how to write map essay in ielts

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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
• IELTS Maps Essays
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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 given illustration presents the changes that occurred in Meadowside village and its neighboring town, Fonton, from 1962 to the present. Overall, Meadowside village saw a lot of development in the first 23 years. However, at present, there were no noticeable constructions among the towns except for improved transportation and facilities between them.

Initially, Meadowside village and Fonton both had no facilities. However, in the next 25 years, construction work was carried out and stores, housing societies were built. Furthermore, both towns were connected with each other; a leisure complex was also built for Meadowside village.

At present, both towns are further expanded and connected by many means of transport. That includes roads and a train station. A hotel was also built in the middle of the towns. The business park is now active and located across the road in front of the business park.

mam plz tell me what i need to improve to get atleast 7

My model answer is there for you to compare with. Look at the layout of paragraphs and the content of each paragraph to see what you need to change.

Hi ma’am Liz, my IELTS tutor told me not to start the Overview with the word ” Overall “. But I’m really confused. she told me that I should include two main features in the overview with numbers and data because 80% of task 1 masks are allocated in overview. she said there’s no need to summarise many important things in Overview. but I saw in many videos that in overview I shouldn’t write any specific numbrts, instead I should summarize all the important points in it. please tell me what is correct in madam as I’m confused. moreover, my exam is in few days. I always watch your videos, and they helped me a lot in writing. please guide me on this matter. All my hopes are on you 🙏🏻.

I’m sorry to hear you are being given this kind of advice. It is bad advice and does not show any clear understanding of the marking criteria. You are being marked on suitable and appropriate use of linking words. The best linking words for a conclusion are “In conclusion” or “To conclude” and the best words to indicate an overview are of course “Overall”. These linking words are not just acceptable, they are preferable.

The overview contains the key features – all key features. Limiting yourself to only two key features is something that has been invented by your teacher and does not exist in the marking for IELTS at all. Limiting yourself to only two key features also limits the entire overview and this will limit your score. Nearly all tasks in task 1 have more than two key features.

The overview is a descriptive paragraph which highlights key features. These statements do not need to be supported by data. Your body paragraphs will contain all specific details of the whole task and each statement in the body paragraphs must be supported by data. So, basically, the overview summarises the key points and the body paragraphs give all the details of everything with data to support it all. Furthermore, it is definitely not a fact that 80% of the marks are allocated to the overview. That is nonsense. There is no such marking or rules for IELTS in relation to the overview. Certainly, it is a key paragraph to nail, but to claim that 80% of your marks is allocated to two or three sentences is frankly ridiculous.

There really isn’t much more I can say because I repeat these details of task 1 all the time. All this advice isn’t just tips and techniques from a teacher, it all follows the way writing task 1 is marked. However, ultimately, you must decide for yourself. Be logical in your approach to IELTS. It isn’t a trick test and most things in the test follow logic and common sense. Wishing you lots of luck!

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 Describe Maps for IELTS Writing Task 1

Posted by David S. Wills | Mar 17, 2021 | IELTS Tips , Writing | 0

Today, I am going to show you how to describe maps for task 1 of the IELTS writing test. I have written about this before, but this will be the first in-depth lesson on map descriptions. In this lesson, you will find out everything you need to know in order to get a great score if you encounter a map in your next writing test.

Maps and IELTS: An Overview

First of all, you need to understand the purpose of IELTS map description. In fact, it is important to recognise the purpose of task 1 of the IELTS test! This part of the exam is designed to see how well you can describe things. In that regard, it is quite different from task 2.

Maps are used in IELTS because they require you to describe the physical layout of a location in addition to showing changes over time. Normally, you will be given two maps of the same area and you will be asked to explain what changes have occurred.

It is really important to know this because otherwise you might not understand how to approach the essay. There are many misconceptions about IELTS but really it is quite simple – you are required to show that you can use the language for different purposes.

Types of Map

You will see different types of map in the IELTS writing test. There are maps of streets, towns, villages, islands, parks, and even interior layouts of buildings in some rare cases. However, they pretty much all serve the same function – there will be two maps that show changes over a period of time.

