Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a Writing Task 1 Academic map essay example from the IELTS writing task 1 Academic Test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the type of map, process, graph or chart can be.
There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. It is best practice to learn how to answer each one of the various types of writing task 1 questions, from bar charts, line graphs, maps, process etc.
If you would like to learn how to structure a map essay please click the button below >
Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic essay example below >>
*This map question and answer were provided by a student. IELTS Achieve did not design this question*
The map below shows the changes in an American town between 1948 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The picture illustrates the noticeable changes that happened to an American town from 1948 and 2010.
Overall, there are slight changes that happened in the town within the 62 years as some structures were removed, while there are many establishments that had been added.
On the one hand, in the year 1948, the town was surrounded by trees while residential houses can be seen from the west and east of the town. The local supermarket is situated in the west area and the church is located in the south near to the canal, while there are established factories that can be seen in the northeast region.
On the other hand, after 62 years, some of the residential areas were replaced by commercial buildings. The church was also removed and as a replacement, a sports stadium was created. In addition, a local airport was also established in the area where the factories were once found. The canal was left untouched whereas, the supermarket was relocated to the area where once a small park was located.
Word count – 174 / Band score 8
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by an overview that gives the reader key information.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of paraphrasing, synonyms and some less common words.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences are mainly made up of multiple clauses and have a variety of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a Writing Task 1 Academic map essay example from the IELTS writing task 1 Academic Test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the type of map, process, graph or chart can be.
There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. It is best practice to learn how to answer each one of the various types of writing task 1 questions, from bar charts, line graphs, maps, process etc.
If you would like to learn how to structure a map essay please click the button below >
Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic essay example below >>
*This map question and answer were provided by a student. IELTS Achieve did not design this question*
The map below is of the town of Garlsdon. A new supermarket (S) is planned for the town. The map shows two possible sites for the supermarket.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The map illustrates the two possible locations for a planned supermarket in the town of Garlsdon.
Overall, there were two prospective areas that were being considered for the construction of a supermarket intended for the 65,000 people of Garlsdon.
On the one hand, the first location is in the north-west part of the town just about 12 km to Hindon which has 10,000 residents. The said area is in the middle of the main road and the railway respectively. In addition, there are industrial factories located at the opposite side of the road going to Hindon.
On the other hand, the second site is situated in the town centre, which is a no traffic zone. This is between 16 km to Bransdon with a population of 15,000 and 25 km to Cransdon with a total of 29,000 inhabitants. The first location would be better for a large supermarket, as it has direct road and railway access, the second site is in the centre of the town, which has been labelled as a no traffic zone, this could make it difficult for shoppers to access.
Word count 184 / Band score 8
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by an overview that gives the reader key information.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of paraphrasing, synonyms and some less common words.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences are mainly made up of multiple clauses and have a variety of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a Writing Task 1 Academic map essay example from the IELTS writing task 1 Academic Test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the type of map, process, graph or chart can be.
There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. It is best practice to learn how to answer each one of the various types of writing task 1 questions, from bar charts, line graphs, maps, process etc.
If you would like to learn how to structure a map essay please click the button below >
Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic essay example below >>
*This map question and answer were provided by a student. IELTS Achieve did not design this question*
The pictures describe the proposal to convert Foster road between SE 84TH and 85TH Avenue.
Overall, the road will be changed rapidly by the installation of different safety structures. The street at present has a small footpath on both sides and there are no trees. After the proposed development, there would be modifications that convert the street into a safer place for pedestrians.
Firstly, at present, the street has one main road, with street-lights and narrow walkways. If the street is developed, it will have a pedestrian crossing located in the southern part of the street near the gas station, which will include an island in the middle of the street, for safety.
Secondly, wider sidewalks would be implemented and a bicycle lane that will encourage the people to ride their bicycles rather than drive their vehicles. Lastly, they propose to plant several trees along the sides of the two streets that will provide shade for the people as well as offer cleaner air for all.
