The Most Detailed and Comprehensive Guide to Writing IELTS Writing Task 1: Map!

IELTS Writing Task 1: Map is considered a challenging type of task. It requires candidates to know how to select and describe prominent features and then proceed to compare them. One difficulty that candidates often worry about when encountering this task is the need to use tenses proficiently to describe and compare the features.
Therefore, in the following article, PREP will provide the most detailed guidance on how to write a Map task in IELTS Writing. Refer to the article below to conquer your IELTS Writing test!

I. Overview of the IELTS Writing Task 1: Map

1. What is the IELTS Writing Task 1: Map?

IELTS Writing Task 1: Map is a recognizable task type where the prompt provides 2-3 geographical maps of an area, the layout of rooms in a house, etc., at different periods. It requires the writer to identify the changes that have occurred in the area over the given time frame. Therefore, the writer needs to carefully observe and identify both overall changes and any smaller changes that took place during that period.

2. IELTS Writing Task 1: Map vocabulary

When describing maps in the IELTS Writing task, employing a rich vocabulary enhances the clarity and depth of your analysis. Here are some useful terms and phrases to effectively describe various aspects of maps:

• If the map provides a compass rose, we can use directions to describe it: In the Northeast area, To the South of...
• Appearance: the construction/appearance/establishment of...
• Disappearance: to be replaced/demolished...
• No change: to remain intact
• Size changes: to be resized/expanded, to diminish/grow in size

II. The Most Comprehensive Structure for the IELTS Writing Task 1: Map

• Introduction: Paraphrase the prompt.
• General Description: Provide general observations (e.g., significant/insignificant changes, overall increase/decrease in the number of new objects, any changes in size...)
• Body: Divide the areas and analyze them in two paragraphs (e.g., inside and outside, north and south, areas with many changes and areas with few changes...)

For further reference, please consult the following article:

• How to Handle the IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Diagram
• A comprehensive guide on how to write IELTS Writing Task 1: Comparative Graphs
• How to write IELTS Writing Task 1 Line Graph/ Graph with a trend

III. IELTS Writing Task 1: Map sample answer

Below are some examples of prompts and detailed sample essays for the Map task in IELTS Writing Task 1 to help you effectively practice and prepare for the IELTS exam at home. Here is one specific example:

1. IELTS Writing Task 1 Prompt

Prompt: The plans below show a public park when it first opened in 1920 and the same park today. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main feature and make comparisons where relevant.

2. The sample essay of Map task in IELTS Writing Task 1

The two maps compare Grange Park in 1920 and today. Overall, the entire park has been changed to provide more visitors' activities, but the total size remains the same.

In 1920, Grange Park had two main entrances located at Arnold Revenue in the North and Eldon Street in the South. The park's two main attractions were the water fountain at the center and the musicians' stage to its left. In addition, many seats and rose gardens were scattered around the four sides of the park. There was also a pond in the top right corner of the park to grow aquatic plants and a glasshouse at the bottom right.

In the present day, except for the two entrances and one rose garden in the top left, most features mentioned above have been removed and replaced. In place of the fountain, a massive rose garden has been planted, surrounded by seats on all four sides. All other seats have been moved. The musician stage has been upgraded to an amphitheater where concerts are held. The pond has been changed into a children's playground, while the glasshouse has been converted into a water feature. A new café has also been set up between the Arnold Avenue entrance and the play area. Lastly, there is now a third entrance to the park from the underground parking space which is located at the bottom right corner.

IV. Conclusion

This article has provided detailed insight into IELTS Writing Task 1: Map. Hopefully, the knowledge shared by PREP above will be truly helpful for all of you, Preppies. Study and prepare diligently at home to achieve the goals you have set. Wish you all the best in achieving a high band score in IELTS Writing!