The map shows two potential locations (S1 and S2) for a new supermarket in a town called
Garlsdon.
The main difference between the two sites is that S1 is outside the town, whereas S2 is in
the town centre. The sites can also be compared in terms of access by road or rail, and
their positions relative to three smaller towns.
Looking at the information in more detail, S1 is in the countryside to the north west of
Garlsdon, but it is close to the residential area of the town. S2 is also close to the housing
area, which surrounds the town centre.
There are main roads from Hindon, Bransdon and Cransdon to Garlsdon town centre, but
this is a no traffic zone, so there would be no access to S2 by car. By contrast, S1 lies on
the main road to Hindon, but it would be more difficult to reach from Bransdon and
Cransdon. Both supermarket sites are close to the railway that runs through Garlsdon from
Hindon to Cransdon.
(171 Words)
Step 1: Band Score Analysis
Estimated Band Score: 8.0
| Criteria | Score | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Task Achievement | 8.0 | Clear overview and detailed comparisons between S1 and S2. Covers all major points. |
| Coherence & Cohesion | 8.0 | Logical organization with effective linking words (“by contrast,” “looking at the information in more detail”). |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 | Good variety; could slightly elevate word choice in a few places. |
| Grammatical Range & Accuracy | 8.0 | Good control of complex structures, minor improvements possible for higher sophistication. |
Band 7–8 Version
The map presents two possible sites, S1 and S2, for a new supermarket in Garlsdon.
The major distinction between the two is that S1 is located outside the town, while S2 is situated in the town centre. The two locations also differ in terms of accessibility and proximity to neighboring towns.
S1 lies in the countryside to the northwest of Garlsdon, though it remains near a residential area. Similarly, S2 is positioned close to housing, which encircles the town centre. Both sites are near the railway that connects Hindon, Garlsdon, and Cransdon.
Access by road is a key consideration. S2 is in a no-traffic zone, meaning vehicles cannot reach it directly, whereas S1 is situated on the main road leading to Hindon. However, reaching S1 from Bransdon and Cransdon could be less convenient.
Word count: 157
Band 9 Version
The map illustrates two proposed locations, S1 and S2, for a new supermarket in Garlsdon.
The primary difference is that S1 is situated on the outskirts of the town, whereas S2 lies in the town centre. Accessibility and proximity to nearby towns further distinguish the two sites.
S1 is positioned in a rural area northwest of Garlsdon but remains close to residential zones. S2, meanwhile, is surrounded by housing developments in the town centre. Both sites are conveniently near the railway line linking Hindon, Garlsdon, and Cransdon.
In terms of road access, S2’s location within a no-traffic zone restricts direct car access, whereas S1 is adjacent to the main road from Hindon. Nonetheless, S1’s connection to Bransdon and Cransdon is less direct, potentially complicating travel from those towns.
Word count: 153
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Band 7–8 Version | Band 9 Version |
|---|---|---|
| Vocabulary | Good | More precise and formal |
| Structure | Clear and organized | Highly sophisticated and polished |
| Data Coverage | Thorough | Comprehensive |
| Cohesion | Good transitions | Seamless transitions |
Sentence Comparisons
| Original | Improved |
|---|---|
| “The main difference between the two sites…” | “The primary difference is that…” |
| “Looking at the information in more detail, S1 is in the countryside…” | “S1 is positioned in a rural area northwest of Garlsdon…” |
| “There are main roads from Hindon, Bransdon and Cransdon…” | “In terms of road access…” |
Grammar and Spelling Mistakes
There are no grammar mistakes.
However, slight improvements for naturalness:
- “in the countryside to the north west” → “in a rural area northwest”
- “close to the housing area” → “close to housing developments”
Vocabulary Repetition
| Repeated Word | Suggested Alternatives |
|---|---|
| “close to” | near, adjacent to, nearby |
| “access” | entry, approach, connectivity |
| “housing” | residential zones, residential areas |
IELTS Writing Task 1 Exercises with Answers
Fill in the blanks using the words: (residential, railway, outskirts, direct, rural, developments)
- S1 is located on the __________ of Garlsdon.