Word count – 166 / Band score 8
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by an overview that gives the reader key information.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of paraphrasing, synonyms and some less common words.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences are mainly made up of multiple clauses and have a variety of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2018. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at a Writing Task 1 Academic map essay example from the IELTS writing task 1 Academic Test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the type of map, process, graph or chart can be.
There are so many questions written each year, you may find you practice answering various questions on different topics. It is best practice to learn how to answer each one of the various types of writing task 1 questions, from bar charts, line graphs, maps, process etc.
If you would like to learn how to structure a map essay please click the button below >
Take a look at the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic essay example below >>
*This map question and answer were provided by a student. IELTS Achieve did not design this question*
The two maps below show an island, before and after the construction of some tourist facilities.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The images show the changes on an island by building amenities for possible vacationers.
Overall, the island changed rapidly, as before development, the island was empty, with a beach and scattered palm trees. After the island had been developed, there were many new buildings, roads and a pier added, in order to attract tourists.
At first, the island was roughly 250 meters wide with a small beach located in the west. There were also areas for vegetation that were scattered around the area. Over a period of time, many facilities were constructed to make it more appealing to tourists. The accommodation units were built just beside the beach area and also in the middle section of the island. There were also footpaths constructed to help people to navigate the island smoothly.
After further development, tourists could swim at the beach located in the west of the island. A restaurant was built in the north of the island and just below a reception area was added. There are also vehicle tracks that connect both facilities. A pier was also constructed in the southern part of the island where sailboats can moor. Lastly, the eastern part of the island was not developed.
Word count – 200 / Band score 8
Task Achievement – The answer provides a paraphrased question, to begin with, followed by an overview that gives the reader key information.
Coherence and Cohesion – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs.
Lexical Resource – There is evidence of paraphrasing, synonyms and some less common words.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences are mainly made up of multiple clauses and have a variety of structures.
We hope you found this post helpful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. Let us know in the comments or on the Facebook page if you have any questions. The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, and then follow us onInstagramand Pinterest. We offer essay correction services, mock exams, and online courses. If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can help you achieve your desired band score faster.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published July 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
In this post, we will look at mapsin the listening test.
On maps there are many symbols/icons that are easily recognised. In the image below you will see many icons that are used in maps. How many do you know?
Vocabulary
In the maps questions, you will hear vocabulary that is specific to giving directions. They have their own common terms that you will become familiar with. Different prepositions are used for some explanations.
For example;
Across from the …….
…….. is at the end of the street
At the junction of ……………..
On/at the corner of …………………
Near the entrance/exit to ……………………….
Just past/over the roundabout ……………………..
…………… at the next traffic light
……………… in the next street
Practice
Look at the map below and see if you can answer the following questions >>
Is there a school near to the housing estate on Deyoung Street?
Is the supermarket on the right when you travel up Heming Avenue towards the school?
Is the police station on Maple Lane?
Where is Kim’s house?
How would you get to Larry’s house after leaving school?
How could you get to the park from Harriet’s house?
Grammar
In the IELTS Listening Test, you will listen to directions and have to follow them in order to label places on a map.
When listening to the directions you will often hear the imperative, for example;
Turnright, then go straight ahead past the school. Walkalong Park Avenue.
Imperatives give an instruction, in this case, telling you what to do. They are also used in other parts of the IELTS test, for instance when you are writing or talking about something in a sequence; First, Then, Next, After that, Finally.
Directions can also use the second person singular form, for example;
When you see the school library, you turn right onto Russel Road.
Modal verbs can also be used in directions, for example;
At the roundabout, you can either go straight ahead or you could turn right and walk the longer route past the shopping area.
You could take the main street or turn left onto Brownie Road.
Prepositions
Prepositions of movement are used to show movement to or from a place.
For example;
to, through, across
When you use the word to it can show movement to a specific destination.
To get to the library you should go to Baker Street first, then take a right.
I moved to Greece in 1985.
She has gone to the shopping mall.
Through is used to show movement from one side of a confined space to the other.
The bus went through the tunnel
To get to the tennis courts you could cut through the library.
