The diagrams below show a comparison between two road tunnels in two Australian cities.

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Sample Response

1

The diagrams compare two road tunnels constructed in different Australian cities, illustrating their respective timelines, costs, physical dimensions, geological conditions, cross-sectional layouts, and surface environments.cross-sectional layouts and surface environments.

2

Overall, Tunnel B substantially exceeds Tunnel A in most measurable respects:in every measurable respect: it is significantly longer, deeper, more expensive and has a higher lane capacity,accommodates greater traffic volumes, while also having been built through more challenging geological terrain.

3

Tunnel A was built between 1997 and 2002, costing $555 million. It extends 2.2 kilometres and reaches a maximum depth of 15 metres beneath sand. Tunnel B, by contrast, was constructed from 2002 to 2006 at a cost of $1.1 billion, spans 3.6 kilometres, and reaches a depth of 25 metresplunges to 25 metres through stone and clay formations. Both tunnels adopt a twin-tube design with traffic travelling in both directions,carrying bidirectional traffic, yet Tunnel A provides two lanes per tube while Tunnel B accommodates three, indicating superior capacity.

4

In terms of surface context, Tunnel A passes beneath a river with prominent a suspension bridgebridge towers above ground, whereas Tunnel B runs under a dense urban streetscape lined with multi-storey buildings, reflecting a distinctly metropolitan setting.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 9.0

The response provides an exceptionally thorough and accurate comparison of the two road tunnels, supported by a clear overview and precise data. The logical paragraph organisation and sophisticated cohesive devices ensure seamless flow throughout the summary. To maintain this level of excellence, ensure that sophisticated vocabulary choices always remain natural and avoid over-interpreting minor visual details.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

9.0
Scoring rule

All key features and data points from the visual prompt are fully and accurately presented with a clear overview.

Next step

Continue selecting key data clearly without adding unnecessary minor assumptions.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

9.0
Scoring rule

Information is logically organised into well-structured paragraphs with effortless transitions between comparisons.

Next step

Maintain logical grouping across paragraphs when describing multi-diagram tasks.

LR

Lexical Resource

9.0
Scoring rule

A wide and precise range of vocabulary is used naturally and flexibly with appropriate domain-specific terminology.

Next step

Sustain accurate and natural word choice across varied prompt topics.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

9.0
Scoring rule

Grammatical structures show full flexibility and accuracy, with sophisticated sentence constructions used throughout.

Next step

Keep using complex grammatical patterns accurately and comfortably in time-pressured writing.