Prompt
Task 1 – Map: town centre changes
The map shows a town centre in 1990 and the same area in 2025. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 9 sample answer
Band 9 sample answer
The maps compare the layout of a town centre in 1990 with the same area in 2025.
Overall, the town centre was modernised by prioritising pedestrians and upgrading civic facilities. While the shops and parking provision remained in the northern section, the central road was replaced by a pedestrian zone, and the southern part was redesigned with expanded green space and new public buildings.
In 1990, a road ran east–west through the middle of the map, with shops in the north-west and a large car park to the north-east, both served by the northern road. South of the central road, the west side was occupied by a park. On the south-east side, the library stood above the town hall, forming a block between the middle and southern roads.
By 2025, the shops were still located in the north-west, and the north-eastern car park continued in use as parking. However, the former central road had been converted into a pedestrian zone. In the southern half, the park was replaced by a larger green space, and the civic area was redeveloped: the town hall was rebuilt as a modern town hall, and a community centre was added to its south. A new access road also extended southwards from the centre.
Verified word count: 213
Why this answer works
explanation
It gives a clear overall summary, groups changes logically (north vs south; transport vs land use), and uses precise comparative language (remained, replaced, converted, redeveloped) while accurately describing positions and key additions/removals.
what this question tests
This map task assesses your ability to summarise spatial changes over time, highlight the most significant developments, and make clear comparisons using accurate location language (e.g., north/south, opposite, adjacent, replaced by).
Useful vocabulary and phrases
prioritise pedestrians
Shows higher-level interpretation and natural collocation.
The redesign prioritised pedestrians by introducing a dedicated pedestrian zone.
was converted into
Common Task 1 structure for reporting changes.
The central road was converted into a pedestrian-only street.
was replaced by
Clear and precise for map comparisons.
The former park was replaced by a larger green space.
civic facilities
Concise way to group public buildings.
Civic facilities were upgraded with a modern town hall and a community centre.
provision remained
More sophisticated than repeating 'stayed the same'.
Parking provision remained in the northern part of the centre.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting an Overview paragraph that summarises the main changes.
- Confusing ‘north-east’ with ‘south-east’ when describing locations.
- Listing every label without comparing changes across the two years.
- Overusing ‘there is/are’; vary with passives (was replaced/was added).
- Writing under 150 words or far above the recommended range.
Want examiner-style feedback on your answer?
Submit your essay and unlock a band estimate, corrections, and improvement steps.
Get examiner-style feedback