ielts map essay sample

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IELTS Writing Maps: Model Answer, Tips & Vocabulary

Below is an IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Model Answer with Great Tips and also Vocabulary. The IELTS Map Model Answer is Band Score 9 and helps you see the structure, key features and language. The IELTS Map question is a comparison of three maps in different time periods for the academic writing task 1. 

TIPS FOR IELTS MAPS: WRITING Task 1

Below are useful tips and techniques for writing a high band score writing task 1 map.

Types of IELTS Maps

There are a variety of maps that you can get in IELTS Writing Task 1 test:

• Changes in Towns

These types of maps focus on the expansion and layout of towns with features such as roads, buildings, land and other features of a town or city. It is most common to be given two maps, but occasionally (like in the model below) you could get three maps.

2. Changes in a Resort

This is about a holiday area which usually has different features than a town. There might be facilities such as swimming pools, nature hikes, hotels, beaches and water features. These types of tasks often compare current resorts with a future resort. However, future maps could appear as any type of map. 

3. Places with Multiple Buildings and Features

Typical examples of this type of map is a school, university or hospital.

This type of map covers an area of ground containing different buildings that serve different functions. The layout is different to a town and the facilities relate only to the function of the company/institution.

4. Floor Plans 

You could be given a floor plan which means it is the layout of a building on the inside showing all the rooms. Floor plans often show a past layout with a future plan to expand and alter rooms. Unlike the above maps, this one is about rooms and the functions of rooms. For example a room might have been a study in the past but there are plans to expand it and use it as a kitchen/diner. 

Grammar Tenses for Map Writing

Always check the date on the maps.:

• if the map is dated in the past , you must use past tense. For example, “The hospital was located to the north side of the town”
• if the map shows a future plan , you must use future forms, such as “it will be extended and will no longer be used as an office, but instead used as a reception room.”. 
• if the map is dated as “Present” or “Now”, you would use the present tense.
• If there is a comparison of dates , you must be flexible with the tenses in your sentences: “the office was located on the ground floor but in the future it will be moved to the first floor.”
• You will also notice that the passive voice is sometimes used for map reports for writing task 1.

Map KEYS and Compass Points

Sometimes your map will have a key. This is a a box of information in the map that tells you what things are called. You should pay attention to it and use that language.

Always check if the map shows north. For towns and other areas, you can always presume that north is directly up. It is important to know: north, south, east and west. Watch the video below for map vocabulary.

Structure & Paragraphing for IELTS Map Writing

Structure of Report

• Introduction – paraphrasing the description given and adding more required information
• Overview – collecting all key features into one paragraph
• Body Paragraph 1 – details of the maps
• Body Paragraph 2 – details of the maps
• Body Paragraph 3 – details of the maps (optional)

Overview: Key Features

All overviews in writing task 1 are critical to your score and are the most important paragraph. They must contain all key features. So, you need to pay attention to what changes and what stays the same. This what you highlight in your overview paragraph. The biggest mistake people make is writing only one sentence for their overview because they think it isn’t important.

Body Paragraphs

Your division of information for body paragraphs will depend on what your maps show. You might divide the information into paragraphs based in different time periods. But if you do that, you won’t be comparing. Or you could divide information based on what changes and what doesn’t. Body paragraph organisation must be logical whatever your choice.

IELTS MAP WRITING TASK 1: Model Answer 

The maps below show the changes that have taken place in Meadowside village and Fonton, a neighbouring town, since 1962.

Source: Map above not produced by IELTS Liz.

IELTS Map Comparison Model Answer

The three maps illustrate how Meadowside village and Fonton, which is a nearby town, have developed from 1962 to the present.

Overall, both Fonton and Meadowside village increased in size over the years until they eventually merged together, at which point Meadowside became a suburb. Furthermore, there have been significant changes to infrastructure, housing and facilities over the period given.

In 1962, both Meadowside and Fonton were completely separate with no roads or rail connecting them. While Fonton had a railway line running to the north, Meadowside, located to the west of Fonton, only had a small road from the west.

By 1985, Meadowside had expanded and the small road had become a main road. A further main road had been built to connect the village to Fonton. Within Meadowside, a superstore, leisure complex and housing estate had been developed. By this time, Fonton had also grown in size. 

Currently, Meadowside is known as Meadowside Suburbs after joining with Fonton. Between both places, a hotel, station and business park have been built on either side of the railway line.

COMMENTS about MODEL ANSWER:

• It isn’t often that you will have three body paragraphs for your IELTS Writing Task 1 report. But this maps has three time periods so it makes sense to have these body paragraphs.
• Body Paragraph 1 – roads and railway
• Body Paragraph 2 – land and buildings
• There is no right or wrong way to organise information into body paragraphs. You are being marked on being logical in how you organise information. If it lacks logic, you get a lower score. Your organisation also needs to help highlight key features which means deciding key features during your planning state is important because it will influence your paragraphing.
• The length of all writing task 1 should be between 170 and 190 words. A longer report will be marked down for not selecting features and getting lost in detail. A shorter report will be marked for not having enough information. To learn about the marking criteria that the examiner will assess you on, click here: Writing Task 1 Band Scores Explained

Vocabulary for Maps Video

The map shown in this lesson was designed for teaching vocabulary – it not an IELTS map task.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

• How to write an introduction for writing task 1
• Overview or Conclusion?
• Diagram Model Answer
• Line Graph Model Answer
• ALL MODEL ANSWERS AND TIPS FOR WRITING TASK 1

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The diagrams given below compare the current layout of Meadowside village and its neighboring town, Fonton with those in 1962 and in 1985.

Overall, both Meadowside village and Fonton experienced numerous changes, specifically in terms of increasing land area to eventually merge together. Furthermore, there has been significant urbanization, as the housing and infrastructure facilities have greatly developed. In 1962, Meadowside village was a bare land with no railway tracks and a small road from the west, whereas Fonton, located to the east of Meadowside was a separate land with a railway track running through it. From 1962 to 1985, Meadowside village exhibited substantial development growing into a larger village with a housing estate in the west, a super store in the south, a leisure complex in the east and wider roads. Notably, during this period, Fonton’s land area increased in size and a connection between the two towns was established via road.

The growth of these two areas has continued to the current date, consequently, resulting in the land areas joining together to form one large town ultimately forming Meadowside suburbs. The railway lines that belonged to Fonton, has now been extended alongside the road to reach a station. To the north of this station, a hotel has been constructed and opposite the station, on the other side of the road, a business park is now present.

The maps depicts the layout of Meadowside village and Fonton in 1962 and what modifications have experienced from 1985 until now. Overall, the size of Meadowside village and Fonton has been largened in favour of significant alertations to infrastructure, commercial and residential facilities which have been added. In the initial period surveyed, Meadowside village and Fonton were located separately, the former in the east and the latter in the opposite side. Railway line was laid through Fonton from the north to the west. Similarly, there was small road to the east upon the village.

The given map indicates the alters which have occurred in meadowside rural a neighboring fonton from 1962 until now. As it is clear, The maps show an expanding trend and how meadowside has developed during this time. In 1962, Meadowside was a small village on the west side of the town and two local paths made connections between the village and other parts. However, it wasn’t a stable situation because Meadowside became bigger than in the past and created two roads which through the pass of the village made a connection to Fonton. Furthermore, several places were added to the meadow side in 1985. In addition, The Fonton was developed on the west side in 1985. The Meadowside village has developed and become a part of Fonton while in1962 was a small village and now is a suburb of Fonton town and these days was build a rail station, business park and a hotel near the main road.

These three maps demonstrated the layout of a village named Meadowside and its neighborhood in the respective years 1962, 1985 and present time . Basically, over the period of time this village converted into well developed suburb area with numerous changes taken place in terms of infrastructure. Initially, in year 1962 meadowside was a village with almost very empty spaces and there was not any connecting road available to its neighborhood Fonton. Although, in year 1985 a link road was built to connect both areas. Other infrastructure developments that took place was a leisure club, a targeted area for housing and a super market. Now comparing with current scenario, Meadowside is transformed into suburban area which is expanded towards Fonton. In the midst of this area a hotel, a station is built. Additionally a business park also built in front of main linking highway.

Hi, do we have to mention that the housing complex was build to the west or is it sufficient to just mention buildings that were built?

Generally, you would give locations. However, it really depends on how much information there is to relate. If there is a lot of information, you would choose how to present it differently to if there was only a bit of information. There are no fixed rules. Task 1 is a short report aimed at being around 170-190 words. Rarely does it go over 200 and if it does, it would only be around 210 words. Also, it is designed to be completed in just 20 mins. So, if you take those things into consideration, you’ll make certain choices and this is what you plan before you start writing.

Hi Liz, shouldn’t we maintain the writing task 1 structure as follows: Introduction, Overview, Detailed Paragraph 1 and Detailed Paragraph 2? But, here you have shown five paragraphs containing the whole essay. Could you help to solve my confusion?

The first thing to note is that task 1 is not an essay. It’s really important that you realise this. Task 2 is an essay and task 1 is a report. This is why the sentence structures are similar, language is similar and structure is similar. Regarding organisation of paragraphs, IELTS is testing your ability to group information together into paragraphs. There are no set rules for how many paragraphs you might have. But logically, you can see that in a short report (and IELTS reports are short), you will need an introduction, an overview and body paragraphs (plural). It is most likely that you will only need 2 body paragraphs. Almost all task 1 will have only two. But three are sometimes needed. That is why I create these model answers. I want you to see what must stay the same and where there is flexibility. So, you are doing the right thing in spotting these differences. But just know that if I’ve done it in a model answer, then it’s safe to do. My model answers are safe to learn from and I am careful in how I create them for learning purposes.

Hi liz i hope you are doing well i had one question in your map essay you categorise it to five paragraph is that possible to do it in any writing task1 because to my knowledge most of the time we make it four and thank you for your assistance

The first thing to realise is that writing task 1 is a report, not an essay. Secondly, there are no fixed rules for the number of paragraphs. Most reports will have two body paragraphs, but occasionally you’ll get a task that requires three. It all depends on the information given in the task.

The maps show the changes that have taken place in meadowside village and a neighbouring town called Fonton since 1962. It shows meadowside village and Fonton town as two independent places in 1962 with no road or rail linking them. However, both places have now been connected by a road and a few other infrastructure have been constructed between them.

Overall, the maps show a significant growth in both places between 1962,1985 and now. The development started in 1985 with a housing estate, leisure complex and a superstore, all established in meadowside village. A road was also constructed this particular year linking meadowside village with Fonton town. Both places also expanded in terms of land mass between 1962 and 1985.

Currently, meadowside village has become a suburb and is presently called meadowside suburb, it has also further expanded and completely merged with Fonton town. Additionally, a hotel, station and bus park have been built between both places.

In conclusion, it is obvious that both meadowside village and fonton town have immensely seen major growth and development between 1962 and now.

I don’t usually comment, but I will say this: The overview is the most important paragraph in task 1. It contains all key features, not data and details. It is an general view of the main stages or main changes. You can’t have an overview and a conclusion in a report for task 1. Just the overview is required.

The map illustrates Meadowside village and Fonton and how they have developed over the years 1962, 1985 and presently.

Overall, Meadowside village has become bigger and is now Meadowside suburb as it has merged with Fonton. There are new roads connecting the two villages and new buildings have been built.

In 1962, Meadowside village and Fonton lie on either side not connected by road or rail. But it is visible that Fonton had a rail running through it from the north to the east. On the other hand, Meadowside village had a small road passing through it; it started in the north and moved to the west.

As we move to 1985, we can see that Meadowside village has been expanded and now facilitates a housing estate along with a leisure complex beside it. Across the road that runs through the village which was previously only a small road and is now a main road, we are able to notice the presence of a superstore on the south of the residential area which first appeared in 1985. It is noticeable that there is a road that passes through the village and Fonton from the west to east.

In terms of now, Meadowside is now a suburb. A new rail has emerged towards the east starting from a station located in the center of the two places. Just above the station is where the hotel is situated. Below the station, we can see the business park as well.

Hi can you please correct my mistakes and let me know if there is anything I can do to make this better. And what is a score that I can expect?

The maps presents the development of the urbanization in Meodowside village and the nearest located town Fonton, from year 1962. Meodowside and Fonton started far apart from eachother, but have gradually been structured over time into a bigger town with linking roads, trainroad tracks, and new-built housing.

In 1962 Meodowside village was situated singularly, without any connection to Fonton. The small village had a smaller road passing through. Fonton had only a trainway track going through town.

Under the period up until 1985, there was a significant change. Looking at the middle map, Meodowside has developed to a larger village and buildings as the housing estate and a superstore were constructed in additional. The small road was built wider and another linking road was shaped between the town and village.

After the year 1985, the infrastructure changed massively. A hotel with a nearby trainstation and a business park have been reinforced. Comparing now to 1962 shows a big difference and total connection creating a town out of the the prior village and town.

172 words 32 minutes

The map illustrates the information about the development of Meadowside and Fonton over three periods of time. Overall, it can be seen from the map that there was no development of Meadowside and Fonton in 1962. Meanwhile, in the present, there are so many facilities, including housing estate, superstore, hotel, train station and business park.

Initially, in 1962, there was no development in the landscape in the middle of area. There is only a road ran through Meadowside village and a railway in Fonton as well. Moreover, in 1985, a housing estate, superstore and leisure complex were built in Meadowside village. The road was upgraded to concrete road and connected to Fonton. Additionally, Fonton area was bigger than the 1962.

In the present, a hotel, train station and business park is built between Meadowside suburbs and Fonton. In addition, train station is connected to Fonton. Meadowside suburbs and Fonton area have merged into one major landscape.

Three maps are shown, depicting the composition of Meadowside village and the neighbouring town of Fonton in 1962, 1985, and in the present.

