Darwin waterfront, 2009 and 2014: IELTS Task 1 answer #14, band 8.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
252 words. Marked by Axiom on 10 April 2025. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
The map this answer describes
2009
- Two areas are explicitly labelled industrial area.
- Residential buildings are grouped below the lake.
2014
- Neither industrial-area label nor its hatch marks remain.
- A university building, harbour and an additional swimming pool are shown.
- There are more residential-building symbols and trees.
Academic Task 1252 words
The maps illustrate the changes that have taken place at the waterfront area of a town called Darwin between 2009 and 2014.
The maps illustrate the changes that occurred in the waterfront area of the town called Darwin between 2009 and 2014.
Overall, the area underwent significant redevelopment, transforming from an industrial hub into a more recreational and residential zone.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedKey changes include the removal of industrial areas and the introduction of green spaces, residential buildings, and educational institutions.
The term 'notable' is a bit repetitive as it is used later in the paragraph. 'Key changes' can be used to vary the language.
In 2009, the southern part of the waterfront was dominated by a large industrial area adjacent to the sea, while another smaller industrial zone was located near the lake in the central part of the map. Residential buildings were few, and the area was more focused on industrial use.
Lexical resource
RevisedA school and convention center were already established in the northwestern section, while a swimming pool and a fishing area were located on the eastern side.
The phrase 'were already in place' is a bit informal. 'Were already established' is a more formal and appropriate choice.
By 2014, dramatic changes had occurred.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedThe industrial areas were completely removed and replaced with landscaped parkland filled with trees, as well as several new residential buildings positioned near the lake.
The original sentence is a bit long and confusing. Breaking it up and using 'as well as' can improve clarity.
Grammar & accuracy
RevisedA university building, indicating a shift toward education, was constructed to the southwest of the school.
The original sentence is a bit awkward. Reordering the phrase can improve readability.
Lexical resource
RevisedAdditionally, a harbour was constructed in the southeast corner to enhance access to the sea, and a second swimming pool was built in the northwestern part of the area.
The phrase 'was added' is a bit informal. 'Was constructed' is a more formal and appropriate choice.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedDespite these developments, the presence of the convention center, school, lake, and fishing area remained, suggesting their continued importance to the community.
The use of the word 'remained' is a bit repetitive. Varying the language can make the sentence more engaging.
In summary, the Darwin waterfront was significantly modernized and repurposed over the five-year period, focusing more on residential, recreational, and educational use rather than industrial activity.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The use of cohesive devices is effective, and the progression of the essay is smooth.
Suggestions
- Consider using a wider range of linking words to show more variety.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedKey changes include the removal of industrial areas and the introduction of green spaces, residential buildings, and educational institutions.
The term 'notable' is a bit repetitive as it is used later in the paragraph. 'Key changes' can be used to vary the language.
RevisedDespite these developments, the presence of the convention center, school, lake, and fishing area remained, suggesting their continued importance to the community.
The use of the word 'remained' is a bit repetitive. Varying the language can make the sentence more engaging.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of structures and there are few grammatical errors. Those that do exist are minor and do not impede communication.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedThe industrial areas were completely removed and replaced with landscaped parkland filled with trees, as well as several new residential buildings positioned near the lake.
The original sentence is a bit long and confusing. Breaking it up and using 'as well as' can improve clarity.
RevisedA university building, indicating a shift toward education, was constructed to the southwest of the school.
The original sentence is a bit awkward. Reordering the phrase can improve readability.
Lexical resource
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. The vocabulary is used appropriately with only minor errors.
Sentence revisions 2
RevisedA school and convention center were already established in the northwestern section, while a swimming pool and a fishing area were located on the eastern side.
The phrase 'were already in place' is a bit informal. 'Were already established' is a more formal and appropriate choice.
RevisedAdditionally, a harbour was constructed in the southeast corner to enhance access to the sea, and a second swimming pool was built in the northwestern part of the area.
The phrase 'was added' is a bit informal. 'Was constructed' is a more formal and appropriate choice.
Task achievement
Band 8.0/ 9
The essay addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear overview of the information provided. The essay also includes specific details and examples to support the main points.
Suggestions
- Make sure to fully explain all of the data in the diagrams. While you have done this well, a small part of your explanation could be seen as slightly unclear. Providing more detail in this part will give you a higher score.
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