IELTS lesson · Writing

IELTS Writing Task 1 Map notesMaps: what changed, and where

Sort the changes, pick the right tense and place every change exactly. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 11 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 11 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: read, sort, overview and place. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, word cards with meanings and examples (to the north of, adjacent to and replaced by), a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 8 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.

The first 2 of 11 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSWriting · Task 1 · Map

    Wrong time, vague place

    two slips that blur a map

    A map answer should say when and where. The present tense and 'at the top' do neither.

    In 2020 the farm is replaced by houses.wrong tense There is also a new café at the top, near the pier.vague place

    The changes are right. The tense and the place are not.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 11
  2. IELTSWriting · Task 1 · Map

    Meet the maps

    two dates, five places

    Marram Bay: 2000 and 2020
    Place20002020
    North of roadFarmlandHousing estate
    East endFish marketCafé and pier
    Village greenOpen grassOpen grass
    West endSmall schoolBigger school
    South shoreBeachBeach, car park

    Made-up sample: two maps set out as a table. Task 1: at least 150 words, in about 20 minutes.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 11
  3. Card 3 of 11 onwards

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11 cards

Contents

  1. 1Wrong time, vague placetwo slips that blur a mapIn the preview
  2. 2Meet the mapstwo dates, five placesIn the preview
  3. 3Four moves for every mapdates and compass firstFree account
  4. 4Moves 1-2: read, then sortwhat changed, what stayedWith a plan
  5. 5Move 3: the overviewthe big change, plus what stayedWith a plan
  6. 6Move 4: tense and placewhen, where, what happenedWith a plan
  7. 7Two slips to swapthe tense, and the placeWith a plan
  8. 8Intro, overview, first detaila Band 8-style answer, markedWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnsame maps, three quick checksWith a plan
  10. 10Where and what changedplace words and change verbsWith a plan
  11. 11Save thisthe map checklistWith a plan

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Questions

FAQ

Is the Maps: what changed, and where lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

Can I download the Maps: what changed, and where PDF?+

The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

It is written for IELTS Academic.

IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

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