Overall, one can retrace the development and growth of the two communities with first, the building of a bigger and connecting road through Meadowside village into an enlarged Fonton and second, the incorporation into one continuously populated area with new shared infrastructures.

By 1985, the previously smaller road through Meadowside village had been rebuilt into a larger road, including a new section dividing from its curved path, leading straight into the town of Fonton. Further infrastructural changes have only been made after 1985. Nowadays, a novel railway terminus is situated in the area between the two communities, that provides access to the Fonton railway.

In terms of other buildings, both communities had grown considerably by 1985, with the map illustrating a housing estate, leisure complex and superstore located within Meadowside village. Since then, this housing estate has increased further, and a hotel and business park have been built next to the new station, centered in between the once two communities. connecting the formerly beforehand separate communities.

broo this is a 9.5 score band

i love u lizz

The maps depict both Meadowside village and Fonton town in their present and past appearances, dating back to 1985 and 1962.

Overall, it can be clearly seen that not only have the town and village been developed, they are also connected to each other among the considered periods. Similarly, a number of infrastructures have been developed.

In 1962, Fonton and Meadowside were ordinary towns and villages with no interconnection, but they had their own roots. In Meadowside village, there was a road expanding to the south-west of the village and north, and Fonton had a rail road running in the middle of the town. By the year 1985, for the first time, the village and the town had joined each other with the construction of a road. Furthermore, in Meadowside Village, there had been built a supermarket, a housing state, and a leisure complex to the southern part, to the western part, and to the northern part, respectively.

By present, both Meadowside village and Fonton town have been totally connected. There is a station right in the middle of town, a hotel to the north, and a business park to the south. And there is a noticeable extension of the railway to the middle of the town. Furthermore, the name of the village has been changed to Meadowside Suburs.

The maps show the development projects taking place in both Meadowside Village and Fonton, which is a neighboring town, from 1962 to the present era. Overall, there were significant changes in both towns, Meadowside village were extended in size and has become a Surber area. There is some infrastructure, a housing estate, and a leisure complex. Meadowside Village is connected by a main road to the Fonton. In 1992, both Meadowside Village and Fonton Town were completely separated. There is a railway track in Fonton Town, which runs through its North side, and a road in Meadowside Village which runs from its west side. In 1985, some changes were made in Meadowside Village. An estate housing and a complex leisure wade made on its North side and a superstore at its south side. Moreover, Meadowside Village was extended by a main road, which connect it to Fonton Town directly. At that present time, another railway track has been made, which comes from the Western side of Fonton Town. There is also a station made there. A business park has been constructed on the opposite side of the railway station. Besides this, a hotel has been constructed here. Shortly, it can be said that these two towns are completely merged.

The maps illustrate the developments that took place in the Meadowside village and its neighbouring town, Fonton since 1962. There are 3 maps and they show the same region across 3 different dates (1962, 1985, and current).

Overall, initially Fonton Town appears considerably larger than Meadowside village but as time passed, the meadowside village grew in size. It can be observed that Meadowside village had more changes compared to Fonton town. Currently, Meadowside village and Fonton Town are interlinked with many buildings and roads.

In 1962, Meadowside village had only one road passing through it which ran from the west to north while Fonton had a railway line from north to the east. The two did not have any interlinks between them for commute. By 1985 however, Meadowside village grew rapidly, with the road being expanded and a new section of road had been laid out to reach Fonton Town. The village had a housing estate, leisure complex, and a super-store.

Currently, Meadowside Village has transformed into Meadowside Suburbs and a new railway line has been established in Fonton Town which ends in a station situated nearly in the centre of the two localities. The Hotel lies to the north of the station compared to the business park being located in the south. The business park can be accessed from the road linking Meadowside suburbs and Fonton Town.

The maps provide information about two neighbouring settlements, Meadowside(a village) and Fonton(a town), which have undergone development in the space of 60years. Overall, there has been development in the infrastructure, housing and transport systems in both Meadowside and Fonton, and the two areas have increased in size over the years.

Notably, there was a huge difference in both the size of Meadowside and its infrastructures between 1962 to 1985 as housing estate, leisure complex and super store were all constructed in 1985 as opposed to the lack of these facilities in 1962 in the village. In the same period, Fonton town was developed with increased size and construction of road passing from the southeast to the southwest, connecting Meadowside and Fonton together.

At the moment, both Meadowside and Fonton has been transformed with amenities such as station, business park and a hotel which serve both the suburb and the town.

Impressively, while Meadowside was merely a village up till 1985, it is now a suburb area. Also, Fonton town and Meadowside are now connected together as their sizes have increased to joining each other.

you need to describe the map. stating the location of the buildings developed using the map axis will be better..

Hi Liz, I hope you are doing great on your job. I just want to know that if you have released any updated article for IELTS writing recently as I believe that structure of IELTS writing is modernized by the changes of time. Thank you so much in advance for your response.

The writing test hasn’t changed. The format is the same as it always was. The marking is the same. The techniques are the same. Nothing has changed.

Thank you for this update

You’re welcome 🙂

The map illustrate the change that foncton and meadowside village went through in three time periods (1962, 1985 and the present).

Overall, the two neighbors used to be separate with no road or railway connection whatsoever, the two entities managed to grow over time, first to be linked with a road and merged at the end with new different infrastructure facilities.

in 1962, Meadowside village had only one small road coming from the west of the village and heading north. Meanwhile, foncton had a railway coming from the north, passing through the city and going west.

in 1985, the only road in Meadowise village got increased with an extention linking to it’s neighboring village and going east.Furthermore, a housing estate and a leisure complex were builled north of the West-East road, and a superstore was constructed on the south side of the that road.

Currently, Meadowside village name changed to Meadowside suburbs as it merged with foncton, a new business park was constructed south to the East-west road, a new train station was build at the center of the merging neighbors with a new railroad linked to the old one, north of it, a hotel was build.

The maps illustrate the progress occurred in Meadowside village and its neighbor, Fonton in three different time periods.

Overall, there were significant changes clearly seen in these two areas, one of which is their merging at present.

In detail, both Meadowside and Fonton were separated in 1962. The foremost was still a small village with steep road that passed from north to west. The latter, on the other hand was larger in size with rail ran through north to east.

Meanwhile, in 1985 both towns increased their land areas. There were leisure complex, superstore and housing built in Meadowside. Moreover, the steep road was converted into wider roads, one of which was extended to Fonton.

At present, Meadowside village which is now a suburb is combined with Fonton. Hotel and station has been established in the eastern side with newly built business park adjacent to the main road connected to Fonton. Alternatively, Fonton formed additional railway across west nearby suburb.

This map illustrates how Meadowside village and Fonton , which is neighbour town, have developed over three different times (1982, 1985 and now). Now Meadowside village is grown much more than 1982, it is merge with Fonton and grown significate infrastructure, 1962, this two village were completely separated. There where no rail and Road transportation, they didn’t have any kind of communication. They was only road from west. 1985, there was growth in Meadowside village, there was Leisure Complex, Housing Estate in west. Super Store in south. Small road converted to main road and also extended to Fonton has also developed. Now, they are now connected through subways and fonton is now joined .They are more developed. Railways are built in west and run in fonton where the station are built. To north side of the station, a hotel is construction and opposite the station . There is the business park built in south.

Hi Liz ! Thank you so much for sharing with us such a well-explained essay. I found your website veru useful. I will take IELTS exam in the coming month and I will inform my score with you.

Sincerely, Anvar

The way you explain is extremely beautiful like you. And apologies if i am crossing my limit but your smile could make anyone’s day. Thank you for providing all the information regarding task 1 and 2. Keep smiling.

That’s a lovely comment. Thank you. I’m glad my lessons are useful 🙂

Are you briliant teacher

you are really very good person and Don’t forget keep always smiling 😊

The map illustrates the meadowside village and Fonton which are the neighbouring towns, have developed over the different time periods from 1962, 1985 and the present era.

Overall, the Meadowside village developed their infrastructure which includes transportation, buildings, hotels etc and connected with the Fonton town.

In 1962, both the villages Fonton and Meadowside were not developed as there was no means of transportation between these two places. While Fonton had a railway line running from the north to eastern side of the village. Whereas Meadowside had a small road running from the northern part to western side of the village.

In 1985, there has been considerable changes in both the villages, especially in Meadowside village. The small road which was running from north towards the western part of the region had been converted into a highway road and the southern part of this road were merged with another road line which connects to Fonton village. Since then travelling between two villages became more convenient. Moreove in Meadowside village three important landmarks were added to their infrastructure, the Leisure complex in the western part, Housing estate in the eastern side and Super store at the southern area of the village.

At present both the villages were developed by improving the mode of transportation, as new connection railway lines were constructed from the western part of Fonton towards the centre location between two villages. To enhance the tourist economy of this area, they built a hotel behind the railway station and the business park on the opposite side of the station towards the south.

The map compares the development of Meadowside Village and its neighboring town Fonton throughout three periodical times (1962, 1985, and present time). Overall, the size area of the village and the town have increased and both areas become one union with Meadownside become a suburb area under Fonton administration. There are also developments in infrastructures such as roads, railways, housing, and business center. In initial year, Meadowside was only a small village with a small road crossing through the village. Located in the east of the village, there was Fonton, a neighboring town with railway running through it. However, there was no road that is channeling both areas. In 1985, the size of both areas increased. The big road was built in this year, being the hub between the village and the town. There were also a development in infrastructure, as housing estate, leisure complex, and superstore were built in Meadowside village. In present time, these two areas eventually merge as one, results in Meadowside became a suburb under Fonton town. They also built some facilities in area between Fonton town and the suburbs, such as hotel and business park. The railway line which once was only running through Fonton now extends to Meadowside as a new station was built around there.

The maps indicate the developments of a village called Meadowside and of a near town called Fonton, over a period started in 1962.

Overall, it can be seen that over the period in question the village and the town were expanded with the addition of a motorway and some facilities. Nowadays, Fonton and Meadowside are connected to each other.

In 1962 the village covered a small area and was crossed by a small street. In the following thirteen years it was improved, with the additions of a leisure complex, a housing estate and a super-store. Also Fonton was expanded and the two sites, in 1985, were connected with a motorway, which crossed both of them, from west to east.

Now, Meadowside and Fonton share only one area. To the west, there are Meadowside suburbs and to the east there is Fonton. The most noticeable additions are the hotel which is collocated between them in the north of the area, the station, built along the motorway and the business park.

Keep up the good job ✊Your explanation is liked me 😉

The rendered map illustrates the information about the improvments in town namely frenton in 32 years between 1990 to 2012.

Overall, it can be clearly seen from the map that there were tremendous changes after three decades in frenton. Se buldings had been improved. At the outset , school and library were only buildings which stay unchanged and in west side of high street . Trees were cut down to set up a techpark in left bottom side of town, further more , there was a bank beside the school was converted to restaurant . Hospital in the centre had been axpanded . Proceeding further , bottom playing feild with trees was demolished in order to make blocks of flates , new flats also opened alongside high street . Houses were changed to flats. There were cafe and park in east side of town which were improved into hotel and golf course . Theatre and shops were modernized in cimema as well as supermarket in last year

Hey Liz, i just want to know that can we write things in brackets as you have done in introduction, is it accepted in ielts.

Yes, of course. It’s 100% fine and in fact very useful for Writing Task 1. However, don’t overuse them. You need to vary the way you present data. They are mainly useful for line graphs, bar charts, tables and pie charts.

The map shows the different development for three years (1962,1985 and currently) in Meadowside village and Foton, a neighbouring town.

In general, the small road was replaced by big two main roads. One of them running through the Meadoside village and the other crossing the south-east of Foton. The two states have been together in the present and the size of the place was increased. There are more buildings were constructed during the three years.

In 1962, the village was spirited from the other. Also, there were no buildings and connecting the main road between them. The size of tow places was small. However, Foton was bigger than the village.

In 1985, Meadowside village constructed by lot of buildings such as ( i can’t see the names) On the other hand, Foton remains the same thing without any buildings except the size of the place which has been increased during the period.

In the present, the two places become bigger together and the have been untied by a big road accessing the place from the southeast to the southwest. And the other one from the north ending with the previous road. Between the main roads in. northeast there has been built a hotel and a station. So the number of entertainment buildings has been increased.

Hi, Liz, Hope you are safe. I have a doubt about your writing task 1 practise charts.

Which tense to use for the map “an island before and after the construction of some tourist facilities”?

It would depend on the fixed date. If the before date is in the past, you use past tense. If the after date is in our current past, you use past tense. However, if it is in our future, you use the future forms. English grammar rules apply as normal to IELTS.

Thank you, Liz, but there are no dates in the question only before and after. That’s why I’m confused.

Where did you find this question? Which IELTS Cambridge book did you find it in?

Pardon, the section’s name is ” IELTS CHARTS FOR PRACTICE”.

I know the one. You use past tense for “before” and present tense of “after”.

Thank you so much, Liz. Thank you for your valuable time.

Thanks Liz 😍💜

Its clear now Liz . Thankyou so much for quick response and help.

I wanna ask how is this task 1 estimated at band score 9 as it has 200+ words. I read in one of your reply that band score 9 has words between 170 and 190.

Can you please elaborate?

Don’t confuse advice with rules. There is no upper limit for words. However, you should aim for between 160 and 190 words (more or less). Writing more might lead you to add more detail and also increase your chances of making more language errors. You don’t get a particular band score because you have written a particular number of words. As I am fully trained and also a native English speaker, I can get away with reaching slightly over 200, but even so, most of my model answers fall just under 190 words.

Liz thank you so much 😊

Thanks you so much Liz mam ❤️❤️

Dear Liz I heard that there is a new rule of British Council that there should write a conclusion in Writing part 1? Is it true?

