Structure
How to describe a map
- →Find the compass and the key, then list what was added, removed, moved, enlarged or converted between the two dates.
- →Overview: the two or three biggest changes and the overall character (more residential, more developed, greener).
- →Body: one paragraph per part of the map (north and centre, then south and east), describing what each area looked like before and after.
- →Location language: in the north-west corner, along the coast, to the east of, opposite, adjacent to, was replaced by, was extended, was converted into.
The full method, with scoring and common mistakes, is in the IELTS Task 1 map guide.
33–64 of 64
Maps: all sample answers
- Comparison of the current layout and future development plans for Islip
- Comparison of the current office layout and proposed future development plans
- Comparison of the layout of a medical centre between 2008 and 2010
- Comparison of the layout of Beechwood Farm between 1950 and today
- Comparison of the town of Langley between 1910 and 1950
- Comparison of Town Centre Layouts Between 1990 and the Present
- Comparison of trade conference floor plans between 2009 and 2010
- Comparison of Two Underground Tunnel Systems in Australian Cities
- Comparison of University Campus Layout Between 2010 and the Present Day
- Comparison of Village Park layout between ten years ago and now
- Development of tourist facilities on a small island
- Developmental changes in Meadowside village and Fonton town since 1962
- Diagrams showing the existing and proposed ground floor plan of a house
- Floor plan changes at the AAA Accountancy main office
- Floor plan changes in a public library over twenty years
- Global Willingness to Consume Insect Based Food Products Across Various Nations
- Map of the City of Brandfield Showing Key Urban Infrastructure
- Maps illustrating urban development in the city of Nelson over time
- Maps showing the current industrial area and future development of Norbiton
- Maps showing the present layout and future development plans for Bunborough
- Proposed Redevelopment Plans for a University Sports Centre Facility
- Proposed Urban Development Changes to Foster Road Between Two Avenues
- Redevelopment of a library ground floor between 2001 and 2009
- The development of the village of Rye Mouth between 1995 and the present
- The geographical evolution of Tarnagul town between 1900 and 2000
- The historical development of Chorleywood village from 1868 to 1994
- The transformation of a coastal fishing village into a tourist resort
- The transformation of a small island into a tourist resort
- The transformation of the Assford area between 1965 and the present
- Three maps illustrating the development of Brindell between 1800 and 2000
- Three potential locations for a new leisure center development project
- Two Alternative Layout Designs for a Conference Room
Frequently asked questions
How do I describe an IELTS map in Task 1?+
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.
What band are these map sample answers?+
Each of the 64 map samples has a Band 8 model answer. The chart is redrawn with its data, and every figure in the answer comes from that chart.
How many words and how long for Task 1?+
At least 150 words in about 20 minutes. 170 to 200 words is the safe range; leave 40 minutes for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.
How should I organise a two-map answer?+
By area of the map, not by date. Describe the northern half before and after, then the southern half, so each paragraph compares directly.
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Other Task 1 chart types
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