The diagrams below show the changes of a town called Bridgetown between 1700 and 2000.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 1 question on IELTSX. The diagrams below show the changes of a town called Bridgetown between 1700 and 2000.

Changes of town called Bridgetown between 1700 and 2000 - 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 Changes of town called Bridgetown between 1700 and 2000
Chart supplied with the IELTS Writing Task 1 question: Changes of town called Bridgetown between 1700 and 2000

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 7 ยท 178 words.

The maps show how Bridgetown and its surroundings changed over a 300-year period from 1700 to 2000.

Overall, the area underwent significant development, becoming larger and more modern. It also stands out in the diagram that several new facilities and an educational zone were constructed, while some original features were removed or replaced.

In 1700, the market places were located in the northwest of the area, surrounded by several trees. A nearby bridge crossed the river, connecting the southwest with the northeast, while a castle was situated in the northern part of the map. In contrast, the southern section of the area was mainly used for agricultural fields and plant cultivation.

In 2000, although the market places remained unchanged throughout the period, the castle and the agricultural fields were converted into a school and build-up areas, respectively. The majority of changes took place in the southwest of the area, where an additional bridge and two bypasses were constructed. Moreover, replacing the previous plant cultivation area, a newly built railway line was added, linking the southeast with the northwest.

Examiner feedback

The response is a strong Band 7.0 performance. It provides a clear, logical description of the changes in Bridgetown with a very good overview and effective use of cohesive devices, though it has minor grammatical and lexical slips.

Task Achievement - 7

- The response covers all requirements of the task and provides a clear overview of the main changes. - Key features are highlighted, such as the removal of the castle and fields in favor of education and residential areas. - Comparisons are made between the two time periods, though some specific details like the expansion of the bridge or the bridge's relocation could be more precise.

Coherence & Cohesion - 8

- The message is very easy to follow with a logical sequence of information from 1700 to 2000. - Cohesion is well-managed with effective use of transition signals like 'In contrast' and 'Moreover'. - Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the overview, the initial state, and the subsequent changes.

Lexical Resource - 7

- The vocabulary is sufficient to describe the maps with some precision ('underwent significant development', 'agricultural fields'). - There is some good use of less common items like 'plant cultivation' and 'bypasses'. - A minor error in word formation ('build-up' instead of 'built-up') is noted but does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 7

- A variety of complex structures is used, including passive voice ('were constructed', 'were converted') and relative clauses. - Most sentences are error-free, although 'build-up areas' should be the compound noun 'built-up areas'. - Punctuation is generally well-controlled throughout the response.

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