In "IELTS Writing Task 1 Map", a map visually representing the differences between two or more locations or the geographic changes that took place in a particular area over time is given. Highlighting significant details, including modifications or differences while also outlining the key elements and providing a summary of the ideas is essential for the IELTS task 1 Map.
Understanding Map Charts in IELTS
What They Are: Map charts typically show changes in a location over time. You might see two or more maps depicting the same area at different points in time.
Purpose: Your task is to describe the changes that have occurred, noting the main features of each map and making relevant comparisons.
Key Elements to Note:
Physical features: Buildings, roads, parks, rivers, etc.
Changes: Demolished buildings, added infrastructure, altered layouts, new constructions, new transportation, new features, or removed features.
Directions: North, south, east, west, to the left, to the right.
Location: where is something relative to something else
A. IELTS task 1 map is a common question asked in the writing section of the IELTS test. Currently there are two types of map questions that may be asked in your IELTS Writing task 1. This includes either a multiple-maps question (time-based map) that includes different maps showing considerable differences over a period of time or a single map question (time invariant map).
There are two key aspects of attempting the IELTS Writing task 1 map as given below:
Understanding the Task
Analyse the map: Carefully study the map to identify the key features, changes, and time periods.
Identify the main features: Determine the most significant changes or developments.
Organise your thoughts: Decide on a logical structure for your essay.
Structuring Your Essay:
Introduction: Restate the prompt in your own words. Briefly summarise the overall changes or developments.
Body Paragraphs: Use clear and concise language to describe the changes in the map. Highlight the similarities and differences between the old and new maps. Employ accurate vocabulary and grammar to convey your ideas.
Conclusion: Briefly restate the key changes. End your essay with a final thought or observation.
Note that the entire IELTS task 1 map must be summed up in 150 words and the time taken to attempt this question must not exceed 20 minutes.
Q. How much time is allotted to IELTS Writing task 1?
A. The total time allowed for the IELTS Writing section is 60 minutes. However, test takers must not take more than 20 minutes to attempt IELTS task 1 in the Writing section.
Q. How many marks do task 1 and task 2 in IELTS Writing section carry?
A. Both Task 1 and Task 2 in the IELTS Writing section are scored individually on a scale of 0-9 and then both the scores are averaged to get the final IELTS Writing band score.
However, it must be noted that the writing task 2 carries twice as much weight in terms of score as that of task 1. This means that IELTS writing task 2 contributes more towards the total band score of the Writing section.
Types of Map Charts in Writing Task 1
Some common types of map charts in IELTS Task 1 "Map" are:
Before and After Maps: These maps show changes in a particular area over time.
Proposed Changes Maps: These maps illustrate proposed changes to an area, such as urban planning projects.
Comparative Maps: These maps compare two different locations or areas.
Single Time Point Maps: These maps show the layout of a place at a single point in time.
Tourist or Transport Maps: These maps focus on tourist attractions, transport routes, or other specific themes.
Q. How to get a band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 1 Map?
A. To achieve a Band 7 or higher in IELTS Writing Task 1 Map, focus on the following key points:
Accurate Description: Clearly and accurately describe the key features of the map, including locations, sizes, and changes over time.
Clear Organization: Structure your essay logically, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use clear topic sentences and linking words to connect your ideas.
Diverse Vocabulary: Employ a wide range of vocabulary, including specific words and phrases related to maps and geographical features.
Complex Sentence Structures: Use a variety of sentence structures, including complex and compound sentences, to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Grammatical Accuracy: Ensure your writing is free of grammatical errors, including tense, subject-verb agreement, and punctuation.
Task Achievement: Fully address the task requirements, providing a clear overview and detailed description of the key features.
Coherence and Cohesion: Organize your writing in a logical manner, using linking words and phrases to connect your ideas.
By focusing on these areas, you can significantly improve your IELTS Writing Task 1 Map score.
Q. What is the word limit of task 1 and task 2 in IELTS Writing section?
A. The word limits of Writing Tasks 1 & 2 vary significantly. In Task 1, one must describe the image in at least 150 words and that in task, 250 words are the minimum requirement.
Note that you should not use bullet points or notes to describe your answers. Your answer should be put in a paragraph form and all the text must be context of the tasks.
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Common Features of Map Charts in IELTS
In IELTS map charts, various symbols or icons are used to represent different features and changes.