No. Writing task 1 is a report and you will see on the band score descriptors published by IELTS that the examiner is looking for an overview. Some people write a conclusion which is actually an overview – that is fine. It is about content and functionality. A conclusion traidtionally contains your opinions summarised – task 1 cannot contain opinions. A conclusion traditionally restates main points – task 1 cannot have repeated information. An overview is the one and only paragraph containing the key features of the task – it can be put after the introduction or at the end – some people put it at the end and call it an conclusion. That is the reason you are confused.

@Liz, which one is the best and good for achieving the IELTS band score. 1. Introduction > Overview > Paragraph 1 > Paragraph 2. 2. Introduction with overview > Paragraph 1 > PParagraph 2 > Conclusion.

I am really so confused between above them. Please share your opinion.

See this page to learn: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-1-lessons-and-tips/ . Use everything I have written to train yourself. That is the purpose of this site 🙂 The answer is there for you to find 🙂

Is it a must to write a conclusion in Task 1? Many people say, that you lose marks if there is no conclusion paragraph

You are immediately penalised if you do not write a conclusion in task 2. You are also immediately penalised if you do not write an overview in task 1.

I have heard that there should be no conclusion or overview in diagrams of writing task 1

That is completely untrue. ALL writing task 1, for the academic paper, MUST have an Overview.

Liz is considered by me to be perfect teacher for all type of information regarding ielts. Thanks for giving ur precious time to us.🙏🙏

Hi Liz,I just wanna know if it is a band 9 sample ?!

And as i realize from this sample , each paragraph explains about only the related map.I want to know whether we need to compare all the three maps with each other or not.

In writing task 1, you compare when necessary – it is not necessary to compare all things at all times. You task is to write a report which is about reporting features – comparison often only comes in the overview. For a diagram, it sometimes doesn’t come at all. For some bar charts (not all) it is the main feature of the report. Each task type is different.

Hello Mam…some IELTS coaching institutes say that we should write overall in task 1 academci at last instead of after introduction because it also also like a conclusion and we write conclusion always at last…is it okay with this?

There are no fixed rules about this in IELTS. You can choose the position of the overview. However, remember that this is not an essay – it is a report.

This task contain much more words than 150 …i think we are suppose to write upto Maximum 180 word… .

Your task is to write over 150 words. A high band score task 1 will usually have between 170 and 190 words. On the whole, it is best to avoid 200 words plus in order to reduce the density of errors and show the ability to select information.

Dear Liz can we write “Meadowside village has been increased in size” But you have written “Meadowside village increased i size” we can still see that the village has increased.But why didn’t you write it in present perfect passive.Please clarify

Meadowside village increased in size” is correct. You would not choose a passive voice for that statement.

I just watched your Map video Liz, in that you told that we should use the key ( Housing area), (town center) to change into small letters but in this model band 9 sample response it isn’t changed into small letters (meadows and fonton). Pls kindly clarify my doubt. Thanks to YOU

You need to listen much more carefully to my video lessons. I did not say you remove ALL CAPITAL LETTERS. I said you must adapt the headings or labels to make them grammatically correct when you write them in a sentence. The word “Tennis” is usually given with a capital letter in a bar chart, but we do not use a capital letter with that word in an English sentence. The word “Food” might have a capital letter in a graph, but we don’t use it with a capital letter in an English sentence. You need to look at your map or chart and decide which headings must have the capital letter changed to make it grammatically correct in a sentence. Do you understand now?

Hotel has been constructed or hotel has constructed . What is duffernce between both sentences. Is it same meaning? Plz help me 🙏

The first is passive voice. You need to learn when to use it and when to use active voice.

The difference is bellow: someone has constructed the hotel the hotel has been constructed by someone

Writing task 1 I do not feel like writing properl.So learn me

This website is for people learning IELTS skills for a high score. It is not for people struggling with English. If your English level is not strong, you will need to improve your English before you think about IELTS.

Hlw, in this task there are more than 4 paragraphs but in your video you told that there will be 4 paragraphs .. is it fine to write more paragraphs?? I am so confused now

The most common is 4. There is no fixed rule about the number of paragraphs for IELTS writing – only advice. It also depends on the task you are given and the information in the map or graph.

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How To Write an IELTS Map Essay

IELTS map questions are the easiest to answer. There are no numbers to analyse, just 2 or 3 maps to compare. Very occasionally, there might only be a single map, but this is rare.

The maps will be of the same location at different times. This could be in the past, the present time or a plan for a proposed development in the future. You are required to write about the changes you see between the maps.

There are 5 steps to writing   a high-scoring IELTS map essay:

1)  Analyse the question

2)  Identify the main features

3)  Write an introduction

4)  Write an overview

5)  Write the details paragraphs

I must emphasise the importance of steps 1 and 2. It is essential that you complete this planning stage properly before you start writing. You’ll understand why when I guide you through it. It should only take 5 minutes, leaving you a full 15 minute to write your essay.

In this lesson, we’re going to work through the 5 stages step-by-step as we answer a practice IELTS map question.

Before we begin, here’s a model essay structure that you can use as a guideline for all IELTS Academic Task 1 questions.

Ideally, your essay should have 4 paragraphs:

Paragraph 1  – Introduction

Paragraph 2  – Overview

Paragraph 3  – 1 st  main feature

Paragraph 4  – 2 nd  main feature

We now have everything we need to begin planning and writing our IELTS map essay.

Here’s our practice question:

The maps below show the village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Step 1 –  Analyse the question

The format of every Academic Task 1 question is the same. Here is our practice question again with the words that will be included in all questions highlighted.

Every question consists of:

• Sentence 1 – A brief description of the graphic
• Sentence 2 – The instructions
• The graphic – map, chart, graph, table, etc.

Sentence 2 tells you what you have to do.

You must do 3 things:

1.     Select the main features.

2.     Write about the main features.

3.     Compare the main features.

All three tasks refer to the ‘ main features ’ of the graphic. You  do not  have to write about everything. Just pick out 2 or 3 key features and you’ll have plenty to write about.

Step 2 – Identify the Main Features

All you are looking for are the main features. Start with the earliest map. Identify the key features and look to see how they have changed in the later map, and again in the final map if there are three.

Here are some useful questions to ask?

1) What time periods are shown?

Are the maps of past, present or future situations? This is important to note because it will determine whether you write your essay using past, present or future tenses.

The two maps in our practice IELTS map question show the village of Stokeford at two different times in the past. This immediately tells us that we will need to use the past tense in our essay.

2) What are the main differences between the maps?

What features have disappeared? What new features are in their place?

3) What features have remained the same over the time period?

Although the location on the maps will have undergone major development, some features may remain unchanged.

Also, think about directional language you can use, such as:

So,  what information is contained our maps? Here they are again.

Source: IELTS past paper

There are a number of different features we could select such as, the loss of the shops, the disappearance of farmland, the enlargement of the school and the development of the large house into a retirement home.

Many maps will contain far more changes than our sample maps and the changes may be more complex. In such cases, you won’t have time to write about all of them and will need to select just 2 or 3 main features to focus on.

Our maps are quite simple so we’ll list all 4 of the major changes I’ve just identified. 

Main feature 1:  The farmland has been built on.

Main feature 2:  The large house has been converted into a retirement home.

Main feature 3:  The school has been enlarged.

Main feature 4:  The shops have disappeared.

The key features you select will be the starting point for your IELTS map essay. You will then go on to add more detail later. However, with just 20 minutes allowed for Task 1, and a requirement of only 150 words, you won't be able to include many details.

We’re now ready to begin writing our essay. Here’s a reminder of the 4 part structure we’re going to use.

For this essay, we’ll adapt this a little to write about two of the features in Paragraph 3 and the other two features in Paragraph 4.

Step 3 – Write an Introduction 

In the introduction, you should simply paraphrase the question, that is, say the same thing in a different way. You can do this by using synonyms and changing the sentence structure. For example:

Introduction (Paragraph 1): 

The two maps illustrate how the village of Stokeford, situated on the east bank of the River Stoke, changed over an 80 year period from 1930 to 2010.

This is all you need to do for the introduction.

Step 4 – Write an Overview (Paragraph 2)

In the second paragraph, you should describe the general changes that have taken place. The detail comes later in the essay.

State the information simply. No elaborate vocabulary or grammar structures are required, just the appropriate words and correct verb tenses.

For example:

Overview  (Paragraph 2): 

There was considerable development of the settlement over these years and it was gradually transformed from a small rural village into a largely residential area.

Two sentences would be better than one for the second paragraph but we’ll be getting into the detail if we say more about these maps at this point, so we’ll leave the overview as one sentence.

Step 5  – Write the 1st Detail Paragraph

Paragraphs 3 and 4 of your IELTS map essay are where you include more detailed information. In paragraph 3, you should give evidence to support your first 1or 2 key features.

In the case of our main features, 1 and 3 are closely related so we’ll write about these two together.

Here they are again:

And this is an example of what you could write:

Paragraph 3 :

The most notable change is the presence of housing in 2010 on the areas that were farmland back in 1930. New roads were constructed on this land and many residential properties built. In response to the considerable increase in population, the primary school was extended to around double the size of the previous building.

Step 6  – Write the 2nd Detail Paragraph

For the fourth and final paragraph, you do the same thing for your remaining key features. 

Here are the two we have left:

This is an example of what you could write:

Paragraph 4 :

Whilst the post office remained as a village amenity, the two shops that can be seen to the north-west of the school in 1930, no longer existed by 2010, having been replaced by houses. There also used to be an extensive property standing in its own large gardens situated to the south-east of the school. At some time between 1930 and 2010, this was extended and converted into a retirement home. This was another significant transformation for the village.

Here are the four paragraphs brought together to create our finished essay.

Finished IELTS Map Essay

This sample IELTS map essay is well over the minimum word limit so you can see that you don’t have space to include very much detail at all. That’s why it is essential to select just a couple of main features to write about.

Now use what you’ve learnt in this lesson to practice answering other IELTS map  questions. Start slowly at first and keep practicing until you can plan and write a complete essay in around 20 minutes.

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Ielts academic writing task 1 – all lessons.

IELTS Academic Writing  –  A summary of the test including important facts, test format & assessment.

Academic Writing Task 1  – The format, the 7 question types & sample questions, assessment & marking criteria.  All the key information you need to know.

Understanding Task 1 Questions  – How to quickly and easily analyse and understand IELTS Writing Task 2 questions.

How To Plan a Task 1 Essay  –  Discover  3 reasons why you must plan, the 4 simple steps of essay planning and learn a simple 4 part essay structure.

Vocabulary for Task 1 Essays  –  Learn key vocabulary for a high-scoring essay. Word lists & a downloadable PDF.

Grammar for Task 1 Essays   – Essential grammar for Task 1 Academic essays including, verb tenses, key sentence structures, articles & prepositions.

The 7 Question Types:

Click the links below for a step-by-step lesson on each type of Task 1 question.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps: The perfect format

Sometimes we get two or three maps in IELTS Writing Task 1 Map questions in order to describe the changes between the maps.

These maps normally are either layouts of towns and villages or designs of parks and similar structures.

You will never get a single map to analyze. There will always be either two or three maps belonging to different time periods. You have to figure out and report on the changes between the maps to get you closer to your dream of studying abroad courses .

Analysis of IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps

Look at a sample IELTS Writing Task 1 question below.

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Write at least 150 words.

Birshire (present)

Birshire (future plans)

How to describe a map in IELTS Writing Task 1?

The following are the changes that can occur between maps.

• addition : A new structure not present in the old map may be seen in the next map. This means construction of a new feature. For example, in the maps above, you can see items like a supermarket and a sports center will have been built in the future.
• removal : Old structures may be demolished and erased from the map. In Birshire, you can see that the farms and the farmer’s market will be removed.
• expansion : Some items may be extended to make them bigger. For an instance, the housing area and the Corbie Road will have been expanded in the future.
• downsizing : Opposite to expansion, some structures may be reduced in size when comparing two maps.
• replacement : On occasions, you will notice that some features from the older map may be absent from the newer one with some other feature in its place. If you look at the maps above, you will find that the Hoolahan Farm will have been replaced by a car park, while the shops will have been replaced by houses.
• shifting : Items can also be moved from one location in the map to another.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Questions: Locating places in a map

Describing the alterations and modifications in the maps is one aspect, but we also need to give details of where those changes have occurred.

• top / bottom : If directions have not been given, then mention whether the places in the map are at the top or at the bottom.
• left / right : Similarly, in the absence of directions, include whether the places are on the left-hand side or the right-hand side.
• beside : When two items are very close to each other, they can be said to be beside each other. Apart from beside , we can also use words like alongside, next to, nearby, or adjacent to .
• opposite : Places which are facing each other can be said to be opposite or in front of each other.
• north / south / east / west / northeast / southeast / northwest / southwest : Some maps include a compass rose. In such cases, locate places using directions instead of simply top, bottom, left, or right. Sometimes only one direction, usually North, is given. You have to work out the other directions by yourself.

Overview for IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps

According to IELTS Writing Evaluation guidelines , you need to write an overview or summary of the changes you see between the maps. You need to write just two sentences and nothing more.

• Describe the biggest change in a short sentence.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps Sample answer 1

Passive voice for IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps

It is advisable you use passive voices in the perfect aspect of tenses to comment on the amendments in the maps.

If the maps are of a past date, use the past perfect tense in the passive form.

If the maps set out the changes till today, then use the passive form of the present perfect tense.

For maps which deal will future changes, apply the future perfect tense in the passive voice.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Tips: Relative clauses

A clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate. A relative clause is a clause which uses relative pronouns like who , which , and that .

Relative clauses can be used to either define a noun or add information about the noun.

Consider the following examples:

The playground, which is in the middle of the park , has been downsized.