You should not think too much about the type of map as the function is basically the same – it will show a physical location . Your job is to describe that location and then highlight the changes that take place.

Vocabulary for Map Descriptions

I have a full article on vocabulary for describing IELTS maps so you should read that if you want to know the details. This lesson is quite important because it teaches you about the key things you need to know. I will summarise the important parts here.

In describing a map, you have to imagine that your reader cannot see the same image that you see. Your job is to put that image into their head. This requires you to be accurate and concise in the words that you use.

Start with cardinal directions: north, south, east, and west. These will help you immensely. It is not enough to say “on the right” because that is relative. One person’s right could be another person’s left.

You need to know prepositions as well. This is incredibly important. If you get your prepositions wrong, it could lead to a totally inaccurate description of the map. That would be a huge problem.

Example of Direction and Preposition Use

Look at these two maps of a place called Felixstone:

We can see many changes but before we begin to describe them, we need to explain where those things were.

Where is the farmland?

• In 1967, there was an area of farmland in the eastern part of the map, just to the north of the road.

Where is the private beach?

• In 2001, there was a private beach in the southeast of the map. It meets the road at its northernmost point and leads all the way to the sea at the south.

Where are the wind turbines?

• By 2001, four wind turbines had been added between the dunes and the sea.

Please note that there could be other great ways to describe any of these things. These are just a few examples to show you the uses of accurate language.

Sample Answer

Here is my full description to the Felixstone map:

There are two maps of a place called Felixstone. One map is from 1967 and the other from 2001. Many changes took place in the intervening years, including the removal of a marina and pier. In 1967, Felixstone was comprised of a road with a golf course, high street, and farmland to the north of it. To the south, there were trees and dunes, a hotel and a café, and a marina and fish market. By 2001, the farmland to the north of the road had been replaced by a hotel with a swimming pool and tennis courts. Half of the shops on the main street had been converted into apartments. To the south of the road, the hotel had gained a large car park and some wind turbines were added between the dunes and the sea. However, the biggest change was the removal of the marina and pier, which were replaced by a public beach and a private beach. The fish market beside the pier was also removed.

Tenses and IELTS Task 1 Maps

One thing that people often overlook is the importance of accurate tense use in IELTS task 1. Of course, verb tenses are always important in English. They are complicated but essential for conveying meaning. However, in task 1 people often focus on just describing the physical layout. This is important, but so is capturing time.

Considering my example above, let’s look at the first sentence of paragraph three:

• By 2001, the farmland to the north of the road had been replaced by a hotel with a swimming pool and tennis courts.

Why did I use the phrase “had been replaced”?

This is the passive form of the past perfect tense . I used the passive form because it was appropriate here. In describing map changes, we do not know who made the change, so passive voice is necessary. As for past perfect, this is how we look further into the past from the perspective of a point in the past.

Let me explain more: This map referred to two points of time – 1967 and 2001. Both of these points of time are in the past. Thus, when we look at changes that have occurred by 2001, we must use look back into the past from the past! It seems so complicated, but it really isn’t.

Choosing What to Describe

When it comes to IELTS maps, you might face two potential problems about choosing what to describe:

• There are too many things to describe.
• There aren’t enough things to describe.

This can be difficult, particularly in an exam scenario. I would offer the following advice:

• If it seems that there are too many things, then begin by picking the most important and then describe it as best you can. Then pick other things logically. If you find it is taking too long, you can finish and not worry about the others. After all, you don’t need to describe everything .
• If it seems that there aren’t enough things, you are going to need to get creative. You should devote a little extra effort to giving details about the key aspects of the map. Don’t just say “there is a bridge in the north.” Say “there is a bridge in the north of the map that goes over the Severn River. It connects the towns of Dorwith and Forlsom.” This will help you to use more words. However, it really shouldn’t be a problem as IELTS maps tend to contain enough data to easily write 150 words.

Anyway, the most important thing is that you select the most important data and sequence it logically.

