Today’s post is about how to write IELTS task 1 Map
You will also be able to learn some new vocabulary that will help you deal with how to write IELTS Task 1 map question.
In the IELTS writing test you might be asked to describe a map in Task 1. This type of question is becoming increasingly popular and in my opinion, the easiest one to score high marks in, if you’re prepared.
Many students, Books and teachers overlook this type of question and it is therefore a bit of a surprise when one comes up. Therefore, if you’re prepared you’ll probably do better than most of the other students.
HOW TO WRITE IELTS TASK 1 MAP
Follow these steps to write IELTS Task 1 Map:
Different Kinds of Map Question
There are three main types of map:
- Describe one map in the present day.
- Describe two maps- one in the present and one in the future.
- Describe two maps- one in the past and one in the present.
The first kind is very rare, as it only requires you to use the present simple and it is impossible for any comparisons to be made.
The second kind does come up occasionally and would require you to use present and future tenses. This kind of question is normally about the future development of a town or city. It requires the same vocabulary as the other two.
The third is the most common.
Structure
To describe two maps I advise to follow a four paragraph structure.
Introduction- Paraphrase Sentence
Paraphrase question using synonyms. Below is the list of helpful vocabulary – how to write the introduction of the writing task 1 map:
Overall- Overview
Make two general statements about the map. You should describe the maps generally and write about the most noticeable differences between the two maps. You could ask yourself the following questions to identify general changes. Is the map more or less residential? Is there more or less countryside? Are there more or less trees? Were the changes dramatic or negligible? Were there any major improvements in infrastructure? How have the buildings and leisure facilities changed?
Paragraph 1- Main Body 1
Three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.
Paragraph 2- Main Body 2
Further three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.
You can group information together in paragraph 1 and 2 by time or location, depending on the question asked.
Look at the sample answer to see how I have used this structure.
How to Describe Specific Changes
The ability to describe change is crucial to answer these questions. The various buildings and features will normally be labelled. What you need to work on is how to write about how they have changed from the past until the present day.
Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 1 Map
Below are the vocabulary for the IELTS Task 1 map:
Buildings – demolished, knocked-down, flattened, replaced, renovated, built, constructed, reconstructed, developed, extended, expanded, relocated, converted and modernized.
Examples:
The government demolished the university and developed a exam hall.
They removed the park and replaced it with a shopping mall.
A park was constructed at the edge of the ocean.
The parking in the city centre was demolished and relocated to the north of the city.
The old buildings were replaced with new restaurants.
The houses was converted into flats.
Trees and Forests – cleared, cut-down, chopped-down, removed, planted.
Examples:
The trees were cut-down and replaced with apartments.
The trees were cleared to make way for roads.
Roads, bridges and railways lines – constructed, built, extended, expanded and removed.
The road was extended and a new park built over the land.
Leisure facilities – opened, set up, developed.
Examples:
A park was set up next to the shopping mall.
A city was developed beside the forest.
How to Describe Overall
As this is an IELTS writing task 1 question we must write an overall and this is where we talk generally about the main changes that have occurred between the two maps.
Below are some examples of general statements we could use to describe change in towns and cities.
- Over the period, the area witnessed dramatic changes.
- From 1995 to 2005, the city centre saw spectacular developments.
- The village changed considerably over the time period.
- During the 10 year period, the industrial area was totally transformed.
- Over the past 20 years, the residential area was totally reconstructed.
- Over the time period, the old docks were totally redeveloped.
- Between 1995 and 2005, the old houses were rebuilt.
- The central business district was completely modernised during the time period.
Pick two or three of the most noticeable differences in the map and write a general statement for each. This will be your overview paragraph.
The more specific changes should be included in your main body paragraphs.
How to Describe Locations in Map
You will also be expected to describe where things are maps and describe where changes have occurred.
You can use ‘to the left’ and ‘to the right’, but a better way is to use ‘north’, ‘south’, ‘east’ and ‘west’. I normally advise my students to draw the symbols on the question paper if they are not already there.
Examples:
The forest to the south of the river was cut down.
A golf course was constructed to the north of the airport.
The houses in the south-west of the town were demolished.
The green fields to the north-west of the city were redeveloped as a park.
The airport in the centre of the city was relocated to the north-east of the river.
The school to the south-east was knocked down and a new one built to the east of the forest.
Finally, you will also be expected to use prepositions of place, e.g. at/in/on/by/beside/to/off/from, to describe where things are.
Examples:
Dramatic changes took place in the city centre.
To the south of the town, there is a golf course surrounded by trees.
A new school was built next to the swimming pool.
The old road running from north to south was replaced by a new motorway.
A marina was built on the banks of the river.
Connectors used in the IELTS Writing Task 1
Here are the connectors used widely in the IELTS writing Task 1:
