Question: The maps above show the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 8+ Sample Answer:
(Intro & Overview) The two maps show the current layout and projected changes due to take place in the centre of a small-sized town known as Islip. Overall the differences in the two maps indicate that Islip will become larger and more urbanised if these plans are carried out, with developments in road and transport infrastructure, retail, and housing, as well as a reduction in green space.
(Detail 1) Looking at the current map of Islip, we can see that the town is essentially a linear development with two rows of parallel shops located either side of the main road which passes through the town from east to west. At the east end of the town is a turning leading to a small park, whereas a road at the opposite end of the shops, leads south toward the school.
(Detail 2) Turning our attention to the second map, we can see that by the time the planned development is completed, Islip will be a bigger and more developed location. The most striking feature is a new circular dual carriageway, which encompasses existing roads and surrounds the entire town with the exception of the school, which will fall just outside this new ring road. Within the town itself, the main road will be retained but the majority of it is planned to be pedestrianised. To the north, the existing row of shops will make way for a number of new developments including a bus station, shopping centre (with adjacent car park), and new housing (with a connecting road). In contrast the shops located to the south will not change considerably, but we will see further new housing built to the west of the park, which will reduce in size as a consequence). (284 words).
Words: Nick Kemp, former IELTS examiner.
Image: Cambridge