Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Comparison of a bookstore layout between the year 2000 and now

The maps below show a bookstore in 2000 and now.

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

Bookstore layout in 2000 and now

2000

Entrance on the left
Service desk in the bottom-left corner
New books section next to service desk
Travel section in the middle-left
Art, Hobbies, and Cookery shelves in the center
Fiction section occupying the top and right walls
Non-fiction section in the bottom-right

NOW

Entrance on the left
Service desk in the bottom-left corner
New books section next to service desk
Travel section in the middle-left
Art, Hobbies, Cookery, and Fiction sections along the top wall
Non-fiction section on the right wall
Three tables with chairs in the center
Cafe in the bottom-right corner

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 layout of a bookstore in 2000 compared to its current configuration. Overall, the store has transitioned from a space primarily dedicated to book storage and display to a more customer-focused environment featuring social areas.

In 2000, the bookstore was dominated by shelving units. The Fiction section occupied a large L-shaped area along the top and right walls, while Art, Hobbies, and Cookery books were housed on three central shelves. A Travel section was situated near the entrance, with a New books display and a Service desk located in the bottom-left corner. The Non-fiction section was positioned in the bottom-right area.

Currently, the layout has been substantially altered. The central shelves have been removed to accommodate three tables with chairs, and a Cafe has been installed in the bottom-right corner where the Non-fiction section previously stood. The book categories have been relocated to the top wall, now arranged in a row consisting of Art, Hobbies, Cookery, and Fiction. Meanwhile, the Non-fiction section has moved to the right wall. The Travel section, New books area, and Service desk remain in their original positions near the entrance.

189 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.

transitioned: underwent a change from one state to another
dominated: occupied the majority of the available space
accommodate: provide sufficient space for a new feature
relocated: moved to a different place or position
substantially: to a great or significant extent
configuration: the arrangement of parts within a space

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The bookstore has undergone significant structural changes, most notably the replacement of central shelving with seating and the addition of a cafe, alongside a reorganization of book categories.

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.