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 the layout of a university campus in 2005 and 2025.”8
Overall
8
Task response
8
Coherence & cohesion
8
Lexical resource
8
Grammar
The two maps illustrate the layout of a university campus in 2005 and 2025.
Overall, the campus has become more built-up over the two decades, with new academic and student facilities added at the expense of the large sports field that once dominated the centre and south of the site. The main building has remained unchanged, while several other areas have been significantly altered.
In 2005, the main building and the library were situated along the north side of the campus, with a large sports field occupying the central and southern portions. Main Road ran along the eastern boundary. By 2025, the main building has remained in place, whereas the library has been extended with a new wing constructed to its east. On the former sports field, a new science block was built in 2018 in the northern part, and a car park has been added beside it.
On the east side of the campus, a new student union building has been constructed adjacent to Main Road, which itself has remained unchanged. As a result of these additions, the sports field has been reduced to approximately half its original size, now occupying only the southern portion of the campus. The library extension, science block, car park, and student union building together represent a substantial increase in the built-up area of the site.
- •Clear overview identifying the general character of change (more built-up, sports field reduced) before any specific feature is discussed.
- •Accurate use of the passive and present perfect passive: 'has been extended', 'has been constructed', 'has been added', 'has been reduced'.
- •Compass directions and positional language used throughout: north side, eastern boundary, northern part, southern portion, east side.
- •The main building and Main Road are explicitly identified as features that remained unchanged.
- •The final sentence lists all new additions together, which slightly reduces cohesion; grouping them thematically would improve flow.
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