The branch manager who meets all the company goals will be promoted.

The sculpture, which was built in 2014 , has been vandalized by thugs.

The underlined parts in the above examples are relative clauses. If they are removed from sentences, the sentences might still be grammatically correct, but they will lose some information.

Relative clauses make sentences complex, thereby boosting the chance of scoring high in IELTS Writing.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps Sample answer 2

Central Park, 1990

Central Park, 2020

Next lesson:

IELTS Essay Format: Solving Writing Task 2 Easily

You may also like:

IELTS Listening Map Labelling Questions

Related Posts

Ielts writing task 1: highly effective tips for describing images, ielts writing task 1 tutorial: easy tips and tricks, ielts writing task 1 introduction paragraph: try this easy method, writing the perfect ielts writing task 1 overview.

May I know what kind of qualifications the author has? Also, is using only one tense in an essay enough to score high on grammar and accuracy?

Loda sullon

thx a lot bro

I am happy to help.

thanks really helpful

You’re welcome.

why was the essay written in Past Perfect? can anyone answer, why shouldn’t it have been just past simple?

The past perfect tense is used to describe an action which was completed in the past.

In IELTS Task 1 map questions, we use the perfect tense because we are reporting on events which have been completed. If we are given a past map, it is better to use the past perfect tense because the changes in the map have already been made. However, using the simple past tense would not be entirely incorrect. It is just a common practice to use the perfect form.

The diagrams illustrate and compare some improvements which had been made in a public park from 1990 to 2020. Overall, Central Park was relatively small in 1990, and by 2020 it had undergone a drastic change with new infrastructure and amenities, it is now a more touristic place. Selecting the main features of the plans, the flower garden had been reduced in size to make way for a stage for programs. Similarly, the children`s play area had been reduced in size to build a toilet in the southwest corner. To the northwest corner, we find the Krishna temple which had remained unspoiled throughout the years, while in the northeast corner the toiled had been demolished to build a Museum of Local History. Furthermore, the Buddha statue, which is at the center of the Public Park, remained untouched. At the bottom center of the park, the telephone booth and the entrance had been demolished to make way for a Café. Along the north side of the Café, there used to be two shops, however, by 2020 only one shop remained. Finally, the entrance had been changed to the northwest side in the center.

Excellent answer Fabricio. Such an answer will surely get you a high score in the IELTS test.

This is really helpful. Fantastically covered each and every point.

I am happy to be helpful to you. Thank you for the compliment.

So perfect, thanks for sharing

Thank you for visiting my website.

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The pleasure is all mine.

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I am so happy that this blog is helping people like you.

Can’t thank you enough Dear 😊 very useful

It’s my pleasure Neha.

that was very helpful materials, thank you. can you write to my email, pls? i wanted to ask somethings about IELTS and its writing tasks?

hi i need a study friend who will be my coach. i woould like to write for corrections. thanks.

Best of luck for finding a study mate. In the meantime, you can email me one sample answer, and I will correct it for you. Send it to [email protected] in MS Word file or a PDF file.

Shall I send you one writing,i really need to take feedback

You can email me a sample answer, and I will evaluate it for you. Send it to [email protected] in MS Word file or a PDF file.

very poor vocab dude stop this

Thank you for your comment Harjeet. I would be grateful if you point out the mistakes so that I could revise them.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps Lesson

Introduction.

This guide on IELTS Writing Task 1 maps questions will cover:

• Different kinds of map question
• Describing specific changes
• Describing general changes
• Describing locations
• Sample answer

You will also be able to learn some new vocabulary that will help you deal with any Task 1 maps question.

In the IELTS writing test, you might be asked to describe a map in task 1. This type of question is becoming increasingly popular- in fact, it was on the exam last weekend here in Vietnam- and in my opinion, the easiest one to score high marks in if you’re prepared.

Many students, books and teachers overlook this type of question, and it is, therefore, a bit of a shock when one comes up. Therefore, if you are prepared, you will probably do better than most of the other students.

Different Kinds of Map Question

There are three main types of map questions:

• Describe one map in the present day.
• Describe two maps- one in the present and one in the future.
• Describe two maps- one in the past and one in the present.

The first kind is very rare, as it only requires you to use the present simple, and no comparisons can be made.

The second kind occasionally comes up and requires you to use present and future tenses. This kind of question is normally about the future development of a town or city. It requires the same vocabulary as the other two.

The third is the most common and will be the main focus of this post.

You will normally be shown two maps, as above and asked to select and report the main features and make comparisons where relevant. You will obviously use both present and past tenses to describe the maps and how the town has developed.

Also, as this is a man-made process, we will use the passive.

Source: Cambridge English Practice Papers.

To describe two maps, I advise my students to follow a four-paragraph structure.

Paragraph 1- Paraphrase Sentence

Paraphrase  question using synonyms.

Paragraph 2- Overview

Make two general statements about the map. You should describe the maps generally and write about the most noticeable differences between the two maps. You could ask yourself the following questions to identify general changes. Is the map more or less residential? Is there more or less countryside? Are there more or fewer trees? Were the changes dramatic or negligible? Were there any major infrastructure improvements? How have the buildings and leisure facilities changed?

Paragraph 3- Main Body 1

Three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.

Paragraph 4- Main Body 2

Further, three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.

You can group information in paragraphs 3 and 4 by time or location, depending on the question asked.

Look at the sample answer below to see how I have used this structure.

How to Describe Specific Changes

The ability to describe change is crucial to answering these questions. The various buildings and features will normally be labelled for you. You need to work on how to write about how they have changed from the past up until the present day.

Tip: You may be asked to describe your hometown in the speaking test . The vocabulary and grammar in this post should come in very useful.

Below I will list various buildings, features, and verbs we could use to describe their change.

Buildings – demolished, knocked down, flattened, replaced, renovated, built, constructed, reconstructed, developed, extended, expanded, relocated, converted and modernized.

The government demolished the industrial estate and developed a sports ground.

They removed the shops and replaced them with a skyscraper.

A port was constructed at the edge of the river.

The factory in the city centre was demolished and relocated to the city’s north.

The old warehouses were replaced with new hotels.

The factory was converted into apartments.

Trees and Forests- cleared, cut down, chopped down, removed, planted.

The forest was cut down  and replaced with a shopping centre.

The trees were cleared to make way for houses.

Roads, bridges and railways lines- constructed, built, extended, expanded and removed.

The main road was extended, and a new bridge was built over the river.

Leisure facilities- opened, set up, developed.

A skate park was set up next to the swimming pool.

A park was developed beside the forest.

How to Describe General Changes

As this is an IELTS writing task 1 question, we must write an overview, where we generally talk about the main changes between the two maps.

Below are some examples of general statements we could use to describe change in towns and cities.

• Over the period, the area witnessed dramatic changes.
• From 1995 to 2005, the city centre saw spectacular developments.
• The village changed considerably over the period.
• During the 10-year period, the industrial area was totally transformed.
• Over the past 20 years, the residential area was totally reconstructed.
• Over the period, the old docks were totally redeveloped.
• Between 1995 and 2005, the old houses were rebuilt.
• The central business district was completely modernised during the period.

Pick two or three of the most noticeable differences in the map and write a general statement for each. This will be your overview paragraph.

The more specific changes should be included in your main body paragraphs.

How to Describe Locations

You will also be expected to describe where things are maps and describe where changes have occurred.

You can use ‘to the left’ and ‘to the right’, but a better way is to use ‘north’, ‘south’, ‘east’ and ‘west’. I normally advise my students to draw the symbols on the question paper if they are not already there.

The forest to the south of the river was cut down.

A golf course was constructed to the north of the airport.

The houses in the southwest of the town were demolished.

The green fields to the city’s northwest were redeveloped as a park.

The airport in the city’s centre was relocated to the northeast of the river.

The school to the southeast was knocked down and a new one was built to the east of the forest.

Finally, you will also be expected to use prepositions of place , e.g. at/in/on/by/beside/to/off/from, to describe where things are.

Dramatic changes took place in the city centre.

To the town’s south is a golf course surrounded by trees.

A new school was built next to the swimming pool.

The old road running from north to south was replaced by a new motorway.

A marina was built on the banks of the river.

Sample Answer

Both maps display an island before and after it was developed for tourism.

The island is approximately 250 metres long, has palm trees dotted around it, is surrounded by ocean and has a beach to the west. Over the period, the island was completely transformed with the addition of a hotel and a pier; however, the eastern part of the island appears to have been left undeveloped.

The most noticeable additions are the hotel rooms. 6 buildings, surrounding some trees, have been built in the west of the island, and 9 buildings have been constructed in the centre of the island.  A reception building and a restaurant have been developed between the two accommodation areas.

A pier has also been built on the island’s south coast, allowing yachts access to the resort. Apart from the trees, the beach remains the only natural feature to remain relatively untouched; however, it appears to be used for swimming.

Do you need me to correct your essays and give you feedback on them? Check out our essay correction service .

I hope this lesson has helped you and if you have any questions, please comment below.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Map With Model Answer

Some IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 questions present a map, which you’ll need to describe and explain. To give you a better idea of how to approach this Task 1 question type, we’ll show you a practice question with a model band 9 essay .

To see why this essay is band 9, see our Band 9 essay with scorer commentary , and check out the official IELTS rubric for Task 1 (PDF) .

This particular prompt is an IELTS map . Your approach to this map should be the same as your approach to any other Task 1 infographic. Take a look at the information and think carefully. What is the best way to summarize the way the information is structured and the main points? From there, how can you best compare the most relevant pieces of information? Finally, how should you structure that summary and comparison? For more advice on how to approach this, see our article on IELTS Academic Task 1 paragraph structure , as well as our main page for IELTS sample questions and practice resources .

Try to do this prompt yourself. Then check out our band 9 model essay below the prompt and compare it to your own work to see how you did.

Model IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Prompt: Describe a Map

The diagrams below show changes that have taken place in the Sawry District neighbourhood since 1920.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Model Essay

This pair of maps depicts change over the course of a century in the Sawry District neighborhood by showing the area in 1920 and 2020.

The overall change in the neighborhood is one of growth. By 2020 there are more businesses, more housing, and greater public services. However, not all businesses and services remained intact after 1920.

Business and housing saw the most change and growth. The cannery present in 1920 was replaced by an office complex. Two of the houses near the Elmwood River were demolished and replaced by a road and an apartment complex. Oak Avenue went from having two houses and a shop to having three houses, two shops, an apartment complex, and a petrol station.

The change in public services was less significant than the change in housing and businesses. Prestwich Primary School was demolished and then rebuilt as a bigger school, closer to Oak Street’s shops. And Elmwood River gained a bridge and a bike path, the latter of which replaced the small beach seen on the 1920 map.

More Practice IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Sample Questions with Model Essays

• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Process Diagram with Model Answer
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Bar Chart With Model Answer
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Line Graph with Model Answer
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Pie Chart with Model Answer
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Comparing two Graphics with Model Answer

Also, make sure you are prepared for the entire Writing section. Click here for a page full of IELTS Writing resources .

David is a Test Prep Expert for Magoosh TOEFL and IELTS. Additionally, he’s helped students with TOEIC, PET, FCE, BULATS, Eiken, SAT, ACT, GRE, and GMAT. David has a BS from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and an MA from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His work at Magoosh has been cited in many scholarly articles , his Master’s Thesis is featured on the Reading with Pictures website, and he’s presented at the WITESOL (link to PDF) and NAFSA conferences. David has taught K-12 ESL in South Korea as well as undergraduate English and MBA-level business English at American universities. He has also trained English teachers in America, Italy, and Peru. Come join David and the Magoosh team on Youtube , Facebook , and Instagram , or connect with him via LinkedIn !

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2 responses to “IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Map With Model Answer”

The maps illustrate how the Sawry district neighborhood changed over a period of a century from 1920 to 2020. Overall, the change in the neighborhood developed and had more business, housing, and greater public services by 2020. However, some businesses were not same after 1920. Business and housing contributed the most to the development. An office complex took over the place of the cannery of 1920. Due to the expansion of the road to the Elmwood river, two of the housing complexes were knocked down and added with a brand-new apartment complex. The number of housing and shops rose at the Oak Avenue. Though the development in public services was not as drastic as housing and business, the Prestwitch primary school was relocated and built a bigger one affecting some of the woods near the shop area. A petrol station was installed at the place of the former small primary school close to the miller’s lake. A bridge was constructed across the Elmwood river to connect the Sawry district to the other part of the city. A bike path at the bank of the river took over the small beach seen a century before.

The map depicts the transformation of a neighbourhood in Sawry district over a century, specifically from 1920 to 2020.

The district experienced prominent changes in the timeframe resulting in newer infrastructure, relocation of pre-existing businesses and demolitions.

Tulebug bros. cannery was situated on the Northwest of the Oak avenue in the year 1920, with a few houses set northeast near the beach by the elmwood river. The southern region of oak avenue had a primary school named Prestwich with fewer houses than the northern area, with the inclusion of a shop.

By 2020, this northern area was altered dramatically, with the replacement of the Cannery by Yang office complex and additionally on the northeastern bend, a bridge was constructed over the Elmwood river and a bike path underneath, just by the river bank where the beach was previously situated.

Additionally, the southern region of the district changed as well, with the relocation and development of the Prestwich primary school, and inclusion of a petrol station where it used to be. Apartment complexes were established, which was new to the community and an additional shop to possibly meet the demands of the growing neighborhood.

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• Writing Task 1 Map

IELTS Map Task 1- Samples & Essential Tips for Success

Assessing visual data or structure and outlining the information correctly in a proper format is what needs to be done in an IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 test to score well in this section. However, this part is a crucial segment in both IELTS Academic and General Training modules. Hence, in this comprehensive guide, explore the most confusing yet a little complicated IELTS map task 1, steps to draft a catchy essay, sample answers with the vocabulary used, and tips for nailing the task.

