Academic Task 1 · 188 words
Station square: distinguish proposals from completed changes
Compare locations, replacement and continuity while keeping the proposed development distinct from a completed project.
Study the method: Maps and plans: compare completed changes and proposals →
Band 7 goal: Map comparisons
Develop and connect relevant ideas or select and compare the most useful details. This is a study route, not an examiner score assigned to the answer. How IELTS Writing is assessed.
The question
The plans show a station square in 2025 and a proposed design for the same area in 2028. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Open full-size diagram (new tab)The sample answer
The plans compare a station square in 2025 with a proposed arrangement for 2028. They show the position of the station and surrounding facilities, together with changes planned for the space between the building and Station Road.
Overall, the proposal would introduce cycle parking, a bus stop and paved seating in place of three existing features. A central pedestrian path would also be added. The station building, cafe, entrance and road would remain in their existing locations.
In the western half of the square, the car park shown in 2025 would be replaced by covered cycle parking, directly south of the station building. Further south, the taxi rank beside Station Road would give way to a bus stop. The proposed path would run north from the southern entrance to the station, between the western and eastern facilities.
On the eastern side, the cafe would remain in place near the station. However, the lawn to its south would be replaced by a paved seating area. This would occupy the southeastern part of the square, while the entrance would continue to provide access from Station Road at the southern edge.
Vocabulary in context
Each phrase appears in the answer above. Learn how it works, not just a replacement word.
- would be replaced by
- Would give way to a different feature under the proposal.
Use conditional wording to describe planned replacement without claiming the works have happened.
- would remain in place
- Would stay at its existing location in the proposed layout.
Use this for a retained feature such as the cafe; do not apply it to the lawn.
- the southern edge
- The boundary of an area on its south side.
Check the north arrow before using this phrase to locate the road or entrance.
Now make it your own
Write one paragraph comparing the western side of the two plans. Include both replacements and the path, using language that makes clear these are proposals rather than completed works.
For a smaller practice step, use the explanation, knowledge check and self-review exercise in Describe maps and processes precisely.
The practice link opens the original question, not a copy of this answer.
Open the writing workspaceMore examples of this question type
Summarise the main changes, group features by location and distinguish what changed from what stayed the same.