The plans below show a public park when it first opened in 1920 and the same park today.

Same questionCompare 13 different answers (Band 7–9)

Sample Response

1

The two plans depict the layout of Grange Park at its opening in 1920 and its present-day configuration.

2

Overall, the park has experienced extensive redevelopment. A number of original garden features including the fountain, pond,fountain, pond and several rose gardens have been removed, though the two main entrances have been retained. Large sections of the site have been repurposed to deliver modern recreational amenities for visitors.

3

Of all the original rose gardens, only the north-western one still exists, while the north-eastern and south-western ones have been removedonly the north-western one still exists, while its north-eastern counterpart has vanished. The former stage for musicians and associated seating havehas been demolished and replaced by a bigger amphitheatre for concerts. In the park’s centre, a compact rose garden encircled by seating has been constructed on the spot where the fountain once stood. General access remains availableAccess is still available through the two original gateways on Arnold Avenue and Eldon Street. In the southnorth-east, the old glasshouse has made way for a café and a children’s play area. Meanwhile, the former pond for water plants in the north-east has been replaced by a children's play area, while a new water feature has been introduced in the south-eastthe former pond for water plants has been transformed into an expanded water feature, alongside which an entrance to an underground car park has been added.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.5

The response provides a clear, accurate, and highly detailed comparison of the park's transformations across both time periods, supported by an effective overview. Its main strength lies in its natural cohesion, precise spatial language, and error-free grammatical range. To improve further, the description could maintain slightly more precise spatial accuracy regarding the exact location of the cafe and play area relative to the former glasshouse and pond.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

8.5
Scoring rule

All key changes and features are fully highlighted, accurately reported, and effectively compared alongside a clear overall summary.

Next step

Ensure spatial descriptions precisely align with the diagram layouts, such as noting that the café and play area occupy the eastern corner rather than only the north-east.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

8.5
Scoring rule

The response is logically organized with smooth transitions and sophisticated paragraph structure throughout.

Next step

Maintain the current logical progression while ensuring complex linking devices continue to feel completely natural and effortless.

LR

Lexical Resource

8.5
Scoring rule

A wide range of vocabulary appropriate for map descriptions is used flexibly and precisely with no noticeable errors.

Next step

Continue to utilize precise lexical choices that convey spatial changes succinctly without over-relying on similar passive verbs.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.5
Scoring rule

A broad variety of complex grammatical structures is produced with full control and accuracy.

Next step

Maintain this high level of grammatical precision and structural variety in future map tasks.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The plans below show a public park when it first opened in 1920 and the same park today.

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