Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Changes in the industrial village of Stamdorf between 1985 and 2015

The maps show changes in the local industrial village in England called Stamdorf between 1985 and 2015.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Stamdorf in 1985

1985

  • Small roadside inns on the north-west side of Arlington Road
  • A field on the west side of the road
  • A wooden bridge connecting the two sides of the Thames River
  • A factory on the east side of the river
  • The Thames River flowing through the area
Stamdorf in 2015

2015

  • Housing Estate 1 on the west side of Arlington Road
  • Industrial Staff Quarters and an Industrial zone on the north-east side
  • A steel bridge replacing the wooden one
  • Small roadside inns moved to the south-east side of the road
  • Increased tree coverage near the road and river
  • Field remains on the west side

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Band 8 sample answer

The provided maps illustrate the transformation of the English village of Stamdorf over a thirty-year period from 1985 to 2015. Overall, the village experienced substantial development, characterised by the expansion of industrial facilities and the introduction of residential housing.

In 1985, the landscape was relatively sparse. A single factory was situated on the east side of the Thames River, connected to the rest of the village by a wooden bridge. To the west of Arlington Road, there was a field, while small roadside inns were located along the north-western stretch of the road. The river served as a central feature, with sailing boats present.

By 2015, the area had been significantly modernised. The wooden bridge was replaced by a steel structure. The industrial presence grew considerably, with the original factory site evolving into a larger industrial zone accompanied by new industrial staff quarters. Residential development also emerged, with a new housing estate built on the west side of the road. Furthermore, the small roadside inns were relocated to the south-eastern side of the road, and the area saw an increase in tree planting, particularly along the river and the main road.

191 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

How to write about maps

transformation
a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance
urbanisation
the process of making an area more like a city
characterised by
having a particular quality or feature as a main part
substantial
of considerable importance, size, or worth
modernised
adapted to current needs or habits by updating facilities
relocated
moved to a new place and established one's home or business

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

Between 1985 and 2015, Stamdorf underwent significant urbanisation, transitioning from a small industrial site with a single factory to a more developed area featuring residential estates and an expanded industrial zone.

How long should an IELTS Task 1 answer be?

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How do I describe maps?

Overview: how much the area changed and what stayed the same. Use location language: to the north of, adjacent to, replaced by. Group changes by area or by type, such as housing, roads and green space.

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