Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Proposed Redevelopment Plans for a University Sports Centre Facility

The plans below show the layout of the university's sports center now, and how it will look after redevelopment.

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

University Sports Centre (present)

present

Outdoor courts to the west
Outdoor courts to the east
Gym at the north
Changing room to the west of the pool
Seating to the east of the pool
25m Pool in the centre
Reception at the south entrance

future plans

Leisure pool replacing western outdoor courts
Sports hall and two dance studios replacing eastern outdoor courts
Gym remains at the north
25m Pool remains in the centre
Reception remains at the south
New sports shop and changing room added at the southwest
New café and changing room added at the southeast

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 diagrams illustrate the current layout of a university sports centre and the proposed modifications for its future redevelopment. Overall, the plans indicate a major transformation from an outdoor-focused facility to a more comprehensive indoor complex, with the addition of several new recreational and service areas.

Currently, the centre is relatively compact, featuring a central 25m pool flanked by a changing room to the west and seating to the east. The northern side is occupied by a gym, while the southern entrance leads directly into a reception area. Externally, the facility is bordered by outdoor courts on both its western and eastern sides.

Under the future plans, the outdoor courts will be completely removed. In their place, a large leisure pool will be constructed on the western side, while the eastern side will be repurposed to house a new sports hall and two dance studios. Furthermore, the internal layout will be enhanced with the addition of a sports shop and a new changing room in the southwest corner, alongside a café and another changing room in the southeast. The central 25m pool, gym, and reception area will remain in their original positions.

193 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.

redevelopment: The process of developing a site again
flanked: Situated on each side of something
repurposed: Adapted for a different use or purpose
comprehensive: Including all or nearly all elements involved
transformation: A thorough or dramatic change in form
amenities: Useful or desirable features of a building

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The proposed redevelopment involves a significant expansion of the indoor facilities, replacing all outdoor courts with new amenities such as a leisure pool, a sports hall, and additional service areas.

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.