“The maps show the centre of the town of Halton in 2000 and today.”
Describe the changes: the factory became apartments, the field became a supermarket and car park, the shops became an extended shopping centre, and the houses were replaced by a park.
Task 1 · Academic·20 min·≥ 150 words·📚 Practice prompt
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Start or read a Band 8 model →The maps below show the centre of the town of Halton in 2000 and today. Compare them and describe how the town centre has changed. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
🧠 5-step planHow to crack it
Open if you want a structure to follow
How to crack it
Open if you want a structure to follow
- 1
Read the question twice.
Underline every keyword. The instruction word ("agree", "discuss") decides your structure. Get this wrong and you cap at 5.
- 2
Plan for 5 minutes.
Two body paragraphs. One main idea each. Pick examples BEFORE you write the intro.
- 3
Write your intro last in your head.
Once you know the conclusion, the intro writes itself. Paraphrase the question, don’t copy it.
- 4
Aim for 270–290 words.
Less = task incomplete. More = grammar errors. Stay in the pocket.
- 5
Leave 3 minutes to proofread.
Hunt articles ("a/an/the"), subject-verb agreement, and "make/do" mix-ups. They’re your usual suspects.
⚠️ Examiner watch-outsWhat loses you the band
The four traps this question sets
What loses you the band
The four traps this question sets
- ⚠️
Off-topic intro
Paraphrase the question. Don’t broaden it.
- ⚠️
Conclusion that just repeats
Add one new reason. Or a recommendation.
- ⚠️
"Make a damage"
Collocation slip. Use "cause damage".
- ⚠️
"Furthermore. Moreover."
Pick one. Both = robotic.
Model answer
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