Analysis of the Answer – Test 09 (Mixed Charts: Transport Usage)

Strengths

• Clear and logical overview at the beginning, fulfilling IELTS requirements.
• Effective use of comparisons (e.g., “By contrast,” “while,” “in contrast”).
• Good lexical range with academic vocabulary such as “dominant share,” “decline,” “steady decrease.”
• Data is well-supported with accurate figures and proportions.

Weaknesses

• Some repetition of basic verbs like “increase” and “decrease.”
• Could expand on implications of the trend (e.g., environmental or social impact of car growth).
• Limited use of advanced structures such as concessive clauses (although, even though).

Synonyms & Stronger Alternatives

• “increase” → rise sharply, climb steadily
• “decrease” → plummet, decline progressively
• “dominant share” → overwhelming majority
• “remained stable” → hovered consistently, showed little variation

Linking Devices & Collocations

• Whereas car usage rose sharply, bus usage fell dramatically.
• In contrast to the steady growth of trains, bicycles declined steadily.
• Useful collocations: “sharp increase,” “substantial fall,” “maintain dominance,” “gradual upward trend.”

Suggestions for Improvement

• Integrate more complex sentences (e.g., conditional or concessive forms).
• Provide analysis of causes or implications (“This indicates a shift towards private motorized transport”).
• Vary sentence starters instead of repeatedly beginning with “Car,” “Bus,” “Train.”

Band Justification

The essay demonstrates clear task achievement with an appropriate overview and accurate details. Vocabulary is varied and precise, though sometimes repetitive. Grammar is mostly accurate with occasional limitations in variety. Overall, this performance is consistent with Band 7.5–8.