The diagrams below give information about two road tunnels in two Australian cities.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 1 question on IELTSX. The diagrams below give information about two road tunnels in two Australian cities.

Two Road Tunnels Two Australian Cities Diagram - 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.

IELTS Writing Task 1 chart for Two Road Tunnels Two Australian Cities Diagram
Chart supplied with the IELTS Writing Task 1 question: Two Road Tunnels Two Australian Cities Diagram

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 8.5 ยท 198 words.

The diagrams compare two tunnels located in Australia.

In general, Tunnel B, which is relatively new, received almost twice as much funding as Tunnel A. This is reflected in its overall capacity and size, with Tunnel B being significantly larger. One similarity between the two is that both are twin-tube tunnels.

Tunnel A was constructed between 1987 and 1992 at a cost of 556 million Australian dollars. It runs beneath a body of water and spans a length of 2.2 kilometers with a depth of 25 meters. The tunnel passes through layers of stone and sand and features a twin-tube design that allows vehicles to travel in both directions simultaneously. The cross-sectional diagram shows that it accommodates cars and trucks in separate lanes.

In contrast, Tunnel B is a more recent project, built from 2004 to 2007, and it cost significantly more at 1.1 billion Australian dollars. It is also larger, stretching 3.6 kilometers in length and going 35 meters deep. Unlike Tunnel A, Tunnel B runs completely underground without passing under a river or sea. Similar to Tunnel A, it also consists of twin tubes, but its increased size likely allows for a greater volume of traffic.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptionally strong response that demonstrates a high level of English proficiency. The student effectively organizes complex data into a clear comparison. To improve further, ensure every specific numerical detail from the visual (like the exact number of lanes in the cross-section) is explicitly mentioned.

Task Achievement - 8

- The response covers all key requirements of the task, including cost, timeframe, dimensions, and location. - The overview is clear and effectively summarizes the main differences (cost and size). - Key features like the twin-tube design and the geological environment are well-highlighted. - There is a minor lack of specificity regarding the exact number of lanes shown in the cross-sections (usually 2 vs 3 in this specific task image), which prevents a Band 9.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- The message can be followed effortlessly from start to finish. - Paragraphing is logically managed, dedicating specific sections to each tunnel while maintaining comparisons. - Cohesive devices such as 'In general', 'One similarity', and 'In contrast' are used naturally and do not attract undue attention. - Sequencing of information (from general overview to specific technical details) is optimal.

Lexical Resource - 8

- A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately (e.g., 'cross-sectional', 'simultaneously', 'spans a length'). - Collocations are natural and sophisticated (e.g., 'volume of traffic', 'body of water'). - Spelling and word formation are perfect. - To reach Band 9, the candidate could use even more varied synonyms for 'size' or 'cost' to show extreme flexibility.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and control. - The response is completely error-free in terms of grammar and punctuation. - Complex structures, such as relative clauses ('which is relatively new') and participial phrases ('stretching 3.6 kilometers'), are used seamlessly.

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