Map comparisons are a specialized type of Writing Task 1 that test your ability to describe spatial changes and urban evolution. In the 2026 forecast, “Rural to Urban Transformation” (e.g., a village becoming a town) is a frequently featured theme. To achieve a Band 9.0, you must use prepositional accuracy and sophisticated “change” verbs.
| The two maps below show the changes that have taken place in a coastal village called Shoremouth between 2000 and the present day. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. |
1. Analysis
Success in Map tasks depends on your ability to group changes thematically or geographically. Do not simply list everything that changed. Instead, analyze the nature of the development (e.g., residential expansion, industrial growth, or environmental preservation). Ensure you use cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) or relative positions (to the left of, adjacent to).
2. Planning
- Introduction: Paraphrase the prompt using synonyms like delineates the transformation or illustrates the developmental shifts.
- Overview: State the general trend (e.g., the village has become more urbanized and tourism-focused). Mention the most significant change (e.g., the removal of farmland for housing).
- Body Paragraph 1: Describe the changes to the infrastructure and residential areas (e.g., new roads, expanded housing).
- Body Paragraph 2: Describe the changes to the leisure and commercial facilities (e.g., the pier, new hotels, or the marina).
3. Band 9.0 Model Answer
The provided maps delineate the extensive transformation of Shoremouth from a modest coastal village in 2000 to a more developed, tourism-oriented town in the present day.
Overall, the region has undergone significant urbanization, characterized by the expansion of residential infrastructure and the modernization of its maritime facilities. Most notably, the agricultural land in the north has been entirely repurposed for housing and commercial use.
In 2000, the northern sector of the village was dominated by farmland, which has since been regularly partitioned into a large residential estate. Access to this new area is facilitated by a newly constructed bridge spanning the river that flows through the center of the town. Furthermore, the small school located in the west has been considerably enlarged to accommodate the growing population, while the adjacent woodland remains preserved as a public park.
Regarding the coastline, the old fishing pier in the south has been transformed into a modern marina with docking facilities for private yachts. The derelict warehouses that previously lined the harbor have been demolished and replaced by a row of luxury hotels and a pedestrianized promenade. Additionally, the small harbor-side car park has been expanded significantly to cater to the influx of tourists, while a new information center has been erected at the southern entrance of the town. Consequently, Shoremouth has shifted from a primary industry-based economy toward one centered on leisure and hospitality.
4. Highlight Vocabulary
- Delineate /dɪˈlɪn.i.eɪt/ (v): To describe or portray something precisely.
- Repurposed (adj/v): Adapted for a different use or purpose.
- Partitioned (v): Divided into parts.
- Marina /məˈriː.nə/ (n): A specially designed harbor with moorings for pleasure yachts and small boats.
- Derelict /ˈder.ə.lɪkt/ (adj): In a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect.
- Promenade /ˌprɒm.əˈnɑːd/ (n): A paved public walk, typically one along a seafront at a resort.
5. Comparison: Band 5.0 vs. Band 9.0 Analysis
In a map task, the secret to a top score is using spatial logic and varied verbs of change. Observe this comparison of the northern sector’s development:
| Band 5.0 (Basic) | Band 9.0 (Academic) |
|---|---|
| In the north, there was a farm. Now there are houses. They built a bridge over the river so people can go to the houses. The school is bigger now. | Originally dominated by farmland, the northern sector has been entirely repurposed for residential use. Access to this newly developed estate is facilitated by a bridge spanning the central river. Furthermore, the existing school has been considerably enlarged. |
| Problem: Uses simple present/past tense, repetitive “houses”, and basic verbs like “built”. Lack of cohesive flow. | Success: Sophisticated verbs (“repurposed”, “facilitated”, “enlarged”), precise spatial orientation (“northern sector”), and complex sentence structures. |
