Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Three potential locations for a new leisure center development project

The map below shows three possible locations for a leisure center.

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

Three potential locations for a leisure center

Locations

A: Industrial site with cooling towers near a river
B: Residential area with three apartment blocks
C: Forested area on the edge of the countryside

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 map illustrates three potential sites, labelled A, B, and C, for the construction of a new leisure center. The locations are situated in diverse settings, each offering different accessibility and environmental characteristics.

Site A is located in the eastern part of the map, adjacent to an industrial facility featuring several cooling towers. This site is positioned near a river, which flows from the industrial area towards the west. In contrast, site B is situated in the central region, nestled within a residential area consisting of three apartment blocks. This location is well-connected by a network of roads that link the residential zone to the surrounding countryside and the industrial site.

Site C is located in the western portion of the map, set within a large, forested area. Unlike the other two options, this site is situated in a more secluded, rural environment, away from the main infrastructure and residential developments. While site A is linked to the industrial sector and site B is integrated into the residential community, site C offers a more natural, isolated setting. Overall, the three locations present distinct advantages depending on whether the priority is accessibility, proximity to residential areas, or a natural environment.

200 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.

situated: located in a particular place or position
adjacent to: next to or very near something else
in contrast: used to show a difference between two things
integrated: combined with other things to form a whole
secluded: hidden from view and quiet or private
distinct: clearly different in nature or appearance

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The map illustrates three distinct sites for a proposed leisure center, each situated in a different environment ranging from industrial and residential zones to a rural, forested area.

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.