual "'ll" and an extended comparison clause, more layered than the equivalent at 7.0.

16. 16. Can novels remain popular for a long time?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    The plain closing generalisation about fading books is functional, unlike 7.5's more vivid version built around a "dog-eared copy" and students who "drifted into the conversation."

    Yes, I think some novels can stay popular for a very long time if they really connect with people. My friend Vy lent me her old copy of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' when we were both at university in Hanoi, and I was surprised that a book from the 1960s still felt so relevant. We talked about the characters at a small café near the Old Quarter, and other students even joined in. I think the language might change over time, but a story with strong emotions or big questions tends to stay popular. Some books do fade away, but the good ones get passed on to new readers.

    Why this band

    • FC“Some books do fade away, but the good ones get passed on to new readers.” — A plain closing generalisation. Compare 7.5's more vivid version with "dog-eared copy" and "drifted into the conversation," which builds atmosphere before the same conclusion.
    • LR“a story with strong emotions or big questions” — Functional but generic. Contrast 7.5's "a story built around universal emotions or big questions," slightly more precise phrasing.
    • GRA“We talked about the characters at a small café near the Old Quarter, and other students even joined in.” — A simple coordinated sentence, less textured than 7.5's version with "overheard and drifted into the conversation."

    Band 7.0

    The hedge "I suppose" softens the claim naturally, more fluent than 6.5's flatter "I think the language might change."

    I definitely think certain novels can stay popular for decades, honestly, if they really connect with people. My friend Vy lent me her old copy of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' when we were both at university in Hanoi, and I remember being surprised that a book from the 1960s still felt so relevant and moving. We ended up discussing the characters over coffee at a small café near the Old Quarter, and even other students overheard and joined in. I suppose the language or setting might date a little, but a story built around universal emotions tends to stick around. Some books do fade, of course, but the ones that touch people get passed down to new generations.

    Why this band

    • FC“I suppose the language or setting might date a little, but a story built around universal emotions tends to stick around.” — The hedge "I suppose" softens the claim naturally, more fluent than 6.5's flatter "I think the language might change."
    • LR“stick around” — A casual, idiomatic verb, less developed than 7.5's more formal "endure."
    • GRA“even other students overheard and joined in” — A compact two-verb clause, simpler than 7.5's extended version, which adds a more vivid verb for the same moment.

    Band 7.5

    The verb "drifted" gives the café scene a more vivid, natural texture than 7.0's plainer "joined in."

    I definitely think certain novels can stay popular for decades, or even longer, if they genuinely connect with people. My friend Vy lent me her old, dog-eared copy of 'To Kill a Mockingbird' when we were both at university in Hanoi, and I remember being struck by how relevant and moving a book from the 1960s still felt. We ended up discussing the characters and themes over coffee at a small café near the Old Quarter, and even other students overheard and drifted into the conversation. The language and setting might date a little, I suppose, but a story built around universal emotions or big questions tends to endure. Some books inevitably fade, but the ones that touch people's lives keep getting passed down to new generations.

    Why this band

    • FC“even other students overheard and drifted into the conversation” — The verb "drifted" gives the scene a more vivid, natural texture than 7.0's plainer "joined in."
    • LR“old, dog-eared copy” — A precise, sensory adjective beyond the plain "old copy" used at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • GRA“a story built around universal emotions or big questions tends to endure” — A more formal verb ("endure") closing a balanced noun phrase, more controlled than 7.0's casual "stick around."

17. 17. Why do some people dislike it when their favourite books are made into movies?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    The plain final contrast "hard to satisfy everyone" is functional, unlike 7.5's sharper close about "a devoted reader's expectations."

    I think people feel disappointed because films cannot show all the small details that made the book special. Last year, I was excited about the movie of 'The Kite Runner', which I had read during a rainy weekend at home in Da Nang. I loved the book's atmosphere and the main character's feelings, but when I watched the film at home with my friend Trang, it felt rushed and left out important scenes. Films have time limits and need to attract a big audience, so they often simplify the story. A good adaptation can still bring a story to life, but it is hard to satisfy everyone.

    Why this band

    • FC“A good adaptation can still bring a story to life, but it is hard to satisfy everyone.” — A plain final contrast. Compare 7.5's sharper closing, "satisfying a devoted reader's expectations is another matter entirely," more precise about who is hard to satisfy.
    • LR“it felt rushed and left out important scenes” — Plain, everyday phrasing. Contrast 7.5's "skipped over scenes that had mattered most to me," a more personal, precise description.
    • GRA“Last year, I was excited about the movie of 'The Kite Runner', which I had read during a rainy weekend at home in Da Nang.” — A single relative clause sentence, less layered than 7.5's version which adds a further participle phrase.

    Band 7.0

    The connector "That said" signals a natural concessive pivot, more fluent than 6.5's flat "but."

    I think a lot of people feel let down, honestly, when their favourite books are turned into films, because movies rarely capture the small details or the character depth that made the book special. Last year, for example, I was really looking forward to the film version of 'The Kite Runner', which I'd first read during a rainy weekend at home in Da Nang. The film, which I watched with my friend Trang, felt rushed and skipped over some important scenes, even though the book's atmosphere had moved me deeply. Films have time limits and need to appeal to a broad audience, so they end up simplifying things. That said, a good adaptation can still bring a story to life visually.

    Why this band

    • FC“That said, a good adaptation can still bring a story to life visually.” — The connector "That said" signals a natural concessive pivot, more fluent than 6.5's flat "but."
    • LR“capture the small details or the character depth” — A precise noun phrase, less developed than 7.5's added phrase "that made the book special to begin with," which extends the same idea.
    • GRA“The film, which I watched with my friend Trang, felt rushed and skipped over some important scenes” — An embedded non-defining relative clause interrupting the main clause, more ambitious than 6.5's simpler coordinated sentence.

    Band 7.5

    The precise closing judgement about "a devoted reader's expectations" reframes the whole discussion beyond 7.0's plainer version of the same idea.

    A lot of people feel let down, I think, when their favourite books are turned into films, mostly because movies rarely capture the small details or character depth that made the book special to begin with. Last year, for instance, I was really looking forward to the film version of 'The Kite Runner', which I'd first read during a rainy weekend at home in Da Nang, completely absorbed in its atmosphere and the main character's inner struggles. When I finally watched it with my friend Trang, though, it felt rushed and skipped over scenes that had mattered most to me. Films have time limits and a broad audience to please, so they simplify things. A good adaptation can still bring a story to life visually — but satisfying a devoted reader's expectations is another matter entirely.

    Why this band

    • FC“satisfying a devoted reader's expectations is another matter entirely” — A precise, understated closing judgement that reframes the whole discussion, beyond 7.0's plainer "hard to satisfy readers' expectations completely."
    • LR“completely absorbed in its atmosphere and the main character's inner struggles” — A compact participle phrase doing more work than 7.0's separate sentence describing the same feeling.
    • GRA“which I'd first read during a rainy weekend at home in Da Nang, completely absorbed in its atmosphere and the main character's inner struggles” — A relative clause followed by a trailing participle phrase, a longer and more fluent chain than the equivalent sentence at 7.0.