Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Two Alternative Layout Designs for a Conference Room

The maps below show the development of an area over a period of time. The maps show two different plans designed for a conference room. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. --- Instructions: You are presented with maps showing changes to an area over time and must describe the transformations, compare the layouts, and highlight key developments in at least 150 words. Assessment Criteria: Task Achievement (25%) - Presents a clear overview of main changes - Highlights key features and transformations - Makes appropriate comparisons between time periods - Meets the 150-word minimum requirement Coherence and Cohesion (25%) - Logically organizes information - Uses paragraphing effectively - Uses cohesive devices appropriately - Maintains clear progression throughout Lexical Resource (25%) - Uses appropriate vocabulary for describing locations and changes - Shows flexibility and precision - Uses less common lexical items - Has minimal errors in word choice and spelling Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%) - Uses a variety of sentence structures - Produces error-free sentences - Uses grammar and punctuation appropriately - Shows good control of grammar Tips for Map Description: - Start with an introduction describing what the maps show and the time period - Write an overview highlighting the most significant changes overall - Describe the layout/features in the earlier map - Describe what changed in the later map - Use appropriate vocabulary for maps: - Locations: "in the north/south/east/west", "in the center", "at the top/bottom", "on the left/right side", "adjacent to", "opposite", "next to", "surrounding" - Changes: "was replaced by", "was demolished", "was constructed", "was built", "was removed", "was added", "gave way to", "made way for" - Developments: "expanded", "enlarged", "extended", "reduced", "relocated", "converted into", "transformed into" - New features: "a new X was built", "X was introduced", "facilities were added" - Compare the two maps: "whereas", "while", "in contrast", "however" - Describe what remained the same if relevant - Use passive voice appropriately: "was built", "were removed", "has been developed"

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

Plan A

podium at top center
whiteboard at top right
two long tables with three chairs each on left and right sides
one long table with four chairs at bottom
morning tea area at bottom

Plan B

morning tea area at top left
whiteboard at top center
two long tables with three chairs each on left and right sides
two small tables with one chair each in center
one long table with three chairs at bottom

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 two distinct layout proposals for a conference room, designated as Plan A and Plan B. Overall, while both designs maintain a similar footprint, they differ significantly in the positioning of the morning tea facilities and the arrangement of seating to accommodate different meeting styles.

In Plan A, the room is designed with a formal presentation focus. A podium is situated at the top centre, adjacent to a whiteboard on the right. The seating arrangement consists of two long tables placed vertically on the left and right sides, each flanked by three chairs. Additionally, a larger table with four chairs is positioned at the bottom, which serves as the morning tea area. This layout prioritises a clear focal point for a speaker.

In contrast, Plan B reconfigures the space to encourage interaction. The morning tea area is relocated to the top left corner, while the whiteboard is moved to the top centre. The seating is more fragmented, featuring two central tables with single chairs, flanked by the same two long tables found in Plan A. The bottom table is reduced to three chairs, creating a more open, collaborative environment compared to the formal structure of Plan A.

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.

reconfigures: to change the arrangement or shape of something
relocated: moved to a new place or position
flanked: situated on each side of something
prioritises: treats something as being more important than others
fragmented: broken into separate or smaller parts
distinct: clearly different in nature or appearance

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The two plans differ significantly in the positioning of the morning tea area and the arrangement of tables, with Plan A focusing on a formal presentation setup and Plan B offering a more collaborative configuration.

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.