Task 1 · map · 18 samples

Chorleywood is a village near London whose population has increased steadily since the middle of the nineteenth century. The map below shows the development of the village.

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Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Summarise the overall pattern: the village grew substantially between 1868 and 1994.
  • Compare the stages of expansion: early development was limited, followed by growth around the centre and later in several outlying areas.
  • Mention transport changes accurately: the railway was built in 1909 and the motorway in 1970; the park and golf course remained a prominent mapped feature.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the map, location and time span.
  2. Give an overview of the main expansion and transport-related changes.
  3. Describe the earliest period and development up to 1922.
  4. Compare the 1922–1970 and 1970–1994 periods, including the directions of later growth.
  5. Finish with a brief summary of the village’s expansion and continuing park and golf course.
Useful vocabulary & examples
built-up area
Land covered by buildings and developed settlement.

The built-up area was limited in the earliest period.

spread around the centre
Expanded outward in places close to the central area.

Development spread around the centre between 1883 and 1922.

in several separate areas
In a number of distinct locations rather than one continuous zone.

From 1970 to 1994, development appeared in several separate areas.

transport links
Routes or services that connect places, such as railways and motorways.

The map shows the railway and motorway as important transport links.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

199 words · Illustrative target band

The map illustrates the changes in Chorleywood village beside London over the two centuries from 1868 to 1994. Overall, it is clear from the map that Chorleywood experienced dramatic development which took place in four distinct stages with the most extensive construction between 1970 and 1994. Moreover, the village has three types of roads which are shown alongside a railway and a motorway. The first period, 1868–18…

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AI-completed learning example

212 words · Illustrative target band

The given map demonstrates the growth of a village called Chorleywood between 1868 and 1994. Overall, it is clear that the village grew as the transport infrastructure was improved. Four periods of development are shown on the map, and each of the populated areas is near to the main roads, the railway or the motorway. The earliest settlement, dated 1868–1883, was limited to a small area close to the main road. Develo…

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AI-completed learning example

201 words · Illustrative target band

This map presents the evolution of Chorleywood village from 1968 to 1994. From an overall perspective, it is apparent that most of the structures were built in 18th century. Over the same period, a motorway and Railway were added to the area. Between 1868 and 1883 there were only one small residential area and two main roads. The railway and station had not yet been added, and development was confined to a small area…

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