The map below 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 5.5–6)

Sample Response

1

The map is of the town of Garlsdon, where a new supermarket is planned. The map shows two possible sites for the supermarket.

2

Overall, the first location is in the northwestern area of the countryside. The other one is planned to be built in the town centre.

3

A railway passes through the town, and both of the two possible sitesA railway passes through the town, both of the two possible sites are near the railway. Site 1The site 1 is next to residential areasthe housing, and it is more convenient for people who live therehere. Site 2The site 2 is located in the town center. This area's transportation connectsconnect with neighbouring townsother towns, such as Hindon, Bransdon and Cransdon. People can go to these towns more easily from Site 2 than from Site 1effectively than site1 via the main roads.through the main road. However, the town centre is a no traffic zone. Furthermore, there are severalthere several residential zones encircling the central districthousing 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 centrecentre town.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 6.0

The report successfully identifies the main features of both proposed supermarket locations, including surrounding infrastructure and land-use zones. However, the response lacks key numerical details such as population figures and distances to neighboring towns, and suffers from several grammatical inaccuracies. To raise the score, integrate specific map data and correct persistent sentence structure errors such as comma splices.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

6.0
Scoring rule

The main locations and key features are highlighted with a general overview, though specific data like distance and population figures are omitted.

Next step

Include key statistics provided in the diagram, such as the population of Garlsdon and the specific distances to Hindon, Bransdon, and Cransdon.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

5.5
Scoring rule

Information is organized logically across paragraphs, but sentence linking is occasionally mechanical or faulty.

Next step

Use accurate logical connectives and avoid joining independent clauses with simple commas to ensure smoother transitions between ideas.

LR

Lexical Resource

6.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is generally adequate to describe locations and map features, with a few minor word choice inaccuracies.

Next step

Vary word choices for spatial relationships and location descriptions rather than repeating basic phrases like 'town centre' and 'located in'.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

5.5
Scoring rule

There is a mix of simple and complex sentence attempts, but frequent errors in verb forms, prepositions, and punctuation occur.

Next step

Eliminate comma splices and check sentences for missing verb forms, such as 'there several housing areas'.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The map below 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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