Academic Writing Task 1 · map

The transformation of a small island into a tourist resort

The map shows changes made in the small village over some time.

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

Development of a small island resort

Before

Sea surrounding the island
Beach on the western tip
Palm trees scattered across the island

After

Sea surrounding the island
Beach on the western tip designated for swimming
Restaurant located in the central north
Reception area in the centre
Accommodation huts arranged in two circular clusters
Pier extending from the southern shore
Footpaths connecting all facilities
Vehicle track connecting the pier to the reception and restaurant

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 a small, undeveloped island into a tourist resort. Overall, the island underwent significant changes, evolving from a natural landscape into a structured facility with accommodation, dining, and transport infrastructure.

In the initial state, the island was largely untouched, featuring only a beach on the western side and scattered palm trees across the land. The surrounding area consisted entirely of sea, with no man-made structures or paths present.

Following the development, the island was extensively modified to accommodate visitors. A restaurant was constructed in the central northern part, while a reception area was established in the middle of the island. Accommodation for guests was built in two distinct circular clusters, connected by a network of footpaths. Furthermore, a pier was added to the southern shore to facilitate access, linked to the reception and restaurant by a vehicle track. The beach on the western side was designated for swimming, and while many original palm trees remain, the overall layout is now highly organised to support tourism, contrasting sharply with the island's previous natural state.

179 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
undeveloped: not having been built upon or improved by humans
infrastructure: the basic physical systems of a place or facility
facilitate: to make an action or process easier to perform
contrasting: differing strikingly when compared to something else
designated: appointed or assigned for a specific purpose or use

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The island underwent significant development, transitioning from an uninhabited natural area into a structured tourist resort featuring accommodation, dining facilities, and improved access.

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.