Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Changes to the Liverton docks area between 1980 and today

The diagram shows how Liverton docks have changed since 1980.

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

Liverton docks in 1980

1980

Three warehouses in the north
Two cranes
Four ships docked in the river
One warehouse in the south

Today

Education Centre (converted) in the north
Sailing Club (new) in the north
Kid's playing area in the north
Ship museum in the river
Bridge connecting north and south
Flood barrier
River walk along the south bank
Hotel (new) in the south
Apartments (converted) in the south
Parking area in the south

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 significant redevelopment of the Liverton docks area between 1980 and the present day. Overall, the site has transitioned from an industrial shipping zone into a modern space focused on leisure, residential living, and public amenities.

In 1980, the docks were primarily industrial, featuring four warehouses and two cranes used for shipping operations. Four ships were docked in the river, reflecting its active commercial role. By contrast, the area today has been completely repurposed. The northern bank now hosts an education centre, which is a converted building, a new sailing club, and a children's playing area. The industrial cranes and most warehouses have been removed, with the river now featuring a ship museum and a newly constructed bridge equipped with a flood barrier.

The southern bank has also seen substantial development. Where there was previously a single warehouse, there is now a new hotel, a block of converted apartments, and a parking area. Additionally, a river walk has been installed along the southern bank, enhancing public access to the waterfront. These changes highlight a shift away from heavy industry towards a more community-oriented environment.

188 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.

redevelopment: the process of developing an area in a new way
repurposed: adapted for a different use than originally intended
transitioned: changed from one state or condition to another
amenities: useful or desirable features of a place
substantial: of considerable importance, size, or worth
enhanced: improved the quality or value of something

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS Academic writing

On your phone? Get the BandLadder app.

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The Liverton docks have undergone a comprehensive transformation from a functional industrial shipping hub into a modern residential and recreational area.

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.