Academic Writing Task 1 · map

The development of the village of Rye Mouth between 1995 and the present

The map below shows the development of the village of Rye Mouth between 1995 and the present.

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

Development of Rye Mouth

1995

Housing in the northwest
Farmland in the northeast
Forest park in the east
Hotel in the center
Shop in the southwest
Cafe in the south
Fish market in the south
Fishing port in the south
Sea in the south

Present

Housing in the northwest
Golf course in the northeast
Tennis courts in the northeast
Car park in the east
Restaurant in the center
Apartments in the south
Cafe in the south
Sea in the south

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 the village of Rye Mouth from 1995 to the present day. Overall, the village has shifted from a primary industry-based settlement to a more residential and leisure-oriented area, with substantial infrastructure changes.

In 1995, the northern part of the village was dominated by farmland and a forest park, while the southern section featured a shop, a fish market, and a fishing port near the sea. A hotel was situated in the centre, and housing was limited to the northwest corner. By the present day, the farmland and forest park have been replaced by a golf course and tennis courts. The hotel has been converted into a restaurant, and the original shop has been removed.

Furthermore, the southern coastline has seen a dramatic change. The fish market and fishing port have been demolished to make way for a row of apartments. A car park has been constructed in the eastern area, replacing part of the former forest. While the housing in the northwest remains, the overall character of the village has transitioned from a working fishing community to a modern residential and recreational hub.

190 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.

undergone: experienced a significant change or transformation over time
urbanisation: the process of making an area more developed
replaced: taken the place of something previously existing there
dominated: occupied the largest or most significant part of
converted: changed the function or form of a building
transitioned: changed from one state or condition to another

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The village of Rye Mouth has undergone significant urbanisation, with agricultural and natural areas replaced by leisure and residential facilities, while the traditional fishing industry has been completely removed.

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.