Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Changes to a region after the construction of a hydroelectric dam

The picture below shows a place in 1980 and after the construction of a hydroelectric dam in 1990.

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

Changes to a region following the construction of a hydroelectric dam

1980

  • Mountains in the north and south
  • Forests in the northwest
  • Rare plants and animals in the northwest
  • Architecture/Structure in the northwest
  • River flowing north to south
  • Irrigated land in the east
  • Village in the east

After construction of dam

  • Mountains in the north and south
  • Hydro-electric dam in the south
  • Large reservoir for fishing in the center
  • Hotel in the east
  • Electrical towers in the south
  • Village in the southeast

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 diagrams illustrate the environmental and structural changes that occurred in a specific region between 1980 and the period following the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Overall, the area underwent a major transformation, shifting from a largely natural and agricultural landscape to one dominated by industrial infrastructure and tourism facilities.

In 1980, the region was characterised by a river flowing through the centre, flanked by mountains in the north and south. The western side featured forests, rare plants, and animals, alongside a single architectural structure. To the east of the river, there was irrigated land and a small village.

Following the construction of the hydroelectric dam, the landscape changed dramatically. A large reservoir was created in the centre of the area, which replaced the original river flow and provided space for fishing. The western forest area was removed, and in its place, electrical towers were installed near the new dam in the south. Furthermore, the eastern side saw the addition of a hotel, while the village remained. The mountains persisted in their original locations, serving as the only major geographical feature that remained unchanged throughout the development process.

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

How to write about maps

characterised by
having a particular feature or quality as typical
underwent
experienced a significant change or process
flanked by
situated on each side of something
dominated by
having a commanding influence or presence over
persisted
continued to exist in a specific state
dramatically
in a way that is sudden and striking

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The construction of the dam significantly transformed the landscape from a natural, agricultural area into a site focused on energy production, tourism, and leisure 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.

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