IELTS Writing Task 1: Library Map Changes

This guide explains how to approach the IELTS  Writing Task 1 map question about the plan of a library in 2001 and 2009. You will learn how to describe layout changes clearly, organize comparisons logically, write a strong overview, and use accurate spatial language to improve your band score.

Keynote – Task 1 Quick Guide

Direct Answer: For this task, focus on summarizing the most important changes in the library’s layout and facilities between 2001 and 2009—such as new or relocated areas and major additions or removals—rather than describing every minor feature.

Key Points to Remember:

• Identify the main features added, removed, or repurposed

• Use a four-part structure: Introduction, Overview, Body 1, Body 2

• Group related changes together (by area or function)

• Use passive verbs (“was added,” “were replaced”) and clear location language

• Keep your writing formal, concise, and focused on summary and comparison

I. What Is This IELTS  Writing Task 1 Question Type?

The question “The plan of a library in 2001 and 2009” is a classic IELTS  Writing Task 1 map comparison. You are shown two diagrams of the same library: one from 2001 and one from 2009, illustrating changes in layout and facilities.

You can review IELTS  writing task 1 map to better understand this question type.

In this task, you are required to:

• Summarize and compare the main changes in the library’s layout and facilities between 2001 and 2009. This becomes easier when you understand IELTS  writing topic analysis.

• Highlight the most significant additions, removals, conversions, or reorganizations (such as new reading areas, computer rooms, café, relocated resources, or the loss of space)

• Identify and report the overall trend (e.g., modernization, making the space more multifunctional, or accommodating more visitors)

Key elements to identify before writing:

• Time frames: Distinguish “in 2001” from “in 2009”

• Major changes: Additions (café, computers), removals (bookshelves, open areas), conversions (reading area to media room)

• Landmarks: Entrance, help desk, resource location, unique features (children’s area, café)

• Layout patterns: Has the library become more modern or flexible? Is there a clear theme to the changes?

To explore more formats, you should check IELTS  writing task 1 question types.

II. Recommended Structure for Task 1

For a map comparison like “The plan of a library in 2001 and 2009,” your essay should be split into four clear parts.

• Introduction: Paraphrase the map task, mentioning the library and the two years shown. You can improve this skill by practicing paraphrasing in writing IELTS .

• Overview: Summarize the biggest changes or general patterns in layout and functionality. You can improve this section by learning IELTS  writing task 1 overview.

• Body Paragraph 1: Describe the most significant developments or additions (e.g., new zones, technology, or facilities). To structure your ideas more clearly, refer to IELTS  writing task 1 body paragraph.

• Body Paragraph 2: Discuss remaining changes, stable features, or details about specific areas (e.g., moved or unchanged rooms)

1. Sample Essay on IELTS  Writing Task 1 – The Plan of a Library in 2001 and 2009

Question:

The maps below show the plan of a public library in 2001 and the same library in 2009.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample Answer:

The two maps illustrate changes made to the layout of a public library between 2001 and 2009.

Overall, the library was modernized and adapted for more diverse uses, with the introduction of new facilities such as a children’s area, a café, and more computers, while some space previously used for bookshelves was repurposed.

In 2001, the library was largely traditional, consisting mainly of rows of bookshelves occupying most of the central area. To the right of the entrance was a help desk, with a reading room on the left, and at the far end were reference books and a small staff office.

By 2009, significant changes had taken place. The number of bookshelves was reduced, with some being relocated or replaced by a computer area in the center. The left side of the library was redesigned as a children’s zone, including story time space and parents’ seating. A café was added near the entrance, and the reading room was moved deeper into the building. Other smaller changes included a new meeting room and improved facilities for group study. The help desk remained in its original place.

In summary, the library shifted from a traditional reading-focused space to a more multipurpose, visitor-friendly environment over the eight-year period.

Why this essay works well:

• Introduction paraphrases the question and names the two years

• Overview captures the broad trend (modernization, multifunctional use)

• Body paragraphs are grouped by type/area of change and function

• Accurate use of tenses and passive forms

• Key changes are clearly summarized, minimizing unnecessary details

To practice more map comparison tasks, explore IELTS  writing task 1 riverpark area of 20 years ago and now sample.

2. Useful Language for This Task Type

When describing changes in a library’s plan over time, use a variety of verbs and expressions for spatial transformation, location, and comparative features. You should master key terms from IELTS  writing task 1 map vocabulary to describe layout changes accurately.

Vocabulary for Describing Change

Vocabulary for Location and Layout

Comparative and Overview Language

• “In 2001…, by 2009…”

• “The most significant change was the introduction of…”

• “While the help desk remained in the same place, other areas underwent major changes…”

• “Some traditional features, such as the reading room, were retained but relocated.”

• “Compared to 2001, the library is now more visitor-friendly and multifunctional.”

Grammar and Style Notes

• Use past simple/passive for changes: “was added,” “were removed,” “was converted”

• Use present simple for features still present: “remains,” “is now located”

• Use cohesive devices for contrast and sequence: “however,” “in addition,” “afterwards,” “while”

• Keep your reporting concise and formal; avoid opinions and too much narrative detail

III. How This Task Type Is Assessed in IELTS  Writing

For a map comparison question like “The plan of a library in 2001 and 2009,” your response is assessed using the four official IELTS  Writing Task 1 criteria. Here’s how each applies to this type:

Task Achievement

• You must:
  Clearly select and summarize the main functional and spatial changes between the two plans.
  Highlight the most significant additions, removals, or conversions (e.g., new café, relocated reading room, addition of a children’s area). This is similar to identifying patterns in describe trends in IELTS  writing.
  Write an overview that summarizes the big picture (such as a shift from traditional book storage to multipurpose community space).

• Do not:
  List every minor feature or detail; focus on what most affects the layout, usage, and visitor experience.

Coherence and Cohesion

• Use a clear structure: Introduction, Overview, Body Paragraph 1, Body Paragraph 2.

• Group information logically: for example, first describe new/removed features, then discuss relocated or unchanged areas.

• Use linking and comparative language: “while,” “in addition,” “after redevelopment,” “at the same time,” “by 2009.”

• Maintain sequence and avoid jumping between unrelated areas or details.

Lexical Resource

• Use a range of precise verbs for change: “added,” “removed,” “converted,” “expanded,” “modernized,” “relocated.”

• Accurately describe positions: “adjacent to,” “in the center,” “at the entrance,” “on the left/right side.”

• Paraphrase repeated ideas and maintain an academic/formal tone.

• Use clear comparison language for “before/after,” and avoid informal terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

• Use passive voice and a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.

• Choose tenses appropriately: past simple for changes (“was added”), present or present perfect for unchanged features.

• Use articles, prepositions, and plural/singular forms accurately.

• Incorporate comparative and sequence structures for clarity.

A high-scoring report selects and groups the most important features, avoids unnecessary repetition or minor details, and uses formal, academic language with clear sentence structure.

This article provides the most complete sample IELTS  Writing Task 1 The plan of a library in 2001 and 2009 band 7.0+. Review it carefully if you are in the final stretch. And don't forget to spend time practicing daily with PREP's Virtual Writing Room to quickly increase your band score!