The maps below show a beachfront area in Australia in 1950 and the same area today.

Beachfront area in Australia in 1950 and the same area today - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 9 · 189 words.

he provided maps illustrate the significant urban and environmental transformations that have occurred in a beachfront area of Australia between 1950 and the present day.

Overall, the most striking change is the extensive development of tourist facilities and residential infrastructure, which has come at the cost of the area’s original natural vegetation. While the coastline itself has remained largely unchanged, the surrounding landscape has been almost entirely urbanized.

In 1950, the area was primarily characterized by its natural features. There was a dense forest covering the northern and southern parts of the map, and the beach itself was undeveloped. The only notable structures were a few scattered houses located near the road, which ran horizontally across the center of the area.

Today, the scene is drastically different. The forest has been almost completely cleared to make way for modern amenities. A large high-rise apartment block has been constructed in the north, while a hotel and several new restaurants have been built in the southern and central sections, replacing much of the greenery. Furthermore, a swimming pool and a parking lot have been added to support the increased visitor traffic

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional response that meets the criteria for Band 9. It provides a clear, concise overview and follows up with detailed, logically organized paragraphs that contrast the two time periods with precision and high-level vocabulary.

Task Achievement - 9

- All requirements of the task are fully and appropriately satisfied. - The overview is clear and identifies the main trends (urbanization vs. loss of nature). - Key features like the high-rise, hotel, and parking lot are clearly highlighted and illustrated.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- The message can be followed with ease due to logical sequencing of information. - Paragraphing is used appropriately to distinguish between the overview, the historical state, and the current state. - Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'While', and 'In 1950' provide clear progression.

Lexical Resource - 9

- A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately (e.g., 'urbanized', 'modern amenities', 'infrastructure'). - Lexical features like 'striking change' and 'extensive development' show sophisticated control of collocation. - Spelling and word formation are perfect.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control. - The use of the present perfect passive ('has been constructed', 'have been added') to describe changes over time is accurate. - Punctuation and grammar are error-free throughout the response.

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