Book 5 Academic Writing Test 3 · Task 1
Original planning guidance for the supplied practice prompt. The example is illustrative; it is not a full model answer or a rated response.
This task compares two possible supermarket sites in Garlsdon. The supplied practice file contains an incomplete schematic, so this guide helps you plan a location comparison; it cannot verify the original map's distances, road layout or land use.
Practice target: 150+ words, about 20 minutes.
How to approach this task
- Read the original map's legend, settlement labels and transport routes before drafting. Note which features are actually shown around each proposed site.
- Compare the sites using the same criteria: access from surrounding places, relationship to the town centre and transport constraints. A balanced comparison is clearer than an unrelated list of features for each site.
- Write an overview of the principal contrast supported by the original map. Do not invent travel times, traffic levels, parking capacity or customer numbers.
- Use location language precisely: north of, outside, adjacent to and connected by describe different relationships. Check every direction and distance against the source map.
Planning example
A planning table with columns for site, nearby transport, surrounding population centres and stated restrictions can expose the strongest contrasts. Leave a cell blank when the incomplete schematic does not provide the necessary evidence.
Common mistake to avoid
Do not turn Task 1 into a recommendation essay unless the prompt requests a recommendation. The practice test containing this map remains a draft until the visual is completed.
Complete the full test
Put this topic into context with the complete adapted test, timer and saved draft.
Online submission on the canonical website asks for your name, email and storage consent. Writing receives no automatic band score.
Study this test by topic
Read focused guidance, then return to the complete test.