As you are probably aware, in the IELTS academic writing task 1, you are asked to interpret diagrammatic representations of certain data. Sometimes you have to describe pie charts, sometimes tables and sometimes maps.
Describing maps is definitely not something that you have to worry about. There are several things you should keep in your mind and that is all. What is a map answer? Since the writing task 1 is the shorter of the two, where you will need to write at least 150 words, you must be well equipped with the proper vocabulary to nail this task effectively.
What is a Map Answer?
Maps appear in IELTS academic writing task 1 on rare occasions, and when they do, you will see two maps. One map is frequently in the past, while the other is in the present. You’ll also come across situations in which both maps are set in the past. You may also receive maps depicting future plans, such as a redevelopment plan. As a result, it’s critical to use the correct tenses to describe the changes.
Types of Map Description Questions
Map description type questions are usually of three types:
Describing one map in the present day.
Describing two maps- one in the present and one in the future.
Describing two maps- one in the past and one in the present.
Also Read: How do I Change My IELTS Computer-based Exam to a Paper Exam? Let’s Understand the Procedure!
The First Type
The first kind is quite rare. Here you only need to use the simple present tense and it requires no comparisons to be made.
The Second Type
The second kind comes up occasionally and requires you to use present and future tenses. This kind of question is normally about the future development of a town or city.
The Third Type
The third is the most common and we will focus on this in our article here.
You will normally be shown two maps and will be asked to select and report the main features and make comparisons where relevant. You will have to use both present and past tenses to describe the maps and how the town has developed. Also, as this is a man-made process your essay should be in the passive voice.
How to Structure a Map Description Essay?
The structure of the map description essay is simple:
Paragraph 1– Should include the paraphrase of the question.
Paragraph 2– Overview
This is where you should make two general statements about the map. You should describe the maps generally and write about the most noticeable differences between the two maps.
Other Parts
Paragraph 3– Main Body 1
This must include three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.
Paragraph 4– Main Body 2
Another three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred. You can group information together in paragraph 3 and 4 by time or location, depending on the question asked.
Sample Answer 1
This is how a Band 9 answer should look like:
Question
The map below shows the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now and plans for its development.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Answer
The diagrams illustrate some proposed changes to the central area of the town of Islip.
It is clear that the principal change to the town will be the construction of a ring road around the centre. Various other developments with regard to shops and housing will accompany the building of this road.
Looking at the map of Islip as it is now, we can see that the main road runs through its centre from east to west. The second map shows the planned pedestrianisation of this road. Traffic will be diverted onto a dual carriageway that will form a ring around the town centre.
Break the Paragraph
Currently, there is a row of shops along either side of the main road. However, it appears that the shops along the north side of the new pedestrian street will be demolished to make way for a bus station, shopping centre, car park and new housing area. The shops along the south side of the street will remain, but it seems that the town’s park will be reduced in size so that more new houses can be built within the ring road.
Total word count – 187 words
Sample Question and Answer 2
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.
Answer
Both maps depict an island before and after tourism development.
The island is about 250 metres long, with palm trees strewn about, ocean surrounding it, and a beach to the west. The island was completely transformed during this time period, with the addition of a hotel and a pier; however, the eastern part of the island appears to have remained undeveloped.
The hotel rooms are the most noticeable additions. In the west of the island, 6 buildings have been constructed around some trees, and 9 buildings have been constructed in the centre of the island. A reception building and a restaurant have been built between the two accommodation areas.
A pier has also been constructed on the island’s south coast, allowing yachts to dock at the resort. The beach is the only natural feature that has remained relatively untouched, aside from the trees; however, it appears that it is now used for swimming.
Also Read: Amazing Tips to Crack Section 1 of the IELTS Listening Test: Ace Listening Test
Vocabulary to express General Changes in a Map
While comparing two maps you must describe the noticeable changes between the two. To do so effectively here are some examples of general statements:
Over the period, the area witnessed dramatic changes.
From 1996 to 2007, the city centre saw spectacular developments.
The village changed considerably over the time period.
During the 15 year period, the industrial area was totally transformed.
Over the past 30 years, the residential area was totally reconstructed.
Over the time period, the old docks were totally redeveloped.
Between 1985 and 2001, the old houses were rebuilt.
The central business district was completely modernised during the time period.
Vocabulary to Describe Locations
Maps are all about locations. Therefore, to describe locations clearly you must use a range of relevant vocabulary.
Some are listed below:
You can use ‘to the left’ and ‘to the right’, but a better way is to use ‘north’, ‘south’, ‘east’ and ‘west’.
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.
Some More Vocabulary to Describe Locations
The school to the south-east was knocked down and a new one built to the east of the forest.
Lastly, you must also use prepositions of a place like: at/ in/ on/ by/ beside/ to/ of/ from, to describe where things are.
For Example:
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.
Labelling a Map: IELTS Listening
This type of question requires you to listen to and understand a description or follow directions to identify the different parts of the map or plan. As a result, you will be listening to someone describe a map or plan, or someone showing a group of people around, and you will be required to follow their instructions.
The information you’ll need to respond to the questions is in the same order as it appears on the recording.
Also Read: IELTS Listening Map Practice: Here’re Some Tips and a List of Important Phrases
General Problems
Lacking familiarity with the terminology and functional language used to describe locations and directions.
There is an excessive amount of data. This question requires you to not only listen but also to follow a description or directions, comprehend a map or diagram, and take brief notes.
Spelling. This is a common issue in all IELTS listening questions, but it is especially prevalent in this type of question because you must do so many things at once.
Visualisation. This refers to your ability to visualise things in your head. You’ll be sitting in an exam room, listening to someone describe a plan you’ve never seen before. It’s difficult to respond to these questions unless you have a mental image of what it looks like.
Conclusion
Describing maps in IELTS academic writing task 1 is all about using the correct vocabulary and understanding the maps. While practising you must focus on the kind of words you should use and the structure you must adopt. With this, you can easily hope to achieve a good score.
Hopefully, this article and the above two sample answers helped you to understand the questions. Though the map questions are asked very rarely, we cannot take a chance to ignore them. Practice them thoroughly. All the best!
Also Read: How to Write a Map in IELTS Writing Task 1? A Complete Guide For You
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Thank you for such a helpful and valuable blog, on the map, I find it very tough and was searching the internet for the same, what is your opinion?