IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 – Sample Test16 (Map)
Task Question
The two maps below show changes in a city between 1990 and 2015.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Figure: City development in 1990 and 2015
Sample Answer (Band 8.0–8.5)
The two maps illustrate how a city transformed over a 25-year period from 1990 to 2015. Overall, the area was converted from a largely residential and undeveloped town into a more modern and commercially oriented city, with significant upgrades in infrastructure and recreational facilities.
In 1990, the northern part of the city was dominated by farmland and a small cluster of houses. To the south, there was a river running east to west, with a bridge connecting the two sides. A modest marketplace and a limited road network were also present.
By 2015, farmland in the north had been replaced with a large residential complex and a shopping centre, reflecting urban expansion. The river was enhanced with an additional bridge, improving connectivity. Moreover, the marketplace was demolished to make way for a spacious park, suggesting a shift towards providing recreational amenities. The road system was modernized into a grid layout, and a car park was added near the shopping district.
In summary, the city underwent a profound transformation from a rural-oriented settlement into a more urban, service-based environment, characterized by greater residential capacity, leisure facilities, and improved infrastructure.
Analytical Review – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 (Test 16)
Overall Verdict
Indicative band: 8.0–8.5
- Task Achievement: Full coverage of both maps, with a clear overall trend (urbanisation, infrastructure upgrades).
- Coherence & Cohesion: Well-structured: 1990 → 2015 → synthesis; linkers accurate and varied.
- Lexical Resource: Strong academic vocabulary (“redeveloped,” “landscaped park,” “urban expansion,” “modernised grid”).
- Grammar: Good range of complex sentences and passives; accurate use of comparatives.
Key Weaknesses
- Numerical detail: No explicit percentage or quantified change (e.g., “two additional bridges”).
- Comparisons: Could emphasise contrasts more strongly (e.g., farmland vs housing density).
- Sentence rhythm: Some long sentences reduce clarity.
- Analytical depth: Limited commentary on socio-economic implications of changes.
Actionable Improvements (High-Impact)
- Add quantified contrasts: e.g., “By 2015, two bridges spanned the river, doubling connectivity.”
- Sharper comparisons: Highlight the replacement of farmland with high-density apartments.
- Sentence trimming: Break down complex clauses into shorter sentences.
- Link infrastructure to lifestyle: Explain how car parks and parks reflect changing priorities.
- Highlight extremes: Stress the complete removal of farmland as a dramatic shift.
Stronger Synonyms (Topic-Fit)
- develop → redevelop modernise transform
- replace → substitute convert reconfigure
- park → green space landscaped area
- housing → residential units apartment blocks
- road system → grid layout network
Linking Devices (Cohesion)
- Contrast: whereas, by contrast, unlike, in comparison
- Addition: moreover, in addition, likewise
- Result: therefore, consequently, as a result
- Time/Sequence: initially, over the period, subsequently, by 2015
- Emphasis: notably, critically, strikingly
- Quant cues: doubled, completely removed, converted into
High-Value Collocations (Urban Change)
Rewrite Upgrades (Band-9 polish)
-
Original: “Farmland was replaced with residential buildings.”
Upgrade: “The northern farmland was entirely redeveloped into a high-density residential complex, marking the most radical land-use transformation.” -
Original: “The road network was modernised.”
Upgrade: “The former sparse road layout was reconfigured into a structured grid system, greatly enhancing internal connectivity.” -
Original: “A new park was built.”
Upgrade: “The traditional marketplace gave way to a landscaped public park, symbolising a shift towards leisure and community well-being.”
Model Sentences (Precise Quantification)
- “By 2015, two bridges spanned the river, compared to just one in 1990.”
- “Farmland in the north was completely eliminated and converted into urban facilities.”
- “The new park replaced the market, transforming commercial land into recreational space.”
Grammar Targets
- Comparatives: “X was completely replaced by Y.”
- Passive voice: “Farmland was converted into residential units.”
- Nominal style: “A marked transformation was observed in land use.”
- Adverbials: “notably altered,” “substantially expanded.”