Buildings and Structures:
Square or rectangle: Represents buildings like houses, schools, or commercial buildings.
Circle: Often used for features like towers, roundabouts, or public facilities.
Roads and Paths:
Solid line: Represents main roads or streets.
Dashed line: Represents footpaths, secondary roads, or proposed roads.
Natural Features:
Tree icon: Represents parks, forests, or green spaces.
Wave lines: Represents rivers, lakes, or coastal lines.
Mountain or hill icon: Represents elevated land or mountainous areas.
Transport:
Bus or train icon: Represents bus stops, train stations, or transport hubs.
Airplane icon: Represents airports or airstrips.
Recreational Areas:
Playground or sports icon: Represents playgrounds, sports fields, or recreational areas.
Swimming pool icon: Represents swimming pools or water parks.
Infrastructure:
Bridge icon: Represents bridges over rivers or other obstacles.
Tunnel icon: Represents tunnels through mountains or other areas.
Strategies to Approach Map Chart in Task 1 of Writing
Planning Your Response
Analyze the Maps: Before you start writing, take a few minutes to thoroughly examine the maps.
Identify the Time Periods: Note the years represented on each map.
Identify Key Features: What are the main features on each map?
Identify Changes: Note all major changes between the maps. What was added? What was removed? What was altered?
Structure Your Answer:
Introduction (1 sentence): Briefly introduce the maps and what they illustrate.
Overview (1 sentence): Provide a summary of the main changes that have occurred.
Body Paragraph 1 (2-3 sentences): Describe the features in the first map.
Body Paragraph 2 (2-3 sentences): Describe the changes that have occurred in the second map.
Conclusion (1 sentence): Summarize the key changes in general, without adding any new information.
Plan Transition Words: Think of transition words to link descriptions, such as initially, then, subsequently, by, in the next phase, over time, finally.
Writing Your Response
Introduction: Start by briefly stating what the maps illustrate. Example: "The maps illustrate the changes in the layout of a city park between 2000 and 2020."
Overview: Summarize the main changes in a sentence. For example: "Overall, the park has undergone significant transformations, with the addition of new facilities, and removal of a few."
Body Paragraph 1:
Describe the features of the first map.
Focus on locations (e.g., "To the north of the park...", "Adjacent to the river...")
Use precise language to indicate position of the features.
Use phrases like: in the centre, to the north, in the west, on the east side, on the west side, in the middle, next to, nearby, opposite to.
Example: "In 2000, the park featured a large pond in the centre, surrounded by trees, with a single pathway running east to west".
Body Paragraph 2:
Focus on describing the changes that occurred and how the map looks now.
Use phrases that show changes over time, such as "By 2020", "Over the years," "In contrast"
Be specific about what was added, removed, or altered.
Use location descriptions to provide more clarity on where changes occurred.
Example: "By 2020, the pond had been replaced with a children's play area, a new cafe had been constructed to the south of the play area and the pathway had been widened. The trees to the north have been removed."
NOTE- Make sure to look for significant changes or differences between the maps, such as new developments, removals, or alterations while making comparsion.
Conclusion:
Summarize the main changes without providing any new information.
Example: "In summary, the park has been redeveloped over a period of 20 years with new features being introduced and existing ones being removed."
Key Strategies for Map Charts
Use Precise Language: Use accurate vocabulary to describe locations and changes (e.g., demolished, constructed, expanded, relocated, converted).
Use Prepositions: Correctly use prepositions of place (e.g., to the north of, to the west, in the center, adjacent to, opposite to).
Use the Passive Voice: When describing changes, use passive voice (e.g., a cafe was built, the trees were removed).
Use a Range of Grammar Structures: Use a variety of sentence structures to improve the quality of your writing.
Be Objective: Stick to describing the maps and the changes. Avoid giving opinions or personal preferences.
Practice: Familiarize yourself with map-related vocabulary and common changes found in map charts by solving more questions.
Time Management: Practice within the 20 minutes that you are allocated for task 1.
You can refer to the sample responses below, with a band score of 6.5 with a 8, along with the expert’s comments.
Writing Task 1 - Map Chart Example
The two maps below show the road access to a city hospital in 2007 and 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
Understanding the Task
Task Type: Map Comparison
Objective: To describe the changes in road access to a city hospital between 2007 and 2010.
Key Actions:
Summarize the main features of each map.