How to Structure an IELTS Map Description

I wrote this article on IELTS writing task 1 essay structures. You should read this because maps really don’t require anything special. The structure will basically be the same as it would for charts, tables, and so on. It should look like this:

• Introduction – say what the map is and highlight a key change
• Body paragraph one – describe the first map
• Body paragraph two – describe the second map and highlight changes

There are other reasonable ways to approach this. You may, for example, devote a paragraph to the main changes and another paragraph to lesser changes. However, it is usually best to give a paragraph on each of the two maps.

One thing is the “general trend” sentence. As you probably know, IELTS writing task 1 essays require a sentence that gives the general trend of a chart or table. However, there is no such thing for maps. You can instead highlight a significant change or try to capture the gist of the differences.

Video about Difficult Maps for IELTS

Last year, I made this video about describing difficult IELTS maps. You might find it useful given the information in this lesson.

You can also find sample map descriptions here and here . On a related note, you can find IELTS listening map skills here .

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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IELTS with Mark Teacher

How to write ielts task 1 academic ‘map diagrams’.

There are 3 main types of diagrams in Writing Task 1 Academic: a.) Dynamic graphs   b.) Static graphs    c.) Diagrams   (Maps, Processes ) <–  we’re talking about maps

In this post I will show you how to write about  Map Diagrams. 

Already know how to write about Maps in IELTS? Send me your essays for in-depth feedback in 72 hours. 

Fortunately, the essay structure for every type of Task 1 is basically the same. 

Structure: Task 1 – Academic 4 paragraphs 1.) Summary / Introduction 2.) Overview 3.) Body 1 4.) Body 2

What are Map Diagrams?

Map Diagrams can be a few different things.

Map diagrams can be 1 or 2 images of indoor spaces, such as offices:

They can also be the exterior layout of a building, such as a shopping centre, road network, or even an entire town. 

Map diagrams always show  changes to a place. These can be finished changes.  You can see  finished changes in the tasks above and below:

However, IELTS Task 1 Writing map diagrams can be about potential future changes to a place. For example:

Another example of proposed future changes :

In this blog post we will look at how to approach all kinds of IELTS Writing Task 1 map diagrams, paragraph-by-paragraph.

1.) Map Diagram Introduction / Summary

The introduction paragraph in Task 1 only needs to be 1 or 2 sentences. Like all IELTS Writing Task 1 essays, your introduction should present the main purpose of the graph to the reader in your own words. This means paraphrasing the official IELTS diagram description if you can.

Obviously, a diagram is very different from a graph, so we will need quite different language. However, similarly to Dynamic Graphs,  map diagrams also feature changes .

You should change your grammar depending on if the changes have already happened , or if they are expected to happen in the future.

Here is a language table to help you make some summaries / introduction paragraphs in your own IELTS Task 1 Writing essays.

• The images illustrate + the changes that have been made to the floor plan of an office building between 2005 and the present. 
• The pair of diagrams depict + the differences between an office floor plan in 2005 and now.

• The two diagrams depict + the town centre of Islip now and the suggested – planned – proposed changes.
• The images illustrate + Islip town centre as it is now and the proposed / suggested – planned developments for it in the future.

You try! – Write an introduction sentence for this map diagram task. Use the table above to help you. 

The plans show the site of an airport now and how it will look after redevelopment next year.

• The images show … the layout of an airport now and the proposed changes to it after a development project. 
• The two diagrams depict … an airport site in the present and the suggest redevelopments to it in the future.

2.) Map Diagram Overview

The purpose of the overview paragraph is to give a short summary of the main features. In Map Diagrams, the main features can include: 

• New structures / areas
• Moved structures / areas
• Expanded structures / areas
• Reduced or removed structures / areas

There are two approaches you can take to Map Diagram overviews – or you can combine them together. You can describe the main features with adjectives (larger / smaller / more spacious / more developed) or you can generally describe the ​​ literal physical changes (number of rooms, names of new areas and structures. 

To describe generally I try to avoid giving specific locations (north / east etc.). I save these for Body 1 and Body 2. To generalise, I also give the group names of things and places, such as, ‘new housing’, ‘office equipment’, and ‘new transport facilities’, if I can.

