The map is of the town of Garlsdon. A new supermarket (S) is planned for the town. The map shows two possible sites for the supermarket.

Same questionCompare 3 different answers (Band 5.5–8)

Sample Response

1

The provided map illustrates the town of Garlsdon,The map is of the town of Garlsdon, where a new supermarket is planned. The map shows two possible sites for the supermarket. Overall, the first site (S1)first location is in the northwestern area of the countryside. The other one is planned to be built in the town centercentre. Looking at the information in more detail, a railway runs from the northwest to the southeast across the town.passes through the town. Both proposed sitesBoth of the two possible sites are near the railway. Site 1 is next to the housing, and it is more convenient for people who live therehere. Site 2 is located in the town center. The main roads connect the town with Hindon, Bransdon and Cransdon. Site 2 is close to the main roads leading to the other three townsother three towns. However, the town centre is a no traffic zone. Furthermore, there are an industrial area surrounding the town center, with housing located to the north and south.several housing areas around the town center. Two industrial areas are located in this area. The first one is in the northern area, and the other one is located to the southlocated the south of the town center.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 6.0

The response successfully highlights key map features, including the locations of both proposed sites and surrounding infrastructure. The primary weakness is the omission of specific data points such as population numbers and exact distances to neighbouring towns. To improve, integrate accurate comparative statistics and enhance sentence structures to create a more sophisticated report.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

6.0
Scoring rule

The main visual features and site locations are identified with a clear overview, though specific data such as population figures and distances are omitted.

Next step

Include key statistics from the map key and labels, such as exact distances and population counts of neighbouring towns, to provide a complete comparison.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

6.0
Scoring rule

Information is presented in a broadly logical order, but paragraph organization is minimal and cohesive phrases feel slightly mechanical.

Next step

Group related details into distinct body paragraphs—such as one for each proposed site—to improve progression and logical flow.

LR

Lexical Resource

6.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is adequate to describe locations and basic spatial relationships, though word choices remain simple and somewhat repetitive.

Next step

Incorporate a wider range of geographical and descriptive vocabulary, such as 'positioned', 'situated in close proximity to', or 'transport networks'.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

6.0
Scoring rule

A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is attempted with generally clear meaning, despite occasional grammatical and prepositional errors.

Next step

Focus on accurate prepositional phrases and article use, ensuring correct structures like 'located to the south of' and 'the other three towns'.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The map is of the town of Garlsdon. A new supermarket (S) is planned for the town. The map shows two possible sites for the supermarket.

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