Compare and contrast the two maps, noting the changes that occurred.
Write a clear and concise report with good vocabulary.
Ensure you write at least 150 words.
Key Elements to Focus On
Overall Changes: Note the major shifts, such as the addition of a roundabout and separate parking areas.
Road Structure: Changes to the road layout and the addition of the roundabout.
Parking: How parking provisions changed for staff and the public.
Public Transportation: Highlight the introduction of the bus station.
Model Answer (Band 9 Level)
The maps illustrate the modifications made to road access at a city hospital between 2007 and 2010. Overall, there was a notable restructuring of the area, including the addition of a roundabout and the separation of parking areas.
In 2007, the hospital was situated within a ring road, with access primarily through a single entrance from the City Road, labelled Hospital Road. A combined car park for both staff and the public was located to the immediate right of this entrance, and there was a single bus stop to the east of the access road.
By 2010, a number of changes had been implemented. A roundabout had been added at the junction of Hospital Road and City Road, facilitating smoother traffic flow. The combined car park had been divided into separate areas for staff and public, with the public car park positioned to the north of the hospital building. Additionally, a bus station was constructed to the west of Hospital Road. These changes significantly restructured access to the hospital, and segregated various transport functions.
In summary, the hospital's road access underwent significant transformations, including new infrastructure to accommodate both private vehicles and public transportation, along with a more organized parking system.
(Word Count: 179)
Explanation and Breakdown:
Introduction (1 sentence):
Clearly states the purpose of the maps.
Uses the proper phrasing: "...illustrate the modifications made to road access..."
The word 'notable restructuring' signals that there are significant changes.
Overview/General statement (1 sentence):
Summarizes the key changes in a broad sentence.
Body Paragraph 1 (3 sentences):
Describes the 2007 map: Road layout, the combined car park, and the bus stop.
Uses prepositional phrases correctly ("within a ring road", "to the immediate right").
Uses specific vocabulary related to maps and locations "to the east"
Body Paragraph 2 (3 sentences):
Describes the 2010 map: the addition of the roundabout, separate car parks, and the bus station.
Uses transitional words "by 2010" to connect and show change over time.
Highlights the changes with the words: "had been implemented" and "had been added."
Uses strong verbs like "facilitating" and "segregated" to show a better writing style.
Conclusion (1 sentence):
Summarizes the main changes by using the word transformation.
Uses a more academic vocabulary like "infrastructure" and "accommodate".
Why This Answer Scores Highly
Task Achievement: All parts of the task are fully addressed. The changes are correctly identified and described.
Coherence and Cohesion: The response is logically organised, with clear connections between sentences and paragraphs using cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is broad and precise, and includes words related to maps and structures. "facilitating," "segregated," "infrastructure," and "transformations," are examples of this.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response shows a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Questions:
Plan your answer: Before writing, identify the main features and how they changed.
Use precise language: Be specific with location using prepositional phrases.
Use a variety of vocabulary: Include words for locations, structures, and changes.
Use transitional words: to connect sentences and paragraphs smoothly.
Don't give your opinion: Stick to describing the visuals.
Check grammar and vocabulary: Make sure everything is accurate.
Key Vocabulary for Map Questions:
Locations:north, south, east, west, to the left of, to the right of, adjacent to, in the middle, opposite, within
The given two maps illustrate the access to the hospital through road pathways in year 2007 and in 2010. Overall, the major advance developments can be seen in the year 2010. In 2007, a city road in the South was connected to the hospital road, which had some bus stops on both sides of the road. The entrance to the city hospital was in the southeast direction, where there was some area separated for the car parking of both staff and the public. The city hospital was enriched with a circular track of a ring road going from east to west and then finally connected to the main entry points. In 2010, after taking a roundabout from the city road, it connected to the main hospital road, which was bifurcated from two sides in the South-west direction which was attached to a rectangular area for the bus station and after taking a roundabout in front of the hospital it was connected to the ring road which was having an entrance of a huge car parking for the general people towards the east and for the working staff in the south-east direction. The main city hospital was locared in the centre. This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 6.5 score, here is the expert’s comment. The candidate has addressed the main features of the maps, describing the changes in road access to the hospital over two years. However, the description lacks clear logical organisation, thus making it difficult to follow. There are numerous grammatical errors, including incorrect verb forms and prepositions, which impact the clarity of the description. The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but there are several incorrect word choices and awkward phrases. Additionally, the lack of cohesive devices, such as linking words, makes the text less coherent. The candidate shows an attempt to use complex sentences, but frequent errors impede understanding.