Here are some examples of Map Diagram overviews using the tasks you saw earlier:

Main Features : 

• New: sofa and coffee table | coffee machine, water cooler 
• Bigger / Smaller: main room bigger, combined 
• Moved : armchairs, noticeboard 
• Removed: small office room on left gone  
• Other: top left room the same

a. Overall, we can see that the office now features fewer rooms and is more open-plan compared to the past . Some furniture has been rearranged, while some new office equipment and appliances have also been added.

b. Overall, we can see that the updated office plan contains a larger shared area with some new or rearranged furniture , while some other changes to the position of office equipment have been made.

Main Features: 

• New: dual carriageway | bus station, shopping centre, car park, new housing 
• Bigger / Smaller: x
• Removed: shops on north side of main road 
• Other: main road > pedestrian zone

a. Overall, we can see that a wide range of new developments are planned for Islip town centre, such as more extensive road networks and new housing projects . The suggested changes also include a pedestrianised area and improved traffic access via a bus station and a car park .

b. Overall, we can see that a considerable transformation has been planned for the town centre, including a new ring road and a pedestrian area , as well as a wide range of new transport facilities and even new housing.

You try! – Write an overview paragraph for this map diagram task. Use the table above to help you. The main features have been highlighted for you. 

Main Features:  

• New: gates +10 | sky train | ATM, car hire, cafe in arrivals, bag drop and shops in departures
• Bigger / Smaller: new doors +2 (4 total)
• Moved: cafe and check-in in departures
• Removed: walkway to gates
• Other: security, passport control customs all the same

a. Overall, we can see that … the plans for the airport’s redevelopment include significant expansion in the number of gates, passenger amenities and transport options.

My Maps eBook unlocks all the secrets to writing correct, advanced and high-band overviews. Click here to get this 19-page guide or click the picture. 

3.) Body Paragraphs

Next are the Body paragraphs of your Task 1 report. You can write 2 or 3 Body paragraphs. 

Body paragraphs describe the main features of the diagram in detail, including their location (either specifically or in relation to other structures or natural areas on the map). You can also write in detail about any old structures that have been replaced or moved. 

In terms of grammar, we are never told who has made or will make the changes on the diagram, so Map Diagrams often require the passive voice. 

Here is a language and grammar table you can use to write body paragraphs. Again, the grammar changes if you are talking about finished changes or future changes . 

Here are the Body 1 and Body 2 paragraphs of the example map diagrams from before, staring with the f inished changes map diagram : 

Introduction: The images illustrate the changes that have been made to the floor plan of an office building between 2005 and the present. 

Overview: Overall, we can see that the office now features fewer rooms and is more open-plan compared to the past. Some furniture has been rearranged, while some new office equipment and appliances have also been added. 

Body 1: (Biggest change) One of the key changes involves the removal of two small rooms on the western and north eastern sides of the office. It appears that the desks, chairs and cabinets have been removed from both small rooms, and now sit in the north eastern corner of the office to create a larger meeting area. 

Body 2: (Big change – last paragraph already long enough) As a result, the main room by the entrance has expanded into an open area with a new sofa and table, while the armchairs and noticeboard have been relocated from the eastern to the western side beside the new furniture. A new water cooler and coffee machine seem to service this new area as well. 

Body 3: (Exception / Contrast) Lastly, however, the corner office in the north-western corner of the office remains virtually unchanged from any of the rearrangements, remaining in its 2005 layout.

Here is the full example essay of the  future changes map diagram:

Introduction: The images illustrate Islip town centre as it is now and the proposed developments for it in the future.  

Overview: Overall, we can see that … a considerable transformation has been planned for the town centre, including a new ring road and a pedestrian area, as well as a wide range of new transport facilities and even new housing.

Body 1: Starting with the most obvious development, a new dual carriageway is planned to circle around the northern and southern edges of Islip town centre. This is seemingly intended to replace the main road running through the town centre, which in turn is set to be turned into a pedestrianised area.

Body 2: Focusing more on the city centre itself, a raft of new facilities are intended. While the current row of shops will remain, a new bus station, shopping centre and car park are going to be built on the north side of the old main road. In addition, new housing will also be built on the eastern side of town, with another housing project planned beside the park in the southeastern part of town.  

