Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Comparison of trade conference floor plans between 2009 and 2010

The maps below compare two floor plans of one trade conference held in 2009 and 2010.

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

Trade conference floor plans in 2009 and 2010

2009

  • main entrance top left
  • registration top center
  • side entrance top right
  • concert hall middle left
  • stage bottom left
  • meeting room center
  • display area center
  • exhibition area bottom center
  • balcony right

2010

  • main entrance top left
  • refreshment top center
  • side entrance top right
  • exhibition area left
  • registration middle right
  • concert hall bottom center
  • stage bottom center
  • balcony with lounge area 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 maps illustrate the layout changes made to a trade conference venue between 2009 and 2010. Overall, the floor plan was extensively reconfigured, with several key facilities being relocated or repurposed to accommodate different spatial requirements.

In 2009, the main entrance and side entrance were positioned at the top of the venue, flanking a central registration desk. The concert hall and stage occupied the left side, while the exhibition area was situated in the bottom centre, adjacent to a meeting room and a display area. A balcony was located along the entire right wall.

By 2010, the layout had changed considerably. The registration desk was replaced by a refreshment area at the top of the hall. The exhibition area was moved to the left side, taking up the space previously occupied by the concert hall. Meanwhile, the concert hall and stage were relocated to the bottom centre. Furthermore, the balcony on the right was expanded to include a lounge area, and a new registration desk was positioned between the concert hall and the balcony. These alterations reflect a complete transformation of the internal floor space over the one-year period.

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

How to write about maps

reconfigured
arranged in a new or different way
flanking
being situated on each side of something
adjacent
next to or adjoining something else
relocated
moved to a new place or position
transformation
a thorough or dramatic change in form
accommodate
to provide sufficient space for a purpose

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The floor plan underwent significant structural modifications between 2009 and 2010, most notably the relocation of the concert hall, stage, and exhibition area, alongside the replacement of the registration desk with a refreshment 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.

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