Writing Academic Task 1 Band 8.0 Example

The maps show how Chorleywood village, near London, grew as the population increased between 1868 and 1994. Overall, the village expanded step by step, mainly along transport routes. The biggest changes happened after the railway was built in 1909 and the motorway in 1970. From 1868 to 1883, the first homes appeared near the main road in the western part of the village. During 1883–1922, development became more concentrated around Chorleywood station, following the railway line, which was built in 1909. In the next period, from 1922 to 1970, housing spread further west and south of the railway, while the village remained centred on its transport links. After 1970, the built-up area extended markedly to the east. Several new residential areas appeared on both sides of the main north–south road, including land north and south of the railway. The motorway, constructed in 1970, runs north–south through the eastern side of the map and meets a main road at a roundabout. Chorleywood Park and Golf Course lies between the northern and southern areas of later development. Overall, the maps show a shift from a small western settlement to a considerably larger village, with growth associated first with the railway and later with the motorway and road network.