Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Comparison of Hunderstone town current layout and proposed future development plan

The maps below show Hunderstone town at present and a proposed plan for it.

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

Hunderstone town at present and proposed plan

NOW

A2 road on the west
Air field in the northwest
Roundabout on the A2
Railway running north-south
Gas station west of the railway
Town center with a ring road east of the railway

PROPOSED PLAN

A2 road on the west
Industrial estate in the northwest
Roundabout on the A2
New central roundabout connecting the A2 and town center
Railway running north-south
Gas station west of the railway
A4 road added in the south
Town center with a ring road
New road extension to the northeast

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 current layout of Hunderstone and a proposed development plan for the town. Overall, the town is set to undergo substantial structural changes, primarily focused on improving transport connectivity and repurposing land for industrial use.

Currently, the town is characterised by an air field in the northwest and a single roundabout on the A2 road. The railway line bisects the town, separating the western area from the town centre, which is encircled by a ring road. A gas station is situated to the west of the railway line.

Under the proposed plan, the air field will be replaced by an industrial estate. A significant modification is the introduction of a second, larger roundabout located centrally between the A2 and the town centre, which will improve traffic flow. Furthermore, a new road, designated as the A4, will be constructed in the southern part of the town, crossing the railway. Finally, a new road extension will be added to the northeast of the town centre, further enhancing the town's infrastructure. These developments suggest a shift towards increased industrial activity and improved accessibility across the railway line.

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.

bisects: divides an area into two separate parts
repurposing: adapting something for a different use or purpose
infrastructure: the basic physical systems of a town's transport
characterised by: having a particular feature as a main quality
enhancement: an increase or improvement in quality or value
substantial: of considerable importance, size, or worth

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The proposed plan for Hunderstone involves significant infrastructure expansion, including the addition of new roads and the conversion of the air field into an industrial estate.

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.