The two maps illustrate the changes that took place in transport infrastructure in the years 2007 and 2010. Overall, the major change could be seen in the development to cater for new roads, parking and bus facilities. Examining the earlier map from 2007, it is evident that the hospital was enclosed within a circular road known as Ring Road. Hospital Road was connected to this ring road in the south, featuring six bus stops, three on each side. This road extended southward to intersect with City Road. To the east of the Hospital Road was a car park designated for staff and public use.
Turning our attention to the second map from 2010, it can be observed that the hospital grounds had increased in size and developed significantly. The most striking feature was the construction of a new bus station to the west of Hospital Road, necessitating the removal of the pre-existing bus stops. By 2010, the original car park had been designated for staff use only, and a new public car park was constructed to the east of the hospital, outside the Ring Road. Additionally, two new roundabouts were built on Hospital Road at the junctions with Ring Road and City Road to facilitate the flow of vehicles to the bus station and the hospital. This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 8 score, here is the expert’s comment. The response covers all the task requirements appropriately, it is started with appropriate paraphrasing in the first paragraph, providing a clear overview.All the essential points are clearly and appropriately illustrated or extended.The content is divided into paragraphs, making it both a coherent and cohesive response. A wide range of resources is fluently and flexibly used to convey precise meanings within the scope of the task. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is well managed. However, there is a repetition of vocabulary in the body paragraphs. The vocabulary resource is sufficient to allow understanding but lacks skillful use of uncommon word choices, with some repetition of words.
Tips related to the Language use in Task 1 - Map Chart
Using specific vocabulary can enhance your description and make it more precise and clear. Here are some key vocabulary and phrases to use when describing map charts in IELTS:
Types of Areas: Residential area, commercial zone, industrial area, parkland, recreational area, farmland, urban area, rural area
Additional Tips Related to Grammar in Map Chart
In IELTS Writing Task 1, where you describe maps, the verb tenses depend on the time frames shown in the maps. Here are guidelines on which tenses to use:
Present Simple:
Use for describing the current state of a map if it shows the present layout. Example: "The park is located in the center of the town."
Past Simple:
Use for describing changes or states that occurred in the past. Example: "In 1990, the area was primarily farmland."
Present Perfect:
Use for describing changes that happened over a period of time up to the present. Example: "The town has developed significantly over the last 20 years."
Future Simple:
Use for describing proposed changes or future developments if the map includes plans or projections. Example: "A new shopping mall is planned to be constructed next to the train station."
Past Perfect:
Use for describing changes that had already occurred by a certain point in the past when multiple time frames are involved. Example: "By 2000, the old factory had been demolished."
Q: What kind of map charts might appear in the test?
A: In the IELTS test, map charts often appear in the Writing Task 1 section. Here are some common types of map charts you might encounter:
Before and After Maps
Proposed Changes Maps
Comparative Maps
Single Time Point Maps
Tourist or Transport Maps
Q: How much information should I include in my description?
A: When describing map charts in the IELTS Writing Task 1, aim to provide clear, concise information. There should be a brief introduction of 1-2 sentences, brief overall in the same paragraph then two body paragraphs.
Q: Do I need to use specific vocabulary for map charts?
A: Yes, using specific vocabulary can enhance your description and make it more precise and clear. Directional and descriptive language is the key to scoring a higher band. Example: North, South, East, West, Northeast, Southwest, expanded, renovated etcetera.
Q: What are the starting and ending points of the map?
A: When describing the starting and ending points of a map in IELTS Writing Task 1, it's crucial to clearly indicate the specific features or areas that mark the beginning and end result of the changes or developments shown.
Q: What symbols or icons are used in the chart?
A: In IELTS map charts, various symbols or icons are used to represent different features and changes. Example: roads, bus or train routes, bridges, construction sites etcetera.
Q: How should I structure my report?
A: The report needs to be structured in 3-paragraphs.
Start with an introduction paraphrasing the task and mentioning the overall of the map.
Dedicate separate body paragraphs to describe each illustration.
Q: What verb tenses should I use?
A: In IELTS Writing Task 1, the verb tenses depend on the time frames shown in the maps, whether the past, present, or future year is given in the task.
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