Band 8 model answer
A model answer written to illustrate a Band 8 response to this question, with the rubric breakdown and what carries it. Written by us as a teaching example, not a verified exam script.
“The maps show an island before and after the construction of facilities for tourists.”8
Overall
8
Task response
8
Coherence & cohesion
8
Lexical resource
8
Grammar
The two maps illustrate an island before and after the construction of tourist facilities.
Overall, the island has been transformed from an entirely undeveloped, tree-covered landmass into a functioning tourist resort. It has become considerably more built-up, with a network of footpaths connecting newly constructed buildings, while the beach on the western shore and much of the natural vegetation have been retained.
Prior to development, the island contained no buildings or access infrastructure and was covered entirely in trees and natural vegetation. A beach occupied the western shore. Following development, a reception building has been constructed in the centre of the island, serving as a hub for visitors. To the east, two clusters of accommodation huts have been added. A restaurant has been built near the beach on the western side, allowing guests to make use of the existing shoreline.
A pier has been added on the southern coast to provide boat access to the island, and a designated swimming area has been marked in the sea just off the western beach. Footpaths now link the reception to the accommodation, the restaurant, and the pier, facilitating movement across the island. The beach and a considerable portion of the original tree cover have remained intact.
- •Clear overview that captures the shift from an undeveloped island to a tourist resort and notes what was retained, before listing individual changes.
- •Accurate use of the passive throughout: 'has been constructed', 'has been added', 'has been built', 'has been marked'.
- •Compass directions used consistently to locate each new feature: centre, east, western shore, southern coast.
- •Explicitly states the features that remained unchanged (beach and vegetation), a Band 7+ feature.
- •A 'whereas' or 'while' contrast between the before and after states within a body paragraph would add one more cohesive device.
Write your own. Get a real band read.
Reading a model answer only takes you so far. Write your own response to this question and we’ll grade it against the four official rubrics, the same way we scored this one.
Attempt this question