Structure

IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps Lesson

Introduction

This guide on IELTS Writing Task 1 maps questions will cover:

· Different kinds of map question

· Structure

· Describing specific changes

· Describing general changes

· Describing locations

· Sample answer

You will also be able to learn some new vocabulary that will help you deal with any Task 1 maps 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- in fact it was on the exam last weekend here in Vietnam- 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 shock when one comes up. Therefore, if you are prepared you will probably do better than most of the other students.

Different Kinds of Map Question

There are three main types of map question:

1. Describe one map in the present day.

2. Describe two maps- one in the present and one in the future.

3. 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 and will be the main focus of this post.

You will normally be shown two maps, as above and asked to select and report the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You will obviously be using both present and past tenses to describe the maps and how the town has developed.

Also, as this is a man-made process we will use the passive.

Structure

To describe two maps I advise my students to follow a four paragraph structure.

Paragraph 1- Paraphrase Sentence

Paraphrase question using synonyms.

Paragraph 2- 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 3- Main Body 1

Three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.

Paragraph 4- Main Body 2

Further 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.

Look at the sample answer below to see how I have used this structure.