The maps below show the changes in the town after the construction of a hydroelectric power dam

Town Changes Hydroelectric Power Dam Construction Map/Plan - 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 · 205 words.

The diagrams illustrate the changes that took place in a town between 1980 and 2000. Overall, the area underwent considerable transformation during this period, as the natural and agricultural landscape was largely replaced by a large lake, a hydroelectric dam, and tourist facilities, while the surrounding mountains remained mostly unchanged.

In 1980, the region was mainly rural and undeveloped. A river ran from north to south through the area. On the western side of the river, there was a forest, ancient structures, and a zone containing rare plants and animals. To the east, most of the land was used as irrigated farmland, and a small village was located in the south-eastern part. Mountains surrounded the area on several sides.

By 2000, the landscape had changed dramatically following the construction of a hydroelectric dam across the river in the south. This led to the formation of a large lake, which flooded most of the former farmland, forest, and wildlife areas. The lake was used for fishing, and a hotel was built on its eastern shore, indicating the development of tourism. In addition, electricity pylons were installed to supply power, and the village was relocated further south. However, the mountains around the region remained largely the same.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional response that demonstrates a Band 9 level of proficiency. It accurately captures every significant change shown in the maps, organizes the information logically, and uses sophisticated, natural language to describe the transformation from a rural to an industrial area.

Task Achievement - 9

- The response fully satisfies all requirements of the task, providing a comprehensive description of the changes between 1980 and 2000. - Key features, such as the dam construction, the resulting reservoir (lake), the displacement of the village, and the introduction of infrastructure, are expertly highlighted. - The overview is clear and effectively summarizes the main shift from a rural landscape to an industrial/tourist-oriented one.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- Paragraphing is managed skillfully, with a logical transition from the initial state (1980) to the post-development state (2000). - Cohesive devices (e.g., 'This led to', 'In addition', 'However') are used naturally and facilitate an effortless flow of information. - Referencing and substitution are handled precisely, ensuring no unnecessary repetition.

Lexical Resource - 9

- The vocabulary is sophisticated and highly appropriate for a geographic description (e.g., 'underwent considerable transformation', 'irrigated farmland', 'electricity pylons'). - Lexical items are used with full flexibility and precision, particularly regarding the impact of the dam (e.g., 'flooded', 'relocated'). - Spelling and word formation are flawless throughout.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility, including complex relative clauses and various past tenses to denote change over time. - The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating high-level control over grammar and punctuation. - The use of the past perfect ('had changed') correctly establishes the sequence of events leading up to 2000.

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