You try! – Write the body paragraphs for this map diagram task. Use the examples above to help you.

• New: gates +10 | sky train | ATM, car hire, cafe in arrivals, bag drop and shops in departures 
• Bigger / Smaller: new doors +2 (4 total) 
• Moved : cafe and check-in in departures 
• Removed: walkway to gates  
• Other: security, passport control customs all the same 

Introduction: The images show the layout of an airport now and the proposed changes to it after a development project. 

Overview: Overall, we can see that after its development, the airport will host considerably more gates, as well as more food and travel amenities for both arriving and departing passengers. 

Body 1: Beginning with the most notable proposal, the number of gates in the airport is set to receive a substantial increase, from 8 at present, to 18 after renovations are completed. To seemingly accommodate an expected increase in passengers, the walkway to the gates will be replaced by a new skytrain, and the amount of doors at the entrance will be doubled from 2 to 4 across departures and arrivals.  

Body 2: In addition, before security, customs and passport control, which will remain in the same place, the amount of facilities will increase significantly. This will include a new cafe in arrivals, as well as an ATM and a care hire kiosk. A bag drop is also set to be added at departures, with new shops planned for departing passengers after they have gone through security and passport control.

There you go! A high-band approach, several examples and a reliable framework for you to use in your own IELTS Writing test. 

Questions? Write them in a comments below. 

Want to show me what you’ve learnt from this guide? Send me your IELTS Writing Task 1 Essays for detailed feedback: 

If you still want more guidance and advice about IELTS Maps, I highly recommend my IELTS Maps eBook. It’s full of high-band grammar and vocabulary structures that you can’t find on my website, custom-made maps to help you tackle the most common types of maps in IELTS and much more! Click here or the picture to see more about this download PDF.

<– Back to Task 1 Academic example essays and lessons.

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How to Describe a Map in IELTS Writing Task 1: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding Map Description in IELTS Writing In the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic exam, you might be asked to describe a map. This task assesses your ability to: Analyze visual information: Understand the key features …

Written by: IELTS Mentor

Published on: June 23, 2024

Understanding Map Description in IELTS Writing

In the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic exam, you might be asked to describe a map. This task assesses your ability to:

• Analyze visual information: Understand the key features and changes presented in the map.
• Use spatial language: Accurately describe locations, directions, and relationships between elements.
• Organize information logically: Present your description in a clear and coherent manner.
• Use a range of vocabulary and grammar: Demonstrate your language proficiency by using varied vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Mastering map description is crucial for achieving a high band score in your IELTS Writing test.

Steps to Describe a Map Effectively

1. analyze the map carefully.

Before you start writing, take a few moments to analyze the map thoroughly:

• Identify the type of map: Is it a map showing changes over time or comparing two different locations?
• Determine the key features: What are the main elements shown on the map (e.g., buildings, roads, natural features)?
• Note any significant changes: If the map shows a transformation, identify the major differences between the two time periods or locations.

2. Structure Your Response

A well-organized response is crucial for clarity. Follow this structure:

• Introduction: Paraphrase the question and state the type of map and the time period or locations shown.
• Overview: Summarize the most significant changes or features of the map. This provides the examiner with a clear understanding of the overall trends.
• Body Paragraphs: Divide your description into two or three body paragraphs, each focusing on a specific area or aspect of the map. Use spatial language to guide the reader through the changes or comparisons.
• Conclusion: Briefly summarize the main changes or features, highlighting any significant trends. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.

3. Use Precise Vocabulary and Grammar

• Prepositions of Place: Use a variety of prepositions to accurately describe locations (e.g., next to, opposite, adjacent to, in the north-east of).
• Compass Directions: Utilize compass points (north, south, east, west) and their combinations (north-west, south-east) for clear direction indication.
• Verbs of Change: Employ verbs effectively to describe changes (e.g., developed, transformed, expanded, replaced, demolished).
• Comparatives and Superlatives: Use comparative and superlative adjectives to highlight differences (e.g., larger, smaller, the most significant change).