Table of Contents

Introduction to IELTS Writing Map Task 1

Steps to write an ielts map essay, 1. analyze the question carefully, 2. pinpoint the main features, 3. draft a catchy introduction, 4. write an overview of the given map, 5. write the 1st and 2nd detail paragraphs, ielts writing map task 1: sample 1, sample answer 1, ielts writing map task 1: sample 2, sample answer 2, vocabulary used in sample answers with meaning, tips to excel in ielts writing task 1 map.

In the writing map task in IELTS, candidates will be given maps-related questions about the identical location but at different times, whether in the past, present, or future. Hence, they will have to write and illustrate the changes that are visible between the maps. Also, many test takers often get confused between map and process diagram questions without noticing that they differ in many aspects.

However, the IELTS writing task 1 map indeed has confusing questions where the test takers need to compare 2 or 3 maps, or, very rarely, they would find a single map in the writing exam. Sometimes, the image presented in the question might not be as difficult as it seems. Here are the step-by-step criteria to draft a properly formatted essay based on the provided map diagram in IELTS writing task 1!

Compared to other types of essays in the IELTS writing section, the map task is generally considered the easiest form in the IELTS exam. Hence, a candidate can get a good score in the writing task 1 map without extensively struggling with the vocabulary, phrasal words, and too much detailing while drafting an essay. You are either required to analyze 2 or 3 maps and compare them, or very rarely, you will find a single map.

Moreover, there are five steps to writing an appealing and high-scoring IELTS map essay:

Examine the map question carefully before drafting your essay. Remember, every task consists of a brief portrayal of the image, the instructions, and the graphic in the form of a map.

Identify the key points from the maps, such as what time of year is shown on the maps, the main differences between both pictures/maps and features that have been the same in both times.

While writing the introduction or the first paragraph of the essay, try to rephrase the question, or say, write the same thing in a different form. Thus, changing the synonyms of a few words could change the sentence structure.

In the 2nd paragraph, mention the general changes that have been made. Simply frame the complete information. Hence, you don't need to use vocabulary or grammar structures, just the appropriate phrases or words, and correct verb tenses.

Now comes 3rd and 4th paragraph of your IELTS map essay, where you can enclose more detailed information. In 2nd section, you should add the points in support of your written 1 or 2 key features.

Here’s the structural breakdown of composing an IELTS map task 1 essay. Scroll and check it out!

Introduction

• Paraphrase the given maps and prompt
• Do mention the time frame given
• Provide a concise outline of key points and changes pictured

Body Paragraphs

• Break down the details presented in the map in 2 paragraphs
• Identify the changes or developments over time
• Recap the main features, changes, and improvements illustrated in the maps.
• Compare, review, and finalize your answers.

Further, let's check out the IELTS map task 1 sample questions in the next section!

Have a look at the sample answer on the topic - The Maps Show Improvement That Have Been Made to a University Campus Between 2010 and the Present Day. You can refer to the IELTS map task 1 sample answer to understand its correct format and the minimum word limit set for the test takers.

The map demonstrates the renovations that have been done on a university campus from 2010 to the present day. It is transparent that the campus has undergone several expansions and transformations, with new buildings and amenities being introduced.

In 2010, the campus comprised four main buildings: a teaching block, university offices, restaurants & shops, and two student dormitories . The university office building was situated in the North in 2010. Meanwhile, the number of student housing facilities has increased in number and size.

Previously, there were two student accommodation buildings, one in the west and another in the southwest. At present, one of the buildings situated in the southwest has been destroyed and replaced by a new block for student facilities, which includes shops and offices and the restaurant is also incorporated with the new building. In addition to this, a dead-end access road has been added near the new student housing unit.

On the current map, the previous single teaching block has been replaced with a building only for arts subjects. Meanwhile, a new building has been established for science learners to the north of the campus by replacing the old university offices. Also, the lawn and seating areas which were attached to the lake have now been eradicated . Regardless , the lake is still there in the middle of the campus buildings, but now with a moderate grassy area.

It can be concluded that quite a few modifications can be seen between these campus maps.

Check out the IELTS map task 1 sample essay on the topic - The map below is of the town of Canterbury. A new school(s) is planned for the area. The map shows two possible sites for the school.

The map explicated two conceivable sites for a new school in the town of Canterbury and the surrounding region.

Starting with the first site (S1) is located in the countryside and to the northeast of the town hub. It is quite close to the main housing area of the town and not really far from the central road that converges Sturry with Canterbury. Hence, it would be an exemplary site for the students coming from Sturry, which is just 5 kilometers away, and even those who reside on the east side of Canterbury. Meanwhile, if students are reaching from Chartham, which is 7 km to the southwest, they would easily reach school by taking the main road that runs through Canterbury.

The second site (S2) is situated in the town centre itself. There are a few benefits of this, including for students coming from either Sturry or Chartham could find it practically equidistant from their regions. Moreover, it would be convenient for students residing in the housing area around the town centre to reach the school without any hassle . However, due to no traffic zone in the town centre, no parents would be able to drive their children to the school. Hence, this makes travel arrangements quite back-breaking for some parents.

Overall, there are two sites presented for the location of a school in the town of Canterbury.

Moving on, let's further discuss the vocabulary for IELTS used in these sample answers!

{{IELTS_writing_mock_test}}

In the table below, you will discover all the underlined words or phrases used in the sample map tasks for IELTS with their meanings.

Also, to ace every section of the exam, it's crucial to have proper knowledge of the IELTS syllabus and the time assigned for each part of the test. Moreover, to nail the map diagram questions, here are the suggested tips which should be adopted by students while answering map task 1 IELTS.

The IELTS writing task 1 map is considered the easiest among other questions. There are other IELTS writing questions, including graphs, processes, and pie chart task 1 in IELTS. To ace the map task, below are some of the points to consider while drafting such diagram questions:

• Read out the instructions carefully and then understand the given map diagram question.
• Make notes while examining the maps. Thus, you can circle, underline, or highlight the facts you think may be appropriate.
• Remember, the more you plan what you want to write, the easier it will be to draft about it.
• With proper planning, you may have some time to work on your spelling and grammatical errors.
• Maintain the coherence of your answers.
• Your essay should be grammatically error-free with the usage of proper tenses.
• There is a time constraint in every IELTS section, so ensure that you complete your essay within 15 minutes.

Further, for students wondering how they can take the exam or if there is any specific IELTS eligibility , note that there are no criteria for the test. It is open to individuals from any educational background and age who wish to prove their English language proficiency.

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Are you preparing for the IELTS writing section but anxious about the task 1 map round? Worry not, you're not alone here! With the right preparation material and regular practice, you can improve overall IELTS bands in one go. However, if you go through Gradding's customized plans, they assure you can ace the exam on the first attempt. Moreover, they also offer online IELTS training for test takers like you with their personalized study plans. The training also includes separate mock tests for all four sections of IELTS. Also, to check your English level, make sure to go to the website and take the pre-IELTS test to review where you stand in your prep journey.\

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How to describe a map for academic task 1

In task 1 of the academic writing component of the IELTS exam , you may be asked to describe a map or plan.

The diagram will be of a building, street, village, city or town plan that may ask you to contrast the past and present, or the present and future.

There will also be a key that explains different locations on the map or a reference to roads and routes. You are expected to write a 150-word description of the information on the map, which will probably include buildings, routes or proposed changes for the future.

Your writing will be scored on four criteria: task achievement, coherence, lexical resources and grammatical accuracy. Let’s review techniques to achieve a good score in all four areas.

1. Organise your thoughts

Organise your thoughts before starting. This is critically important.

Plan what you will include for each paragraph. A good technique is to explain the area as if you were walking in. So if you had a map of a house, you would start with the doorway or entrance hall.

Alternatively, if the map is larger you can start from right to left. Just make sure it’s logical i.e don’t jump from right to left to centre.

TIP: While planning, look for opportunities to group the information, for example; both maps may have an area that is unchanged between the time dates. This can be written up as:

Over the fifty year period both maps have maintained a distinct recreational area despite the extensive construction in the surrounding areas.

2. Task achievement

Be sure to write at least 150 words that describe all information illustrated in the map or plan. Take about three minutes to understand the map, identify changes and circle the key points.

Summarise the main changes or information in the introduction and give more detail in the main part of your text. Give a short summary to sum up the impact of these changes on the town or area.

3. Coherence

The format of your text should be written in three to four paragraphs: an introduction, main paragraph(s) and conclusion.

The use of connectors, such as First of all, In addition to and To summarise , are important to maintain coherence and a logical flow of ideas in your work.

Other useful structures would be; opposite, in front of, on the right, to the north, to the south, etc. Maintain separate paragraphs to distinguish changes or comparisons.

For example, use your second paragraph to give details of the first map and write about the next map in your third paragraph.

4. Language

Be sure not to repeat the vocabulary shown on the map, but use your own words for the description. Let’s consider useful vocabulary to describe a map or plan.

In your initial paragraph, you can use verbs such as show, demonstrate or illustrate . For example:

This map illustrates plans to change the green area into a playground for children.

Of course, try to use synonyms to add variety to your use of language. Synonyms of illustrate are highlight, indicate or demonstrate .

= This map highlights a project to transform the green park into a play area for children.

To describe location, employ useful prepositions :

There is a large residential area between the small lake and the park.

A road runs alongside the border of the park.

As we are describing a map or plan, it is essential to use compass points to describe direction. For example:

This plan proposes to build a playground in the south-west part of the park.

The airport is currently located north-east of the town.It will be moved to the west of the park where there is more space.

A lot of other useful vocabulary for maps or plans includes town centre, residential area, roads, routes, railway station and traffic-free zone .

Where possible, use synonyms to avoid repetition.

TIP: Comparisons, and superlatives are also valuable points winners!

The passive form The passive form is often used in this type of writing task, as we do not know who is planning these changes. For example:

The park is located west of the village. The playground will be built in the south-west part of the park. A flower garden will be created east of the playground.

Use a range of tenses. As you may compare the present with future plans, show your ability to use theses times:

Currently, there is a traffic-free zone in the center of the park. This zone will be expanded to the west area of the park.

In 2014, there was a train station located in the north-east of the region. Currently, this station is now based in south of the village.

When making recent comparisons, it’s useful to employ the present perfect simple:

A new hospital has been constructed in the east of the village.

There have been two new roads built around the border of the town.

To achieve a higher score in IELTS academic writing task 1, it’s advisable to use some clauses:

To the south of the river, a new hotel has been constructed.

Greystones, which has a population of 50,000 , is situated south of Dublin on the seaside.

Take a look at IELTS academic task 1 sample essays to help you prepare and check out our IELTS essay correction service to help you improve.

Video: Describe an IELTS map - task 1. With band 9 model answer

Useful links to help you prepare for academic task 1:

• How to describe a pie chart
• Bar Chart IELTS
• How to describe a map
• Describe an image 
• Describe a natural process
• How to describe a table
• How to paraphrase
• Line graph sample answer
• Marking criteria for Task 1
• Map vocabulary for IELTS Task 1
• How to describe a flow chart
• Essential skills for Task 1
• How to get band 9 for academic task 1
• How to describe a process diagram

• Free Essay Band Score Evaluation
• Sign up to claim your free IELTS materials
• Jump to Band 7 or it’s Free
• IELTS Writing Evaluation
• IELTS Band Score Calculator
• Book Your Online IELTS Test
• Sample Topic Answers
• Useful Sentences
• Sample Task 2 Questions 2022
• Introduction to Paraphrasing
• Model Band 9 Essay
• Five Band 9 Words
• Model Band 7 Essay
• Differences Band 9 vs Band 7 Essay
• Band 6.5 Essay
• Academic Collocations
• Topic Sentences
• Discuss Both Views
• Tutorial: To What Extent Essays
• Paraphrasing Introductions
• Essay Structures
• Essay Plans
• Describe a Pie Chart
• Using Percentages
• Map Vocabulary
• Describe Flow Charts
• Describe a Bar Chart
• How to get Band 9
• AT 1 Sample Questions 2022
• Describe a Graphic
• GT Task 1 Questions 2022
• IELTS Vocabulary
• Google Play / Podcasts
• Apple Podcast
• Android App
• Task 2 Sample Questions
• AT 1 Questions

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IELTS academic writing task 1 maps lesson

How to write about maps in ielts..

Updated: June 2024

Maps often show up in IELTS academic writing task 1. There are different types of maps and the most common is the past and present (this task below) or sometimes both maps may be in the past. There are also maps which show proposals for the future such as a redevelopment scheme.

You will need to use specific vocabulary in this task and the grammar needed would be the past tense (was /were), the present perfect passive to describe change and prepositions . You also have to use specific language that shows location and change.

The structure for writing task 1

Click the blue button to see the structure for all IELTS task 1 academic tasks.

Key vocabulary to use for describing maps

Example sentences:

Note that the grammar used to describe changes is in the passive and these sentences are in the past tense, which describe 2 maps in the past.

• The offices were demolished and the surrounding area was redeveloped with a new leisure centre opening up .
• The shopping centre was extended and the parking area was enlarged to accommodate more cars
• The trees were cut down and a new office block was erected .
• A railway was constructed with the introduction of a new train station.
• The industrial area was modernised and made bigger with lots of new factories being built
• The local government had the sports facilities renovated and the small park was made into a children’s playground
• The park was replaced with a new housing complex.

Vocabulary for showing location

When describing the location of something on a map that has a compass symbol you should use phrases like:

• to the north of
• to the east of
• in the west
• to the south of
• north-west of

Prepositions are essential when describing the location on a map, such as:

•  from north to south
• from east to west
• across from
• The trees to the north of the river were cut down and a new office block has been built .
• A railway was constructed to the east of the housing estate to make way for a new train station.
• The forest to the west of the park was cut down and a new housing complex has been constructed.
• The industrial area to the south-west of the station was expanded.
• The shopping centre in the south of the city is planned to be demolished and a new stadium is expected to be built.

