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 Grange Park as it was when it first opened in 1920 and its present-day configuration.

2

Overall, the park has undergone substantial redevelopment. Many original garden features have been removed to make way fordemolished to accommodate modern leisure amenities, while the two main entrances on Arnold Avenue and Eldon Street have been retained. Only the north-western rose garden survives from the original design.

3

In the western and central zones, the 1920 stage for musicians has been replaced by an amphitheatre for concerts. The central fountain has been removed, and a new rose garden with surrounding seating now stands in its placeoccupies this central site. The original rose gardens in both the north-east and south-west corners have been removedoriginal rose garden on the north-east side has disappeared entirely.

4

On the eastern side of the park, the former glasshouse in the south-east has been replaced by a water feature, while a café and children’s play area occupy the north-eastformer glasshouse has been cleared to make space for a café and a children’s play area. The former pond for water plants has been replaced by a children’s play areaThe old pond for water plants has been redesigned into a larger water feature, beside which an entrance to an underground car park has been constructed. By contrast, the rose garden in the north-west corner has remained untouched over the century.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 9.0

The response provides an exceptionally accurate and comprehensive comparative analysis of the park maps, highlighted by a clear overview and logical spatial paragraphing. Vocabulary and grammatical structures are used with full flexibility, precision, and complete natural control throughout. To maintain this level of excellence, continue ensuring that spatial transitions remain varied and precise.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

9.0
Scoring rule

All key features and changes between the two maps are fully identified, accurately described, and supported by a clear overview.

Next step

Maintain this high standard by continuing to select only the most significant comparative details without adding extraneous interpretation.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

9.0
Scoring rule

Information is organized logically with clear spatial grouping and effortless cohesive devices.

Next step

Sustain this seamless flow by varying spatial referents naturally across different map formats.

LR

Lexical Resource

9.0
Scoring rule

The response demonstrates a sophisticated range of map-related vocabulary used with complete flexibility and precision.

Next step

Continue applying precise lexical choices appropriate for describing structural and layout changes.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

9.0
Scoring rule

Grammatical structures are varied, highly complex, and completely error-free throughout.

Next step

Consistently apply a full range of passive voice and complex clauses in future reporting 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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