To visit the shopping mall’s busiest area, you could walk through the main car park
The word across is used to show movement from one side to another.
To reach the supermarket you can go across Grant Street and turn right.
To get to the theatre she went across the walkway and turned left into Grimwald Street.
To reach the tennis courts, walk across the car park and enter the door on the right.
More prepositions of movement >>
along – the road
around – the park
away from – the busy road
back to – the library
down – the embankment
into – the shop
off – the bus
out of – the cinema
over – the road, bridge, hill etc
past – the supermarket
round – the football field
towards – the bakery
under – the bridge
up – the hill
The words at and in can be used to show the purpose of movement, for example;
The supermarket is at the end of the street, next to the large carpark.
The library is in a busy area, next to the main campus cafeteria.
Labelling A Map
Some questions will ask you to label a map. You will be given a list of places to match up with places that are numbered.
Question Example
Question 6-10
Label the map.
Choose five answers from the box and write letters A-H next to questions 6-10.
Review And Strategy
TIP >> The plans, maps and diagrams questions do not follow the order that you hear the information in the recording. Therefore it is important that you read the questions and familiarise yourself with the plan or map you are looking at before you start listening.
TIP >> Study the map and see where things are before listening to the recording. Marks can be lost if you do not do this and read the questions properly.
TIP >> Listen carefully for information but be wary of distractors.
TIP >> Make notes on the paper and draw lines to destinations etc. This may help you to locate information.
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
Step-by-step guide to answering this type of IELTS Writing Task 1 question. Covers structure, key language, and band-scoring criteria.
Originally published May 2017. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
This post will help you to write a successful maps essay, there is a model answer for you to compare your work to at the end of the post.
Remember that your essay should have a minimum of 150 words and ideally should be completed in 20 minutes.
THE WRITING TASK 1 ESSAY STRUCTURE SHOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:
Question
Read the question below carefully, what can you see in the information given?
STEP 1 – WRITE THE INTRODUCTION
Write your own introduction of one or two sentences, paraphrasing the question, using synonyms where you can.
STEP 2 – WRITE AN OVERVIEW
Write the overview – start this paragraph with the word ‘Overall...’ and write one or two sentences which describe the main features of the information presented in the map.
STEP 3 – WRITE THE MAIN BODY PARAGRAPHS
Write two main body paragraphs, going into detail and giving specific information about the map. Remember to describe locations and use north, south, east, west. Look for the benefits of each site location and the drawbacks.
STEP 4 – CHECK YOUR WORK
When you have completed the essay, check it for any errors, spelling or grammar. Then check to see if you have included linking words that connect the information together, making it easy to read. For example, using the word ‘Overall..’ at the beginning of the overview paragraph. You can also use words like – on the one hand, on the other hand, furthermore, however, in addition, finally etc.
MODEL ANSWER
To view the model answer for this question please click the button below >>
We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test. If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.
The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook, then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest.
If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.
How to Describe Maps in IELTS Writing Task 1
Map questions ask you to compare two or more maps showing changes to an area over time, or to describe a proposed development plan. These questions test your ability to identify and describe spatial changes clearly.
Key Language for Maps
Change Type
Useful Vocabulary
New construction
was built, was constructed, was developed, was established
Demolition
was demolished, was knocked down, was replaced by, was removed
Expansion
was extended, was expanded, grew in size, was widened
Location
to the north of, adjacent to, in the south-west corner, opposite
General change
was converted into, was transformed from, underwent significant development
Structure for Map Essays
Introduction: Paraphrase the question — state what the maps show and the time period.
Overview: Summarise the most significant changes (e.g., “Overall, the area underwent considerable development, with residential housing replacing farmland”).
Body Paragraph 1: Describe one map or one area of change in detail.
Body Paragraph 2: Describe the second map or remaining changes, making comparisons.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using compass directions inconsistently — choose one system and stick to it
Listing every single change without grouping related ones
Forgetting to use the passive voice for describing changes
Omitting an overview paragraph
Originally published on IELTS Achieve. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