Prepositions:

• Houses were constructed next to the primary school.
• The forest near the river was cut down.
• A new railway running from north to south has been built.
• The footpath by the river has been expanded.
• Parking facilities were added to the city centre.
• The school across from the park was extended and new sports facilities were built.

Vocabulary for describing change over time

When describing change, the present perfect and the present perfect passive is often used. Time phrases are also used such as: over the 20 year period, from 1990 to 2000, over the years, in the last 10 years, in the years after 1990 and so on.

The present perfect and the present perfect passive shows that something started in the past up until the present moment (or near present)

Examples:  has witnessed big changes / has become more industrialised / has been built/ has been modernised

Theses sentences below are often used to give an overview of the main differences between the two maps.

• Over the 20 year period , the area has witnessed big changes especially to the farmland areas which were redeveloped.
• From 1990 to 2010 a new housing estate was constructed where a school once stood.
• The forests have been cut down and new housing has been built.
• In the period from 1990 onward , the leisure facilities were completely renovated.
• The city centre has seen dramatic changes over the years .
• In the years after 1990 , the city centre was extensively modernised.
• The town used to be very green but it has become much more industrialised in the last 15 years.
•  A new stadium has been built and more sports facilities have been opened up over the years.

The Overview

The overview comes just after the introduction and makes a general statement about the main differences between the maps. The overview is quite short, maybe about 2 or 3 sentences. Do not go into detail in the overview.

In the task below there are 2 maps. The past (1986) and present. In this case, you will need to use the past tense and the present perfect to describe the changes.

Model Answer

‘The two maps below show the changes in the town of Denham from 1986 to the present day. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.’

The maps illustrate the main changes which have taken place in the town of Denham from 1986 to the present moment.

Overall, the town has most notably shown an increase in housing development which indicates a higher population and a move away from agriculture and farming.

One change that stands out is that there has been a significant redevelopment over the whole period. To the east of the river stoke housing now dominates the area of what was once farmland. In 1986 there were shops and just a handful of residential properties. Now there are neither shops nor farmland left, although the post office is still there. The bridge over the river stoke still stands as it did in 1986.

Another noticeable change is that more roads have been built around the housing complex. Additionally, the gardens that were in front of the large house in 1986 have been removed and the house has been expanded and converted into a retirement home. The primary school still stands and has been extended in the decades since.

(175 words)

Aim for around 170 to 190 words in this task. You will not have time to go into a long report and you need to be selective in writing task 1.

Any questions? leave a comment below.

Also take a look at the instagram page-> click here to see it ., 1 thought on “ielts academic writing task 1 maps lesson”.

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• Academic Task 1

IELTS Map Academic Writing Guide

• Task 1 Guide
• Table & Bar
• Bar & Pie
• Table & Pie
• Compare Contrast
• Identifying Trends

This guide will help you with IELTS map chart task 1 with sample questions and tips designed to achieve full marks in the IELTS Academic writing task 1 .

Table of Contents

1.1 objective, 1.2 skills used, 2.1 two maps- one in the past and one in the present, 2.2 two maps- one in the present and one in the future, 2.3 two maps- two in the past, 3.1 introduction, 3.2 overview, 3.3 main body paragraphs.

• IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Descriptors Explained

5.1 Verbs to Describe Changes in Maps

5.2 noun phrases, 5.3 language to describe location, 5.4 linking phrases for change, 5.5 linking phrases to introduce areas, 6.1 present perfect passive, 6.2 past simple passive, 6.3 past perfect passive, 6.4 relative clauses, 7.1 sample answer commentary.

• Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
• Quiz- Check Your Understanding

1. IELTS Map Overview

Maps are not a very common IELTS writing task 1 question for academic module. In this type of question, you will be given two or three maps and asked to describe the main changes that can be seen in different time periods (past, present or future). Each IELTS map will show a simplified diagram of the same fictional city or place and the changes that have occurred over time.

You have to write a 150-word formal task 1 report that summarises and compares the most important changes you see in the maps. You should produce your report in 20 minutes in the exam.

You are being tested on the same skills for each writing task 1. You need to:

• Produce a report using a formal register
• Report and summarise the key features of the maps
• Describe and compare any changes

2. IELTS Task 1 Map Questions

You will always be given more than one map so that you can compare the diagrams. You may be given two or even three maps that show changes in the same city or place in the past, present and/or future .

Here are some examples:

The maps below describe the main changes which have happened in the city of Oakville between 2010 and today.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

The maps below describe the main changes that are predicted to happen in the city of Oakville between 2010 and 2050.

The maps below describe the main changes that happened in the city of Oakville between 2010 and 2020.

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3. Structure for IELTS Map Questions

Your IELTS report should follow a clear and logical structure . The following sections will help you produce an excellent introduction , overview and main body paragraphs for an IELTS map in Academic Task 1 .

You only need to write one or two sentences for your introduction. All you have to do here is paraphrase the given statement and briefly mention any other important features of the maps.

Here are some possible ways to start your introduction:

• The two/three maps highlight
• The maps illustrate
• The maps show…

When you are paraphrasing, you do not need to change every word. However, you should aim to use synonyms, similar expressions and change the word order when it is appropriate to produce a sentence with the same meaning.

Here is an example of a well paraphrased statement for an IELTS map question:

Original statement: The maps below show the main changes which have happened in the city of Oakwood from 2010 to the present day.

Paraphrased statement: The maps highlight the key developments that have taken place in Oakwood, between 2010 and today.

Main Changes: The maps below show… The maps highlight …

…the main changes…

… the key developments …

…which have happened…

… that have taken place …

…from 2010 to the present day…

…between 2010 and today…

After your introduction, you must include an overview paragraph. This is where you summarise the main features of the maps (without going into too much detail). This paragraph is very important to help you do well in ‘ Task Achievement ’.

Here is a summary of what to include in your overview for IELTS map questions:

• Start your overview with ‘ Overall …’ , ‘ In summary ,… or ‘ To summarise …’ to make it easy for the examiner to locate your overview
• Identify general changes that have happened over time
• Consider if the city or place has become more modernised; more urban; more industrial; more attractive for tourists
• In general, what has been added or removed , e.g., are there more facilities or less green spaces?
• Make sure to use an appropriate tense (e.g. if the map is in the present day, use the present tense)

After your more general overview, you can go into detail about the maps in your main body paragraphs.

Consider the following points when writing your main body paragraphs:

• Make sure to use a range of correct tenses ( see Grammar for IELTS Writing Task 1 Map )
• Select between six and eight important changes to write about
• Include the year when referring to each map
• Use linking phrases for maps to introduce different areas of the city
• Include the main changes relating to: things that have been made bigger/smaller; been added; taken away; changed into something different
• Consider changes that relate to: transport; infrastructure; industry; buildings; size; location
• Include the location of the changes on the map (e.g., did the changes happen in the North, South-East etc.)

4. IELTS Writing Task 1 Band Descriptors Explained

Check out our section on IELTS Writing Band descriptors   in our IELTS writing Task 1 Masterclass for helpful hints.

5. Vocabulary for IELTS Maps

Here are some common verbs that are useful when describing different types of changes in maps:

You can also convert many of the verbs above to nouns to describe changes in maps using the structure the + noun + of + noun . For example:

To give accurate information about the maps, you need to include the location in which the changes have occurred. For example:

Compass directions (if the map has a compass)

• If we look at the south of the city…
• Regarding the north-west of the city…
• … to the east of the city…
• To the west of the river…
• … on the north/south/east/west side of the river…

Top/Bottom or Left/Right (if the map does not have a compass)

• In the top right hand corner of the map
• At the bottom left …

If you are using the construction the + noun + of + noun you need to introduce it with a linking phrase to complete the sentence. For example:

• The last few years have seen the conversion of offices to flats.
• One noticeable improvement is the redevelopment of the city centre.
• One significant change is the modernisation of the bus station.
• A further change is the extension of the road.
• An interesting development is the pedestrianisation of the city
• Another change has been the expansion of the library
• One change has been the introduction of shared bikes.
• A significant development is the removal of the old train station.

To develop cohesion in your report you can use linking phrases to introduce areas such as:

• If we look at the north/south/east/west of the city…
• Regarding the top/bottom of the map…
• As regards the city centre…

6. Grammar for IELTS Writing Task 1 Map

The present perfect passive can be used to describe changes in a map between a time in the past and now.

To form the present perfect passive, follow this structure : Object + have/has + been + past participle

Example: The trees in the city centre have been cut down and a new bus station has been built in their place.

The past simple passive is useful to describe changes in two maps that both occur in the past. You can not use the present perfect passive in this case as the time period is finished in the past.

To form the present simple passive, follow this structure: Object + was/were + past participle

Example: The trees in the city centre were cut down and a new bus station was built.

If you are describing two maps in the past, you can also discuss the date that something happened with the past perfect passive.

Example: In 2010, there were many trees in the south of the city, but by 2020, they had been cut down and replaced by a new bus station.

A relative clause is a type of complex sentence . Using a range of complex and simple sentences correctly can help to increase your score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy in IELTS writing task 1.

To form a relative clause, you need to use a relative pronoun .

Here are some examples of relative pronouns and how you can use them in an IELTS map question:

7. IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Sample Answer

The two maps highlight the main developments that have taken place in the coastal city of Oakville, over the period between 2010 and today.

Overall , what stands out from both maps is that Oakville has become far more developed and modern, with more accommodation, amenities and entertainment facilities, and fewer trees and green spaces.

In detail , if we look at the north of the city, one change has been that the forest in the north-east has been cut down and a cinema has been constructed in its place. In 2010, there did not used to be a university and student accommodation, but today these buildings have been erected in the north of the city . As regards the city centre , the past years have seen the introduction of an e-scooter rental scheme, making it easier for people to travel around the city centre without producing emissions.

Regarding the south of the city , a significant change is the conversion of the library in the south-west into new houses. Furthermore , new flats have also been built in the south-east of the city which could have become a green space in 2010. A further important development is the pedestrianisation of the road near the sea. Bars and restaurants have also been opened along the coast, meaning that this area is now nicer to visit for residents and tourists.

The report above would receive an estimated 9.0 overall in the IELTS writing task 1 Academic paper.

The overview paragraph has been clearly signposted using ‘overall’ and the key features introduced with the phrase ‘what stands out’.

A range of linking devices have been used successfully such as ‘in detail’, ‘as regards the city centre’, ‘regarding the south of the city’, ‘furthermore’ and ‘a further important development’.

Further details have been given in the main body paragraphs using vocabulary to describe location, e.g., ‘in the north-east’, ‘in the north of the city’ and ‘in the south-east of the city’.

A range of passive tenses have been used throughout the report, e.g., ‘these buildings have been erected’ and ‘bars and restaurants have also been opened’.

8. Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Problem 1 Using the wrong tenses to describe changes in the maps.

Solution 1 Take a moment to understand what time periods you are comparing. If you are comparing a map from the past and a map from ‘today’, then the present perfect passive is useful as you are comparing changes from the past to the present. The present perfect passive would not be suitable when comparing two maps in the past. See Grammar for IELTS Writing Task 1 Map

Problem 2 Not describing the location or date of each map.

Solution 2 To improve your score in task achievement, you need to make it clear to the examiner what map you are referring to. Make sure to include the year of the map or ‘today’ for maps in the present. You should also use vocabulary to describe the location of the map feature you are referring to See Vocabulary for IELTS Maps

9. Quiz- Check Your Understanding

Take this short quiz to test your understanding of writing task 1 and maps:

• Four Answer: C. Four Exp × Explanation: You need to include an introduction, an overview, and two main body paragraphs.

Explanation: Although a map is not a very common IELTS writing task 1 question type, it is still important to be prepared in case it comes up in your IELTS exam.

Explanation: There are at least four types of IELTS map questions:

Two Maps- One in the Past and One in the Present

Two Maps- One in the Present and One in the Future

Two Maps- Two in the Past

Three Maps- Two in the Past and One in the Present

• The graphs show…

Explanation: A. ‘The graphs show…’ would only be appropriate when introducing a line or bar graph, not when writing about a map.

• In summary…
• Broadly, it can be seen that…
• To summarise, …

Explanation: All of the phrases above would be appropriate to use in an IELTS map overview.

Explanation: It is important to refer to dates to make it clear which map you are referring to throughout your report.

• Development

Explanation: Development and Expansion are nouns not verbs, but they can also be used to describe change.

• The modernisation of the bus station… Answer: A.
• the modernising of the bus station…
• modernisation of the bus station…
• The trees in the city had been cut down.

Explanation: A. is an example of the past perfect passive and C. is an example of the past simple passive.

• The trees in the city were cut down
• An interesting development is…
• One change has been…

Explanation: ‘In summary’ is a suitable linker for your overview paragraph, not a linking phrase for change.

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Thanks for these and I’m happy now because I have learnt some useful tips which relatide ilets writing task1 maps ))

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic Sample (Maps), Band 9, Written by Dave Lang, Modified by Mohsen Keshmiri

The maps below show Pebbleton 20 years ago and today.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The two maps compare the town of Pebbleton 20 years in the past and in the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town has become more residential and offers more access for pedestrians.

The most noteworthy changes to the town relate to the expansion of housing. On the northern end of the narrow peninsula, adjacent to a new community centre, there are now additional houses and the old fort has been replaced with a children’s playground, though the lighthouse has remained unchanged. South of the community centre are new tennis courts that link with a footpath as well as Lighthouse Lane, and Footbridge that connects with the school along Coast Road on the other side of a small river.

