IELTS Map Chart Task 1: Tips, Questions & Sample Answers
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
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Avleen KaurSr. Executive Training
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. Check: IELTS Writing Task 1 & Task 2 Tips
Q. How to attempt IELTS writing task 1 map?
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
- Understanding the Task
The first step is to analyze the type of map given in the task.
- Identify the changes or the differences given.
- Pay attention to time frames, symbols, or icons.
- Planning the Response
After analyzing, it is essential to plan your response. Planning includes deciding on the content to be included in the structure. It is crucial to group data together based on the locations given in similar directions.
- Writing about the Task
The content of the report needs to be divided into a three-paragraph structure.
- Introduction provides the paraphrasing and the overview of the task.
- Body paragraphs include the content of the maps given, highlighting the comparison where relevant.
- 1st paragraph of the body includes the data of the first map figure.
- 2nd paragraph of the body includes the comparison between the two illustrations.
Note - Make sure to look for significant changes or differences between the maps, such as new developments, removals, or alterations while making comparsion.
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
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
IELTS Writing Task 1 - Map Chart - Sample Response 1 - 6.5 Band Score
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.
IELTS Writing Task 1 - Map Chart - Sample Response 2 - 8 Band Score
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:
Directional Language:
- Cardinal directions: North, South, East, West
- Intermediate directions: Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest
- Relative locations: Adjacent to, next to, beside, near, close to, between, in the vicinity of
Descriptive Language:
- Size and Scale: Large, small, expanded, reduced, increased, decreased
- Changes and Development: Developed, constructed, demolished, replaced, transformed, renovated, converted, added, removed
- 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."
Also, Check: IELTS Graph Writing Task 1: Sample Questions and Answers
Task 1 - Map Chart - FAQs
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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