Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Developmental changes in Meadowside village and Fonton town since 1962

The map below shows the changes that have taken place in Meadowside village and Fonton a neighbouring town since 1962.

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

Changes in Meadowside and Fonton

1962

Meadowside village as a small isolated area
Fonton town located to the east with a railway line

1985

Meadowside village expanded
New housing estate added
Leisure complex built
Superstore constructed
New road connecting the areas

NOW

Meadowside suburbs significantly enlarged
Hotel built near the railway
Station added on the railway line
Business park constructed near the superstore

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 transformation of Meadowside village and the neighbouring town of Fonton over a period spanning from 1962 to the present day. Overall, it is evident that the area has undergone substantial urbanisation, evolving from a small, isolated village into a sprawling suburban region with enhanced transport links and commercial facilities.

In 1962, Meadowside was a small, distinct village separated from the town of Fonton, which was already served by a railway line. By 1985, the village had expanded significantly. A new housing estate was established, and a leisure complex was constructed. Furthermore, a superstore was added to the south, and a new road was built, connecting the two areas and facilitating better access.

In the current period, the area has been renamed Meadowside Suburbs, reflecting its massive growth. The residential footprint has expanded to encompass the previously separate areas. Significant infrastructure developments include the addition of a railway station and a hotel near the tracks. Additionally, a large business park has been constructed adjacent to the superstore, further cementing the area's transition from a quiet village into a developed commercial and residential hub.

187 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.

transformation: a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance
urbanisation: the process of making an area more city-like
sprawling: spreading out over a large area in untidy way
encompass: to include or contain within a larger area
adjacent: next to or adjoining something else
infrastructure: basic physical systems like roads and transport links

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The maps illustrate the significant urban expansion of Meadowside village and the development of infrastructure and commercial facilities in the region between 1962 and the present day.

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.