The final change is that a former film studio on the southwestern tip of the peninsula is presently a block of flats. The areas that have remained the same are the main roads, a playing field on the southern shore alongside Old Fort Road, and most of the wooded space around the town.

1.  The two maps compare the town of Pebbleton 20 years in the past and in the present day.  2.  Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the town has become more residential and offers more access for pedestrians.

• Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
• Write a general over for the map. Include the major changes and group them generally.

1.  The most noteworthy changes to the town relate to the expansion of housing.  2.  On the northern end of the peninsula, there are now additional houses and the old fort has been replaced with a children’s playground, adjacent to a new community centre, though the lighthouse has remained unchanged.  3.  South of the community centre are new tennis courts that link with a footpath as well as Lighthouse Lane, and Footbridge that connects with the school along Coast Road on the other side of a small river.

• Begin to describe the changes.
• Be sure to compare as much as possible.
• Link together lots of locations on the map.

1.  The final change is that a former film studio on the southwestern tip of the peninsula is presently a block of flats.  2.  The areas that have remained the same are the main roads, a playing field on the southern shore alongside Old Fort Road, and most of the wooded space around the town.

• Switch to another part of the map.
• Don’t include any opinion and don’t forget any areas.

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How to Describe a Map for IELTS Academic Task 1: A Step-by-Step Guide - IELTS Luminary

In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, describing a map is not just about noting what you see; it's about weaving a narrative that captures the ebb and flow of a landscape's story. As you stand at the threshold of this task, think of it as an opportunity to blend precision with storytelling—a skill that you can refine and perfect with the right guidance. This is where our comprehensive IELTS eBooks and personalized Essay Correction Service come into play, offering a treasure trove of strategies and insights to transform your writing from simple descriptions to compelling narratives.

Get your personalised   IELTS Essay Feedback   from a former examiner

Download IELTS eBooks ,   get everything you need to achieve a high band score

Let this guide be your companion, as it takes you through a real IELTS map description task. With each sentence crafted, you'll learn to infuse the rich knowledge from our eBooks and apply the nuanced feedback from our seasoned examiners. Together, they work seamlessly to ensure that every map you describe is not just a collection of changes but a journey through time and transformation, helping you achieve that band 9 score with clarity and confidence.

Key Strategies for a High Band Score in Academic Task 1

Navigating the terrain of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1's map questions can seem like a formidable journey. However, with the compass of well-honed strategies, you can chart a course to a high band score. Here is a deeper exploration into the key strategies that can bolster your map-description prowess:

Start with an Overview

Think of the overview as the compass that orientates your reader. It provides the examiner with a snapshot of the geographical narrative at play. Crafting an overview is like drawing a map; it should outline the significant changes without giving away every detail of the journey. For instance, if the provided maps depict an island before and after the development of tourist facilities, your overview should succinctly highlight this transformation. It's the teaser that sets the stage for the detailed script that is to follow.

Detail the Changes

This is where the magnifying glass comes out, and you delve into the specifics. Each significant alteration to the landscape must be noted. These are not mere annotations on a map; they are the plot points of your story. Whether it’s the construction of new edifices that redefine the skyline, the weaving of pathways that connect previously isolated locales, or the gentle touch-ups to nature’s canvas, every detail contributes to the narrative. Your task is to identify these developments and describe them with precision and relevance, thus demonstrating your keen observational skills.

Use Descriptive Language

Descriptive language is the color with which you fill in your map. Adjectives and adverbs are not just decorative words; they serve as shades and tones that bring the picture to life. They transform a bland "new building" into "a sprawling, sun-drenched complex". Such language not only engages the reader but also showcases your lexical resource – an essential criterion in the IELTS scoring system. It’s about creating a vivid image in the mind’s eye of the examiner, one that goes beyond the black and white outlines of a typical map.

Comparative and Superlative Forms

These grammatical structures are the contour lines on your map; they show the rise and fall of the terrain. Comparative and superlative forms allow you to illustrate the extent of changes. They turn a simple observation into an insight, such as describing a road that was once the least used path and is now the most bustling thoroughfare. This linguistic tool helps articulate the scope and scale of development, providing a clear measure of comparison from the past to the present or projected future.

In the grand tapestry of IELTS map descriptions, these strategies are the threads that interweave to create a cohesive and compelling narrative. They are the difference between a map that merely informs and a description that tells a story, the difference between a satisfactory response and one that secures a high band score.

Core Components of Academic Task 1 Assessment

Diving deeper into the core components of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 for map descriptions, each element plays a specific role in crafting a response that meets the criteria for a high band score. Understanding these criteria in greater detail can provide a clearer roadmap for achieving success in the exam.

Task Achievement

This is the bedrock of your response. Task achievement measures how effectively you've fulfilled the requirements set out in the prompt. In the context of map descriptions, it's not just about recognizing changes; it's about the accuracy and completeness of your report. Have you identified all significant developments? Have you noted any features that have remained unchanged? It's also about depth—going beyond the surface to analyze and compare features methodically. Your response should demonstrate a clear understanding of the task at hand.

Imagine coherence as the glue that binds your descriptive narrative together. It's the structural integrity of your writing. Coherence ensures that your ideas are not just a collection of random observations but a well-organized cascade of thoughts, each flowing seamlessly into the next. Paragraphing is the framework of this structure, and cohesive devices such as conjunctions, pronouns, and transition words are the connectors that hold the framework together. The goal is to guide the reader through your description with ease, leaving no room for confusion or ambiguity.

The criterion of language is akin to the palette of a painter—the more colors you have and the more skillfully you use them, the more vibrant your painting becomes. In writing, this translates to the range and accuracy of vocabulary and expressions you employ. Descriptive language should be varied and precise, allowing you to depict the maps with richness and detail. Precision in language leads to clarity in communication, which is what the examiner is looking for.

Grammar in your writing is like the rules of physics in the universe; they govern how the elements of language interact with each other. A mix of complex and simple sentences can demonstrate your grammatical range. Accurate usage of these structures conveys clear and logical thought. Moreover, variety in sentence structures can engage the reader and show your language proficiency.

Tenses are the timeline on which your descriptions are placed. Using the correct tense is crucial in map descriptions as it situates the features in time. Past tenses refer to the previous state of the map, present tenses to what is currently there, and future tenses to what is planned or projected. The appropriate use of tenses is not just a grammatical necessity but also a contextual one, as it aligns your descriptions with the temporal aspects of the maps.

Clauses are the building blocks of sentences, and using a variety of them can add complexity and subtlety to your writing. Main clauses make independent statements, while relative and conditional clauses add layers of meaning. For example, a relative clause can provide additional information without the need for a new sentence, contributing to the flow and coherence of your writing. Conditional clauses can introduce hypothetical scenarios, which can be particularly useful if the map includes projected developments.

Integrating these components skillfully in your response is essential for meeting the high standards set by the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. By paying close attention to task achievement, coherence, language, grammar, tenses, and the use of various clauses, you can construct a well-rounded and compelling narrative that is likely to impress the examiners.

With these strategies and points of assessment in mind, let's now proceed to a detailed demonstration using the real exam map question provided.

How to Describe a Map for IELTS Academic Task 1

Question: The two maps below show an island before and after the construction of some tourist facilities. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

1. Paraphrasing the Question Statement

The IELTS map question presents two different periods of an area to examine the alterations made over time. Your initial paragraph should rephrase this prompt without altering its meaning. For instance:

"The maps illustrate the changes that have taken place on an island following the introduction of tourist facilities."

Using synonyms and restructured sentences here is crucial for demonstrating linguistic competence.

2. Providing an Overview

Your second paragraph should offer a snapshot of the main changes observed without going into detail. This sets the stage for your more detailed comparison later on. An effective overview might read:

"At a glance, the island has transformed from a barren landscape to a bustling tourist hub, with significant developments including accommodation, dining, and recreational areas."

Here, you encapsulate the essence of the transformation, engaging the reader with a clear and broad picture.

3. Comparing and Describing the Maps

The following two paragraphs are where the specifics come to life. Start with the 'before' state:

"Initially, the island was a blank canvas, save for a few palm trees dotted around and a vast beach on the western shore. It was an untouched natural haven, with no signs of human alteration."

Then, move on to the 'after' state:

"In contrast, the current map shows a marked development. A pier now juts into the sea, allowing tourist boats to dock. Paths crisscross the island, leading to various new structures, including a reception, restaurant, and multiple accommodations."

Here, you're painting a picture of the changes, making sure to describe both the additions and the alterations to the existing features. Click here for more band 9 sample answers to this map question.

Final Thoughts

Mastering the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 map description is an attainable goal with the right approach and tools. By focusing on task achievement, coherence, language variety, grammatical accuracy, appropriate use of tenses, and sophisticated clause structures, you can greatly enhance the quality of your response. For those eager to elevate their skills further, our comprehensive eBooks provide a wealth of strategies and examples to guide you through. Additionally, our personalized Essay Correction Service offers tailored feedback, helping you refine your writing to meet the high standards of IELTS. Together, these resources can be invaluable allies on your journey to IELTS success.

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Sample Writing: Describe a Map

Posted by David S. Wills | Mar 9, 2017 | Model Essays | 1

It’s not often that you are asked to describe a map in the IELTS Writing Task 1, but it can happen. When it does, students often panic. It is an unfamiliar task for most IELTS candidates. You don’t often see it in the past papers or practice books.

However, it’s not actually that difficult, requires almost no specialist language, and can be practiced in a very short time.

Describing a map is actually pretty easy. You only really need to know the most basic geographic features:

Then you really must know the directions :

and perhaps some combination of them, such as “north-east” or “south-west,” too.

Beyond that, you are simply describing what you see.

Example question

The two maps below show an island, before and after the construction of some tourist facilities. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Here is my first sample answer:

The illustration shows two images of the same island, before and after construction has taken place to build a tourist infrastructure. Prior to the construction of tourist facilities, the island was surrounded by sea on all sides, and had clusters of trees in the east and west. There was also a beach on the far west of the island. There were no buildings, and lots of open space across the land. Following construction work, the island looks very different. There are now many buildings throughout the west and central parts of the island, as well as a road and some paths leading to the accommodations. The accommodation buildings are distributed to the east and west of the reception, positioned in circle formations. There is a reception building right in the centre and a restaurant on the northern shore. To the south, there is a pier where boats can dock, and this is connected by road to the reception.

And here is another sample answer:

There are two maps showing the development of an island. The first map shows the island prior to its development, and the second shows the new tourist facilities that have been installed. Before the construction of the new tourist infrastructure, the island had no buildings. There were only trees and empty spaces. The island is surrounded on all sides by sea, and there was a beach on the far western shore. There have been various changes to the island, starting with the pier on the southern coast, which allows tourists to reach the island by boat. From there, they can follow a vehicle track to the reception, in the center of the island. Located slightly to the north of the reception is a restaurant, which sits on the northern coast. These are bordered on both sides by accommodation, in the form of huts. The huts are laid out in circular patterns and connected to the reception and restaurant by footpath. There is also a footpath now leading to the beach, which is suitable for swimming.

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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The map question does not show any north and south directions. So, we cannot be sure which direction is north, east, west, south. Maybe we need to use top, bottom, left, right, etc. of the map.

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IELTS Map Writing

With IELTS map writing, you often have to describe how a map has changed over a period of time. 

If you have two maps, one in the past and one from the present day or just later in time, then you need to make sure that you describe each one, and refer to each feature that is evident on the maps and how it has (or has not) changed. 

For IELTS map writing, important language when it is something like a city, town, or region, is the language of location, such as 'north' or 'south west' etc. 

Sample Answer

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The two maps below show an island, before and after the construction of some tourist facilities.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Model IELTS Map Writing Answer

The maps illustrate the changes that have occurred on an island due to the building of facilities for tourists.

The island originally consisted of just palm trees and the beach, yet now, although the palm trees remain, it hosts a wealth of attractions for holiday makers, from restaurants and swimming to accommodation.

The island is approximately 200 metres long, with a small beach on the western tip. It was deserted before, with only a scattering of palm trees. Now though, there is an abundance of places to stay in the form of fifteen beach huts situated in circular patterns in the centre of the island and to the west.

Between these two sets of accommodation there is also a new large restaurant and a reception building, both served by new vehicle tracks. Situated in the south is a t-shaped pier for ships to dock, and sailing boats are now evident in this area of the sea. Footpaths have also been constructed, which traverse the island, leading to the new buildings and also the beach, where tourists can now swim.

(177 Words)

This IELTS map writing answer would score highly in IELTS.

It meets the requirements of the task as both maps are explained and all the features and changes are highlighted. 

The introduction clearly sets out what the map is about (paraphrasing and not copying from the prompt) and then there is an overview of some of the key changes.

It is well-organised into clear paragraphs, with the first detail paragraph setting out how the island used to look, and how it now has a lot of accommodation. The final paragraph then describes all the rest of the changes. 

There is a good mix of vocabulary with some good language use and collocations, for example:

• originally consisted of
• hosts a wealth of attractions
• the western tip
• abundance of
• circular patterns
• traverse the island

There is also good evidence of complex structures and forms, seen for example in complex sentences ( 'although', 'though', 'which', and 'where' ), passive voice ( Footpaths have also been constructed ) and nominalisation ( Situated in the south is a... ).

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More on IELTS Maps:

IELTS Map Practice: Learn and practice the language of location

This IELTS map practice exercise improves your skills in the language of location for maps. Choose the correct word to fit in the gap.

IELTS Task 1 Map: Describing each map in turn and using tenses

For an IELTS task 1 map you often have to compare a past map with a present map. This is an IELTS map sample answer for this type of question.

IELTS Map Sample: Organising the map by features / items

In this IELTS map sample for writing task 1 you have to describe the differences presented in a plan of a park.

