Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Changes in the layout and facilities of a park since 1980

The pictures show the changes in the park from 1980 to the present day.

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

Park layout in 1980 and Now

1980

Brick wall perimeter
Single curved path from bottom center to top left
Three trees in top right
Four benches arranged around a small pond in bottom left
Wooden gate at bottom center
Flowers scattered near the gate

Now

Cross-shaped path system
Picnic area with tables and barbecue in top right
Two trees in top right
Two benches near a pond in bottom left
Two children playing football in bottom right
Small bushes in bottom left and right

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 images illustrate the transformation of a park between 1980 and the present day. Overall, the park has undergone significant structural modifications, transitioning from a quiet, nature-focused space to a more recreational area with expanded facilities for social and physical activities.

In 1980, the park featured a simple layout with a single curved path leading from a wooden gate at the bottom centre towards the top left. The area was primarily landscaped with three trees in the top right corner and a small pond surrounded by four benches in the bottom left. The perimeter was enclosed by a brick wall, and the entrance was decorated with flowers.

By contrast, the current layout is more complex, featuring a cross-shaped path system that divides the park into distinct sections. The original pond remains, but it is now accompanied by only two benches. The most notable additions are the recreational facilities; the top right section now contains picnic tables and a barbecue area, while the bottom right area has been cleared to provide space for children to play football. Furthermore, the original trees have been reduced in number, and new small bushes have been planted along the bottom edge of the park.

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

How to write about 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.

transformation: a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance
transitioning: changing from one state or condition to another
modifications: the action of making changes to something
by contrast: used to show that something is different from another
notable: worthy of attention or notice; remarkably or interesting
accompanied by: happening or existing at the same time as something

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The park has undergone significant structural modifications, transitioning from a quiet, nature-focused space to a more recreational area with expanded facilities for social and physical activities.

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.