Example from an IELTS Writing Test

The map below shows the development of a seaside town between 1960 and 2000.

seaside town development map

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

Model Answer:

The map illustrates the transformation of a coastal town over a forty-year period, from 1960 to 2000.

Overview: Overall, the town underwent significant development, with the expansion of residential areas, the introduction of new amenities, and the growth of tourism infrastructure.

Body Paragraph 1 (Changes in the North): In 1960, the northern part of the town was primarily rural, with a small fishing harbor and scattered houses. By 2000, the harbor had been expanded to accommodate yachts, reflecting the growth of tourism. Additionally, a new residential area, complete with a shopping center, emerged in the north-west, replacing the farmland that previously occupied the area.

Body Paragraph 2 (Changes in the South): The southern part of the town experienced equally dramatic changes. The original hotel was demolished and replaced by a larger resort complex, indicating the town’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination. Furthermore, the construction of a new golf course and tennis courts further enhanced the town’s recreational facilities.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the seaside town witnessed substantial modernization and expansion between 1960 and 2000, driven by the growth of tourism and the demand for residential areas.

Tips for Success:

• Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with different map types and practice describing them using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Time Management: Allocate your time wisely in the exam, ensuring you have sufficient time to analyze the map, plan your response, and write clearly.
• Proofread Carefully: Reserve a few minutes to review your work for any grammatical or spelling errors.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can enhance your map description skills and improve your performance in the IELTS Writing Task 1.

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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.

Get your personalised  IELTS Essay Feedback   from a former examiner

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• Ielts Task 1 Map

IELTS Task 1 Map

In an IELTS task 1 map you often have to compare a map from the past with one from the present. 

This writing task 1 sample map shows you an example of one of these types of question with a model answer. 

Organisation: Each Map in Turn

You have several choices of how to organise an IELTS task 1 map such as this. 

You could choose the various features in turn, such as the fishing port and market in the past, then note how these have now gone, with the market replaced by apartments.

Or you could describe everything in the first map, then everything in the second map. This is how this sample answer is organised.

Either way, make sure you describe all the key features  in the IELTS task 1 map and don't miss any. 

Hopefully the tenses to use will be obvious. You need to use past tenses for the first IELTS task 1 map in 1995 and present tenses for the present day one. 

IELTS Task 1 Map Sample

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The map below shows the development of the village of Ryemouth between 1995 and present.

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

Write at least 150 words.

Sample Answer

The map shows how a village called Ryemouth has developed over the last twenty-five years. There have been several changes, the most noticeable being the increases in accommodation, the elimination of the fishing industry, and the introduction of sports facilities. 

In 1995, to the south of the village where the sea is there was previously a fishing industry, with a fishing port and quite a large fish market as well. Next to this was a small cafe. On the other side of the road running by the sea stood a line of five shops and a hotel, while situated in the north east part of the village was farmland and a park with trees. The main housing of the village was located in the north west around a main road that runs from the coastal road, with twelve houses, four of them encircled by a smaller side-street.

Turning to the present day map, it can be seen that the fishing facilities have all gone, being replaced by four apartments, and the shops have become restaurants. The cafe remains, as does the hotel, albeit with parking facilities which it did not have before. Having been converted into a golf course, the farmland has now gone, while the forest park has been removed to make way for tennis courts. Although the old houses remain, new ones have been built, along with a new road with two new houses beside it.  

(240 Words)

This IELTS task 1 map would receive a high score. 

The map has a clear overall progression and organisation as it is introduced, the main features are identified, then it clearly compares the first map with the second. 

There is a mix of vocabulary , with the right language of location used to say where things were positioned and the language of comparison and contrast used to good effect to show how things differed or remained the same.

There is a good range of accurate complex sentences and structures to ensure a higher score for grammatical range and accuracy.

Some examples of these are:

• ...the village where the sea is
• On the other side of the road running by the sea stood a...
• ...hotel, while situated in
• ...it can be seen that 
• ...gone, being replaced by
• ...albeit with parking facilities which it did not have before
• Having been converted
• Although the old houses

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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 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: Using the language of location

This IELTS map writing sample answer is about an island, before and after the construction of some tourist facilities, and it demonstrates language of location.

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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