IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Format
When it comes to IELTS Writing Task 1, the map is one of the interesting question types that gauges your descriptive skills. A map is a visual representation that illustrates a specific location and the changes over time. This could include diagrams, floor plans, or maps that show the transformation of a place, such as a town, park, or building.
Generally, there are 2 types of maps that you might face in the IELTS exam:
1. Time-Based Map:
- These are a bit common map types that illustrate changes that occur over a specific period, whether in a building, city, or any particular area.
- They include comparing 2 or more maps by highlighting developments like urbanisation, infrastructural changes, or environmental transformations.
2. Time Invariant Map:
- This type features a single map, indicating unchanged characteristics over time.
- Here, you need to compare two locations based on various aspects such as weather, landmarks, geography, infrastructure, historical sites, etc.
IELTS Writing Map Task 1: How to Answer
The IELTS Writing Task 1 map task requires you to analyse and interpret visual information depicting changes in a particular geographical area over time. You have 20 minutes to do this and are usually given a minimum word limit of 150 words.
Here are important points to help you ace this task:
- You may be provided with two maps illustrating the same location at different points, such as the before and after of a society/location that has changed over time. For such maps, paying attention to the tenses is a must. Use past tense for the old map and present tense for the current one.
- You may also find maps that showcase various sections of a location. It could include changes in infrastructure, land use, population density, transportation networks, and natural features.
- For instance, one map might show you a rural landscape with low development, and the other may show the same area transformed into a bustling city with major developments. You must analyse these maps and draw comparisons between them in your summary.
- The key to solving a map task is identifying the significant differences between the two maps. What has changed? In your description, you can write about major changes, such as the expansion of residential areas or the construction of highways or railways that didn’t exist before.
Below are some strategies to structure your essay.
Structuring your summary
Follow these steps to ensure your summary is flowing well and is organised. Try to cover as many elements as you can without going overboard.
- Introduction:
- Paraphrase the task prompt and provide context for the maps.
- You can mention the location, key features, and the map's purpose.
- Overview:
- Provide a concise overview of the main features and changes depicted in the map.
- Highlight any significant developments, expansions, or changes in infrastructure or geography.
- Keep this section brief and focus on summarising the most significant changes.
- Detailed Analysis:
- Break down the information presented in the maps by examining specific areas or aspects.
- Describe the spatial relationships between different locations, landmarks, or features on the maps. Identify any patterns, trends, or developments over time.
- This may include residential areas, commercial districts, industrial zones, roads, railways, airports, rivers, forests, and parks.
- Conclusion:
- Summarise the main features, changes, and developments depicted in the maps.
- Review and finalise your answers.
Also Read: IELTS General Writing Task 1
IELTS Writing Map Task 1: Sample Answer
Feeling prepared? Try out this IELTS Writing Map Task 1 and compare your answer with our sample answer.
Question & Answer 1
Sample Answer:
The map illustrates the development of Ryemouth village over the past twenty-five years. It showcases significant changes in accommodation, the decline of the fishing industry, and the addition of sports facilities.
In 1995, to the south of the village, there was a thriving fishing industry with a port and fish market, accompanied by a small cafe. Across the road were five shops and a hotel, while farmland and a park were in the northeast. The main housing area was in the northwest, with twelve houses, including four accessed via a side street.
In the present-day map, the fishing facilities have been replaced by four apartments, and the shops have been transformed into restaurants. The cafe and hotel remain, with the addition of parking facilities for the hotel. A golf course has replaced the farmland, and tennis courts have replaced the forest park.
Some old houses have survived the massive development, and new ones have been built along with a new road, with two adjacent houses.
(165 words)
Pro Tip
While it's important to stay within the word limit for IELTS Writing Task 1, you can go slightly over the minimum requirement of 150 words. However, if you write less than 150 words, you might get penalised. Aim for clarity and conciseness to effectively convey your message.
Question & Answer 2
Sample Answer:
The maps illustrate how the village of Stokeford, located on the east bank of the River Stoke transformed over an 80-year period between 1930 and 2010. It highlights significant developments in housing, infrastructure, and land use.
One of the most notable changes is the expansion of residential areas. In 1930, housing was limited to the outskirts of the village, but by 2010, several new houses were constructed along the eastern and southern peripheries of the original village, particularly along the previously open farmland. Additionally, the primary school buildings were expanded in 2010, indicating a growing population and commitment to education.
Furthermore, the establishment of a retirement home, absent in 1930, signifies a shift in the demographic focus of Stokeford. Another important change was the shift in transportation infrastructure and the replacement of shops by houses. In 1930, the village was primarily accessible via a single road. By 2010, a new bypass was constructed, facilitating easier access and promoting further development. This improvement reflects the village’s expansion and integration into the wider region.
Overall, the village evolved from a small rural settlement to a large residential area, with farmland giving way to housing developments and a new retirement home complex.
(199 words)
Click here to practise more such questions, along with sample answers.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Vocabulary
In IELTS Writing Task 1, having a rich and varied vocabulary is crucial to achieving a high writing band score. It contributes to 25% of your lexical resource marking criteria. When describing a map, using the right writing vocabulary can help you convey changes and features accurately and showcase your linguistic proficiency to the examiner.
Here’s a list of useful vocabulary words for the IELTS Writing Task 1 Map.
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