IELTS Map Writing Task 1 Sample: Describing changes to a town

Sometimes may be asked to describe an IELTS map in task 1 of the IELTS Test. This is a map of Brandfield with two proposed sites for a shopping mall. There is a model answer.

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IELTS Writing Task 1 – Maps Example Essay 4

There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. It is best practice to learn how to answer each one of the various types of writing task 1 questions , from bar charts, line graphs, maps, process etc.

Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic essay example  below >>

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

On the one hand, in the year 1948, the town was surrounded by trees while residential houses can be seen from the west and east of the town. The local supermarket is situated in the west area and the church is located in the south near to the canal, while there are established factories that can be seen in the northeast region.

Word count –  174 / Band score 8

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IELTS Task 1 Essay: Building with 3 Maps

by Dave | Sample Answers | 0 Comment

This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a map of a ground floor in a building and containing 3 maps.

Find my full IELTS Ebooks here .

You can find maps here and line charts here and bar charts here .

The floorplan shows how a building has changed from 1958 to the present day. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the building has served both commercial and residential purposes with the only area remaining unchanged being the kitchen. At present, the flower shop has a more open layout relative to when it was an apartment and office.

In 1958, the building was used as an office with a meeting room in the top left corner of the floorplan, an assistant’s and secretary’s office below there and a toilet in the bottom left corner. In 1985, the meeting room was extended and turned into a living room and a large bathroom and shower took the place of the offices and toilet. The florist shop contained a gift card room in the top left, above a large open space for flowers and a play area in the bottom left corner.

On the right side, the kitchen in the top corner was unaltered across all iterations of the ground floor. In comparison, there was a manager’s office on the right hand side and a reception area in the bottom corner. These spaces were allocated for bedrooms in the apartment and are now an office and additional space for flowers.

1. The floorplan shows how a building has changed from 1958 to the present day. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the building has served both commercial and residential purposes with the only area remaining unchanged being the kitchen. 3. At present, the flower shop has a more open layout relative to when it was an apartment and office.

• Paraphrase what the map shows.
• Write a clear overview summarising the differences.
• Add a second sentence to make sure everything is covered.

1. In 1958, the building was used as an office with a meeting room in the top left corner of the floorplan, an assistant’s and secretary’s office below there and a toilet in the bottom left corner. 2. In 1985, the meeting room was extended and turned into a living room and a large bathroom and shower took the place of the offices and toilet. 3. The florist shop contained a gift card room in the top left, above a large open space for flowers and a play area in the bottom left corner.

• Begin writing about the map.
• Make sure you compare as much as possible.
• Don’t leave anything out.

1. On the right side, the kitchen in the top corner was unaltered across all iterations of the ground floor. 2. In comparison, there was a manager’s office on the right hand side and a reception area in the bottom corner. 3. These spaces were allocated for bedrooms in the apartment and are now an office and additional space for flowers.

• Write about the final, other parts of the map – include everything!
• Compare the categories.
• Add in everything, even what has not changed.

What do the words in bold below mean? Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:

The floorplan shows how a building has changed from 1958 to the present day . Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the building has served both commercial and residential purposes with the only area remaining unchanged being the kitchen. At present , the flower shop has a more open layout relative to when it was an apartment and office.

In 1958, the building was used as an office with a meeting room in the top left corner of the floor, an assistant’s and secretary’s office below there and a toilet in the bottom left corner . In 1985, the meeting room was extended and turned into a living room and a large bathroom and shower took the place of the offices and toilet. The florist shop contained a gift card room in the top left, above a large open space for flowers and a play area in the bottom left corner.

On the right side, the kitchen in the top corner was unaltered across all iterations of the ground floor . In comparison , there was a manager’s office on the right hand side and a reception area in the bottom corner. These spaces were allocated for bedrooms in the apartment and are now an office and additional space for flowers.

Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:

floorplan blueprint

from … to the present day starting then up until now

Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall

served both commercial and residential purposes was for business and for living

remaining unchanged was not altered

At present now

open layout lots of space

relative to when compared to the time

meeting room place to meet

top left corner northwest

assistant’s people helping out

secretary’s office below assistant’s working space under that

bottom left corner southwest

extended lengthened

turned into transformed into

took the place of replaced

florist shop contained flower shop has

gift card room place to sell cards

play area where kid’s can play

unaltered across all iterations of the ground floor didn’t change through the years

In comparison compared to that

manager’s boss’s

on the right hand side to the right

reception area area to get help from a receptionist

allocated for made for

additional extra

Pronunciation

Practice saying the words below using this tip with Google voice dictation :

flɔː plæn   frɒm  …  tuː ðə ˈprɛznt deɪ   ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv ,  ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt   sɜːvd bəʊθ kəˈmɜːʃəl ænd ˌrɛzɪˈdɛnʃəl ˈpɜːpəsɪz   rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ ʌnˈʧeɪnʤd   æt ˈprɛznt   ˈəʊpən ˈleɪaʊt   ˈrɛlətɪv tuː wɛn   ˈmiːtɪŋ ruːm   tɒp lɛft ˈkɔːnə   əˈsɪstənts   ˈsɛkrətriz ˈɒfɪs bɪˈləʊ   ˈbɒtəm lɛft ˈkɔːnə   ɪksˈtɛndɪd   tɜːnd ˈɪntuː   tʊk ðə pleɪs ɒv   ˈflɒrɪst ʃɒp kənˈteɪnd   ɡɪft kɑːd ruːm pleɪ ˈeərɪə   ʌnˈɔːltəd əˈkrɒs ɔːl ˌɪtəˈreɪʃᵊnz ɒv ðə ɡraʊnd flɔː   ɪn kəmˈpærɪsn   ˈmænɪʤəz   ɒn ðə raɪt hænd saɪd   rɪˈsɛpʃᵊn ˈeərɪə   ˈæləʊkeɪtɪd fɔː   əˈdɪʃənl  

Vocabulary Practice

Remember and fill in the blanks . Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:

The f_________n shows how a building has changed f____m 1958 t _________________ y . L______________________________________________________________t the building has s_____________________________________________s with the only area r_____________________d being the kitchen. A_________________t , the flower shop has a more o _____________________________ n it was an apartment and office.

In 1958, the building was used as an office with a m_________________m in the t______________r of the floor, an a_______________s and s________________________w there and a toilet in the b__________________r . In 1985, the meeting room was e ___________ d and t______________o a living room and a large bathroom and shower t___________________f the offices and toilet. The f______________________d a g__________d room in the top left, above a large open space for flowers and a p__________a in the bottom left corner.

On the right side, the kitchen in the top corner was u______________________________________________________r . I_______________n , there was a m___________s office o___________________e and a r_____________a in the bottom corner. These spaces were a______________r bedrooms in the apartment and are now an office and a_______________l space for flowers.

Listening Practice

Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities :

Reading Practice

Read more and use these ideas to practice:

https://thursd.com/articles/8-floral-shops-from-around-the-world-you-should-visit

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following related questions from the real IELTS speaking exam :

• Do you work in an office?
• Is it common for people in your country to work in office?
• Where do most of your friends work?
• Would you like to design an office?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related map below and then check with my sample answer:

IELTS Task 1 Essay: Map of a Museum in 1990 and 2010

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The map below is of the town of Canterbury. A new school (S) is planned for the area. The map shows two possible sites for the school. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

• urban planning
• infrastructure
• residential
• accessibility
• town centre
• proposed development
• population distribution
• environmental impact
• traffic congestion
• community needs
• educational facilities
• public transport
• recreational areas
• Check your IELTS essay »
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Example 6: Many offenders commit more crimes after serving the punishment. Why are this happening, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

In many countries, more and more people choose to buy imported food raher than food produced locally. why do people buy imported food what could be done to encourage people to buy local food, due to so many young people dropping out of schools, the rate of unemployment is increasing, and it affects our society in different ways. in your opinion, how can this situation be improved, map of production of instant noodles description in a diagram task 1, many believe that living in a city offers greater benefits compared to life in the countryside. to what extent do you agree or disagree (write 250 words.).

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Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Impact of Social Media on Youth Culture – Sample Essays and Expert Analysis

Social media’s influence on youth culture has become an increasingly prevalent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and past exam questions, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a relevant question that has been featured in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

Table of Contents

• 1 Analyzing the Question
• 2 Sample Essay for Band 8-9
• 3 Sample Essay for Band 6-7
• 4 Writing Tips for This Topic
• 5 Key Vocabulary to Remember
• 6 Conclusion

Analyzing the Question

Some people think that social media has a negative impact on young people’s lives, while others believe it can have positive effects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question asks you to examine both positive and negative aspects of social media’s impact on youth. It’s crucial to address both sides of the argument and clearly state your own perspective.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-scoring sample essay that effectively addresses the question:

Social media has become an integral part of young people’s lives, sparking debates about its effects. While some argue that it negatively impacts youth, others believe it offers significant benefits. In my opinion, social media has both positive and negative aspects, but its benefits outweigh its drawbacks when used responsibly.

On one hand, critics argue that social media can have detrimental effects on young people. Excessive use of platforms like Instagram and TikTok can lead to decreased face-to-face interactions , potentially hindering the development of crucial social skills. Moreover, the constant exposure to curated, idealized versions of others’ lives may contribute to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem among youth. Additionally, cyberbullying has emerged as a serious concern, with the anonymity of online spaces sometimes fostering cruel behavior.

On the other hand, proponents argue that social media offers numerous advantages for young people. These platforms provide unprecedented opportunities for global connectivity , allowing youth to engage with diverse cultures and perspectives. Social media also serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and creativity, enabling young people to share their ideas and artistic endeavors with a wide audience. Furthermore, it can be an invaluable resource for education and information sharing, with many young people using platforms like YouTube for tutorials and academic support.

In my view, while the potential negative impacts of social media should not be ignored, its benefits are substantial when used mindfully. The key lies in educating young people about responsible digital citizenship and promoting a balanced approach to social media use. By fostering critical thinking skills and encouraging real-world connections alongside online interactions, we can help youth harness the positive aspects of social media while mitigating its risks.

In conclusion, social media’s impact on young people is complex and multifaceted. While it poses certain challenges, its potential for fostering connectivity, creativity, and learning is significant. By promoting responsible use and digital literacy, we can help ensure that social media enhances rather than detracts from young people’s lives.

(Word count: 309)

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s a sample essay that demonstrates writing at the Band 6-7 level:

Social media has become very popular among young people, and there are different opinions about its effects. Some people think it’s bad for youth, while others see it as beneficial. I believe social media has both good and bad sides.

Those who criticize social media say it can harm young people. They argue that teenagers spend too much time online , which can make them less social in real life. Also, seeing perfect lives on Instagram can make young people feel bad about themselves. Cyberbullying is another big problem that can hurt teenagers emotionally.

However, supporters of social media point out its advantages. It helps young people stay connected with friends and family, even if they’re far away. Social media also lets teenagers express themselves creatively through posts, videos, and photos. Many young people also use it to learn new things and find information for school.

In my opinion, social media can be good for young people if they use it carefully. It’s important for parents and schools to teach teenagers how to use social media safely and responsibly. Young people should be encouraged to balance their online time with real-life activities and relationships.

To conclude, social media has both positive and negative effects on youth. While there are risks, I believe the benefits can be significant if young people learn to use these platforms wisely. It’s crucial to help teenagers develop a healthy relationship with social media.

(Word count: 245)

Writing Tips for This Topic

Balanced Approach : Ensure you discuss both positive and negative aspects of social media’s impact on youth.

Specific Examples : Use concrete examples to illustrate your points, such as mentioning specific social media platforms or describing common scenarios.

Personal Opinion : Clearly state your own view, typically in the introduction and conclusion.

Cohesive Structure : Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

Varied Vocabulary : Employ a range of vocabulary related to social media and its effects. For higher band scores, use more sophisticated terms and expressions.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

• Digital literacy (noun) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈlɪtərəsi/ – The ability to use digital technology effectively and critically
• Cyberbullying (noun) /ˈsaɪbəˌbʊliɪŋ/ – The use of electronic communication to bully a person
• Global connectivity (noun phrase) /ˈɡləʊbl kənekˈtɪvəti/ – The ability to connect and communicate worldwide
• Self-esteem (noun) /ˌself əˈstiːm/ – Confidence in one’s own worth or abilities
• Digital citizenship (noun phrase) /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈsɪtɪznʃɪp/ – The responsible use of technology and online behavior
• Social interaction (noun phrase) /ˈsəʊʃl ˌɪntərˈækʃn/ – The way people communicate and interact with each other
• Content curation (noun phrase) /ˈkɒntent kjʊəˈreɪʃn/ – The process of gathering and presenting online content
• Information overload (noun phrase) /ˌɪnfəˈmeɪʃn ˈəʊvələʊd/ – Exposure to excessive amounts of information

The Impact Of Social Media On Youth Culture is a complex and evolving topic that’s likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding both the positive and negative aspects of social media’s influence, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle this subject in your exam. Remember to practice writing essays on this topic, considering various perspectives and using the vocabulary provided. You can even share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with other learners.

For further practice, consider writing about related topics such as:

• The role of social media in education
• The impact of social media on mental health
• How social media affects personal relationships among young people

By exploring these related themes, you’ll broaden your understanding and be better equipped to handle a wide range of questions on this important subject. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

If you’re interested in exploring more IELTS-related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• Describe a Recent Social Media Trend That You Participated In
• The Influence of Culture on Consumer Behavior
• Impact of Social Media on Body Image Perceptions
• IELTS essay samples
• Sample Essay
• Vocabulary List

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Importance of Sustainable Tourism in Protecting Natural Resources

Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Manage the Impact of Economic Inequality on Education – Sample Essays and Analysis

IELTS Writing Task 2: Managing Climate Change Impact on Biodiversity – Sample Essays and Analysis

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