Part 3 · Band 7

How do you think technology has changed the way we communicate with each other?

Illustrative target band for this model answer · 189 words

AI-completed learning example

I believe technology has greatly altered the way we communicate in society. For example, it has affected the way we communicate positively, as it enables us to maintain long-distance relationships with our loved ones, such as family and friends, and work colleagues. It also allows us to have global connectivity, sharing interests and interacting with people from different countries even when we are physically far apart. Video calls, messaging apps and social media make it possible to exchange news immediately, whereas in the past people might have waited days for a letter or an expensive phone call. This is especially useful for people who move abroad for study or work, because regular contact can help them feel close to those at home. However, technology can also make communication less personal. People sometimes send quick messages instead of having a proper conversation, and online comments can be misunderstood because we cannot always see the other person's expression or hear their tone. I think the main change is that communication is now faster and more convenient, but we need to use these tools thoughtfully and still make time for face-to-face interaction.

Answer analysis

Fluency & Coherence

The response moves from a clear overall claim to benefits—maintaining distant relationships and connecting globally—then balances these with reduced personal nuance and a concluding view. The progression is logical, though the middle includes several examples in a row. Practise delivering this answer in 60 seconds: state the change, give one benefit and example, add one drawback, and conclude; record twice and check that each point connects clearly.

Lexical Resource

Phrases such as “long-distance relationships” and “physically far apart” are relevant and clear, while “global connectivity” conveys the broad reach of technology. However, “affected the way we communicate positively” and “have global connectivity” sound less idiomatic than the ideas deserve. To refine collocation and avoid repeating “communicate,” try “has had a positive effect on communication” and “stay in touch” or “exchange information” in suitable contexts.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The answer uses a good range of sentence structures, including the subordinate clause in “as it enables us” and the explanation beginning “because regular contact.” Most sentences are controlled and easy to follow. The opening participial phrase “sharing interests and interacting” is loosely connected to “global connectivity,” so the relationship is not completely explicit. Make that link clearer with “which lets people share interests and interact,” then check long sentences for attachment.

Pronunciation

This is a practice guide, not an assessment of a recording; no audio was provided. Practise the word stress in “technology” and “connectivity,” and group the opening idea as: “I believe technology has greatly altered / the way we communicate in society.” Record yourself saying that line and “long-distance relationships,” then check a dictionary audio model for stress and listen for clear separation between the thought groups.

A transcript shows language and organisation. Fluency, delivery and pronunciation require an audio recording; the synthetic voice demonstrates the text, not the original speaker.

  • Replace “affected the way we communicate positively” with a more natural collocation, such as “has had a positive effect on communication.”
  • After describing global connectivity, add a specific example—such as a video call with relatives abroad—before moving to the drawback.
  • Practise the answer in a timed 60-second version, using a clear sequence: overall change, benefit, drawback, and final view.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Explain how video calls and messaging let people maintain personal relationships and collaborate despite being geographically far apart.
  • Explore how social media can create a sense of community while also changing the quality of interaction.
  • Discuss missing non-verbal cues and the value of balancing digital communication with face-to-face contact.

Suggested structure

  1. State your overall view of how technology has changed communication.
  2. Give specific benefits, such as maintaining relationships and collaborating remotely.
  3. Introduce drawbacks, including less expressive interaction and possible misunderstandings.
  4. Conclude with a balanced recommendation to combine online and in-person communication.
Useful vocabulary & examples
real-time communication
Communication that happens immediately, without a significant delay.

Video calls allow colleagues to discuss a project through real-time communication.

body language
Physical signals, such as gestures and facial expressions, that help communicate meaning.

Body language can make the emotion behind a face-to-face conversation clearer.

interpersonal skills
Abilities used to communicate and interact effectively with other people.

In-person conversations give people opportunities to practise interpersonal skills.

stay in touch
Continue communicating with someone over time.

Messaging apps make it easier for friends who live far apart to stay in touch.

Practise your answer →

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