Quick Checklist (Before Submit)
- Overview captures both maps and the major trend (urbanisation).
- Comparisons use precise contrasts and transformations.
- Lexical variety is strong: synonyms avoid repetition.
- Sentences balanced: mix short and long structures.
- Collocations topic-specific: urban change, redevelopment, infrastructure.
تحلیل دوزبانه – IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 (Test 16)
ارزیابی کلی
نمره تقریبی: 8 تا 8.5
- پوشش کامل تغییرات نقشه (حذف زمینهای کشاورزی، ساخت مسکن، ایجاد پارک و پلها)
- انسجام منطقی: توصیف 1990 → مقایسه با 2015 → جمعبندی روند
- واژگان قوی: «بازتوسعه»، «فضای سبز طراحیشده»، «شبکه جادهای مدرن»
- گرامر دقیق: جملات مجهول، مقایسهها، جملات مرکب
Overall Verdict
Indicative band: 8.0–8.5
- Task Achievement: Full coverage of map changes: farmland removal, housing expansion, park and bridges.
- Coherence & Cohesion: Clear sequence: 1990 → 2015 → synthesis.
- Lexical Resource: Strong use of “redeveloped,” “landscaped green space,” “modernised grid.”
- Grammar: Accurate passives, complex clauses, strong comparatives.
نقاط ضعف
- کمبود اشاره به اعداد و تغییرات کمی (مثلاً تعداد پلها)
- برخی مقایسهها میتوانستند عمیقتر باشند (زمین کشاورزی در برابر تراکم مسکن)
- چند جمله طولانی باعث کاهش وضوح شدهاند
- کمبود تحلیل اجتماعی–اقتصادی پشت تغییرات
Key Weaknesses
- Numerical detail: No quantified references, e.g. number of bridges.
- Comparisons: Limited contrasts (farmland vs dense housing).
- Sentence rhythm: Some long clauses reduce readability.
- Analytical depth: Little reference to socio-economic implications.
پیشنهادهای بهبود
- ذکر تغییرات عددی: «دو پل در 2015»
- مقایسههای قویتر: زمین کشاورزی در مقابل آپارتمانها
- کوتاهسازی جملههای طولانی
- ارتباط تغییرات با سبک زندگی و اولویتهای شهری
- تاکید بر تغییرات کامل مثل حذف کامل زمین کشاورزی
Actionable Improvements
- Add quantified contrasts: “By 2015, two bridges spanned the river.”
- Sharper comparisons: Highlight farmland loss vs residential density.
- Sentence trimming: Break complex structures into shorter ones.
- Socio-economic link: Relate car parks and parks to lifestyle priorities.
- Highlight extremes: Stress the complete disappearance of farmland.
مترادفهای قوی
- توسعه → redevelop, modernise, transform
- جایگزینی → substitute, convert, reconfigure
- پارک → green space, landscaped area
- مسکن → residential units, apartment blocks
- سیستم جاده → grid layout, network
Stronger Synonyms
- develop → redevelop modernise transform
- replace → substitute convert reconfigure
- park → green space landscaped area
- housing → residential units apartment blocks
- road system → grid layout network
حروف ربط
- تضاد: whereas, by contrast, unlike
- افزودن: moreover, in addition, likewise
- نتیجه: therefore, consequently, as a result
- زمان: initially, over the period, by 2015
- تأکید: notably, critically, strikingly
Linking Devices
- Contrast: whereas, by contrast, unlike
- Addition: moreover, in addition, likewise
- Result: therefore, consequently, as a result
- Time: initially, over the period, by 2015
- Emphasis: notably, critically, strikingly
- Quant cues: doubled, completely removed, converted into
کالوکیشنهای کلیدی
- گسترش شهری → urban expansion
- تغییر کاربری زمین → land use transformation
- پروژه بازتوسعه → redevelopment project
- زیرساخت مدرن → modernised infrastructure
- افزایش تراکم مسکونی → residential density increase
- حذف زمین کشاورزی → replacement of farmland
- شبکه جادهای → grid-based road network
- افزایش ارتباطات → enhanced connectivity