→ outskirts - S2 is surrounded by housing __________ in the town centre.
→ developments - The __________ area of S1 still remains close to the town.
→ rural - Both sites are near the __________ line connecting neighboring towns.
→ railway - S2 cannot be reached by __________ car access.
→ direct - S1 is close to a __________ zone of Garlsdon.
→ residential
Interesting comparison of the two potential supermarket locations in Garlsdon. S1 seems more convenient for car access but might be harder to reach from Bransdon and Cransdon, while S2 is central but has traffic restrictions. I wonder if pedestrian accessibility was considered since S2 is in a no-traffic zone.
Do you think the railway proximity will significantly impact customer numbers at either location?
(And that last random sentence about the printer seems completely out of place – was that intentional?)
The choice between S1 and S2 for the new supermarket seems to hinge on accessibility versus convenience. S1’s location on the main road offers better connectivity to Hindon but complicates access from Bransdon and Cransdon. On the other hand, S2’s central position ensures proximity to housing but restricts direct vehicle access due to the no-traffic zone. I’m curious, how will the town prioritize these factors—ease of access for vehicles or convenience for local residents? The railway proximity for both sites is a strong advantage, but how will public transport accommodate shoppers? It feels like S2 might be more beneficial for Garlsdon residents, while S1 could attract a broader customer base. What’s the projected impact on traffic flow and local businesses for each site? How will the town manage potential logistical challenges with either location?
This analysis of the two potential locations, S1 and S2, for the new supermarket in Garlsdon is quite thorough. The comparison between accessibility, proximity to residential areas, and transportation links gives a clear picture of the pros and cons of each site. However, I wonder if the focus on road access overlooks other important factors, such as the environmental impact or the potential for pedestrian traffic. S2’s no-traffic zone could actually be a benefit if the supermarket aims to cater to local residents who prefer walking or cycling. On the other hand, S1’s rural location might offer more space for parking and expansion. Do you think the railway connection could balance out the drawbacks of S1 being less accessible by road? Wouldn’t it be better to consider the long-term growth of the town and how the supermarket’s location could influence that? What’s your take on the potential impact on local businesses if S2 is chosen? I’m curious to hear if there’s more to this decision than just convenience and accessibility. Could there be a hidden advantage to one of these locations that hasn’t been discussed yet?
The choice between S1 and S2 seems quite intriguing, especially considering the trade-offs in accessibility and location. S1’s position on the main road to Hindon could attract more regional customers, but its distance from Bransdon and Cransdon might be a drawback. On the other hand, S2’s central location could be more convenient for local residents, but the no-traffic zone restriction is a significant limitation. I wonder if the town’s long-term development plans favor one site over the other. Personally, I’d lean toward S1 for its potential to serve a broader area, but I’m curious about how the town’s residents feel about it. Do you think the no-traffic zone around S2 could be reconsidered to make it more viable? What’s your take on balancing accessibility for locals versus regional customers?
The debate between S1 and S2 for the new supermarket seems interesting, but I’m not entirely convinced either is the perfect choice. S1’s rural location might feel inconvenient for town residents, despite its road access. S2’s no-traffic zone seems eco-friendly, but how practical is it for shoppers who rely on cars? I wonder if the town centre location could lead to congestion despite the traffic restrictions. Why wasn’t a hybrid solution considered—something closer to the town but with better road access? Also, wouldn’t S1’s proximity to the railway be a significant advantage for both workers and shoppers? What are your thoughts on balancing accessibility and convenience in this case?
The choice between S1 and S2 for the new supermarket seems quite strategic, but I wonder if the convenience for residents from Bransdon and Cransdon has been fully considered. S1’s road access might be better from Hindon, but what about the other towns? S2’s no-traffic zone is interesting, but how will that impact delivery logistics and customers who prefer driving? I think S1 might appeal more to rural shoppers, while S2 could cater better to town residents. Wouldn’t it make sense to conduct a survey to see what the majority prefers? Accessibility is key, but so is practicality. What do you think—could a compromise location be the solution?