Task 1 · map · 18 samples

The maps below show a science park in 2008 and the same park today. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Data or diagram for the writing questionPractise this task →

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Separate features that remain from those that have been added, relocated or replaced; the business units and car park remain, while the IT centre gives way to an innovation centre.
  • Describe the shift in land use: open grassland in the northwest is now substantially developed, while trees remain in the southwest.
  • Treat transport access as a key change, noting the cycle path, station and bus stop, while also mentioning the railway that continues to border the site.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the maps and identify the time comparison.
  2. Give an overview of the most important changes: redevelopment and improved access.
  3. Describe the 2008 arrangement by area, covering open land and existing facilities.
  4. Compare the current layout, highlighting retained and replaced buildings.
  5. Finish with access changes and any transport feature that remains.
Useful vocabulary & examples
give way to
to be replaced by something new

The IT centre has given way to an innovation centre.

remain in broadly similar positions
to stay in approximately the same locations

The business units remain in broadly similar positions.

be concentrated in
to be located mainly within a particular area

Woodland was concentrated in the southwest.

border the site
to run along the edge of an area

The railway continues to border the site to the east.

Sample answers

AI-completed learning example

203 words · Illustrative target band

Two maps illustrate the transformations that a particular place experienced between 2008 and today. In general, the area has experienced minimal development regarding its layout. In addition, it has become more convenient compared to how it looked in the year 2008. The first change in Science Park is that the grassland has been taken away, with a research and development building and a university hub now occupying th…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

220 words · Illustrative target band

The maps illustrate how Science Park has developed from 2008 to the present. Overall, it is clear that there have been several changes; the most noticeable change is cycle path construction and the decline in grasslands. In 2008, to the north-west of the park, there were a lot of grasslands and woodlands, which provided fresh air. By today, much of this open land has been developed, and only a few wooded areas remain…

Read full answer & analysis →

AI-completed learning example

229 words · Illustrative target band

The maps detail alterations that have been made to a science park between 2008 and today.From an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the park has expanded to include more areas for research, education and improved accessibility. The area around the park seems to have been undeveloped and includes a considerable amount of grass-land, while the park itself has undergone substantial redevelopment. In 2008, …

Read full answer & analysis →