An "IELTS Writing Task 1 Map" entails a map that visually shows the differences between two or more places or geographical changes that happened overtime in a certain location. It is always better to point out the most significant details, such as changes or differences, but also stress the main, and sum up the ideas in this IELTS Writing task 1 Map piece.
Understanding Map Charts in IELTS
Map charts typically show changes in a location over time. At one point two or more maps can show the same area at different points in time.
The Map task is to describe changes occurred with main features of each map and making relevant comparisons.
There may be some unique features which can be used while attempting this task:
Physical features: Buildings, roads, parks, rivers, etc.
A. IELTS task 1 map is a common question asked in the writing section of the IELTS test. Currently, there are two types of map questions that may be asked in your IELTS Writing Task 1. This includes either a multiple-map question (time-based map) that includes different maps showing considerable differences over a period of time or a single map question (time-invariant map).
There are two key aspects of attempting the IELTS Writing Task 1 map, as given below:
Understanding the Task
Analyse the map: Carefully study the map to identify the key features, changes, and time periods.
Identify the main features: Determine the most significant changes or developments.
Organise your thoughts: Decide on a logical structure for your essay.
Structuring Your Essay:
Introduction & Overall: Restate the prompt in your own words. Briefly highlight the overall changes or developments.
Body Paragraphs: Use clear and concise language to describe the changes in the map. Highlight the similarities and differences between the old and new maps. Employ accurate vocabulary and grammar to convey your ideas.
Note that the entire IELTS task 1 map must be summed up in 150 words, and the time taken to attempt this question must not exceed 20 minutes.
Q. How much time is allotted to IELTS Writing task 1?
A. The total time allowed for the IELTS Writing section is 60 minutes. However, test takers must not take more than 20 minutes to attempt IELTS task 1 in the Writing section.
Q. How many marks do task 1 and task 2 in IELTS Writing section carry?
A. Both Task 1 and Task 2 in the IELTS Writing section are scored individually on a scale of 0-9 and then both the scores are averaged to get the final IELTS Writing band score.
However, it must be noted that the writing task 2 carries twice as much weight in terms of score as that of task 1. This means that IELTS writing task 2 contributes more towards the total band score of the Writing section.
Types of Map Charts in Writing Task 1
Here are some typical map chart types for IELTS Task 1 "Map":
Before and After Maps: These maps illustrate changes to a particular location over time.
Proposed Change Maps: These maps present proposed changes to a location with plans of development.
Comparative Maps: These maps examine and compare two different places or location.
Single Time Point Maps: These maps demonstrate the layout of a place at one time.
Tourist or Transport Maps: These maps typically focus on tourist attractions, transport routes or other themes.
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Common Features of Map Charts in IELTS
In IELTS map charts, various symbols or icons are used to represent different features and changes.
Buildings and Structures:
Square or rectangle: Represents buildings like houses, schools, or commercial buildings.
Circle: Often used for features like towers, roundabouts, or public facilities.
Roads and Paths:
Solid line: Represents main roads or streets.
Dashed line: Represents footpaths, secondary roads, or proposed roads.
Natural Features:
Tree icon: Represents parks, forests, or green spaces.
Wave lines: Represents rivers, lakes, or coastal lines.
Mountain or hill icon: Represents elevated land or mountainous areas.
Transport:
Bus or train icon: Represents bus stops, train stations, or transport hubs.
Airplane icon: Represents airports or airstrips.
Recreational Areas:
Playground or sports icon: Represents playgrounds, sports fields, or recreational areas.
Swimming pool icon: Represents swimming pools or water parks.
Infrastructure:
Bridge icon: Represents bridges over rivers or other obstacles.
Tunnel icon: Represents tunnels through mountains or other areas.
Strategies to Approach Map Chart in Task 1 of Writing
Planning Your Response
Analyse the Maps in the Task
Look at the Maps: Spend a few minutes with the maps.
Mark the Time Periods: Mark the years for each map.
Mark Key Features: What are the key features of each map?
Mark the Changes: What changed, what was added, what was removed, or what altered?
Structure Your Answer:
Briefly in one sentence introduce maps and what they illustrate.
Give a brief one line a summary of main changes that have occurred.
Describe features in the first map in first para within 2 to 3 lines.
Describe changes in the second map in the second para.
Plan Transition Words: Think of transition words to link descriptions, such as initially, then, subsequently, by, in the next phase, over time, finally.
Writing Your Response
Section
Details
Introduction
Start by briefly stating what the maps illustrate. Example: “The maps illustrate the changes in the layout of a city park between 2000 and 2020.”
Overview
Summarise the main changes in a sentence. Example: “Overall, the park has undergone significant transformations, with the addition of new facilities, and removal of a few.”
Body Paragraph 1
Describe the features of the first map. Focus on locations (e.g., “To the north of the park…”, “Adjacent to the river…”). Use precise language to indicate position of the features. Use phrases like: in the centre, to the north, in the west, on the east side, on the west side, in the middle, next to, nearby, opposite to. Example: “In 2000, the park featured a large pond in the centre, surrounded by trees, with a single pathway running east to west.”
Body Paragraph 2
Focus on describing the changes that occurred and how the map looks now. Use phrases that show changes over time, such as “By 2020”, “Over the years,”, “In contrast”. Be specific about what was added, removed, or altered. Use location descriptions to provide more clarity on where changes occurred. Example: “By 2020, the pond had been replaced with a children’s play area, a new café had been constructed to the south of the play area and the pathway had been widened. The trees to the north have been removed.”
Strategies for Map Charts
Clearly describe locations and changes (for example, constructed, demolished, relocated)
Be precise with your vocabulary when indicating a precise location: Accurately to the north of, adjacent to...
Different sentence types and structures should be used for better flow of thoughts.
Spend your time objectively describing the maps, and avoid personal or opinionated statements about the maps.
Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary of maps, and practice the changes that are common.
Practice the responses and practice finishing within the 20 minutes allotted.
You can refer to the sample responses below.
Writing Task 1 - Map Chart Example
The two maps below show the road access to a city hospital in 2007 and 2010. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
Understanding Task
Task Type: Map Comparison
Objective: To describe the changes in road access to a city hospital between 2007 and 2010.
Key Actions:
Summarise the main features of each map.
Compare and contrast the two maps, noting the changes that occurred.
Write a clear and concise report with good vocabulary.
Ensure you write at least 150 words.
Key Points to Focus
Overall Changes: Note the major shifts, such as the addition of a roundabout and separate parking areas.
Road Structure: Changes to the road layout and the addition of the roundabout.
Parking: How parking provisions changed for staff and the public.
Public Transportation: Highlight the introduction of the bus station.
Tips for IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Questions
Plan your answer: Before writing, identify the main features and how they changed.
Use precise language: Be specific with location using prepositional phrases.
Use a variety of vocabulary: Include words for locations, structures, and changes.
Use transitional words: to connect sentences and paragraphs smoothly.
Don't give your opinion: Stick to describing the visuals.
Check grammar and vocabulary: Make sure everything is accurate.
Vocabulary for Map Questions
Locations:north, south, east, west, to the left of, to the right of, adjacent to, in the middle, opposite, within
The given two maps illustrate the access to the hospital through road pathways in year 2007 and in 2010. Overall, the major advance developments can be seen in the year 2010. In 2007, a city road in the South was connected to the hospital road, which had some bus stops on both sides of the road. The entrance to the city hospital was in the southeast direction, where there was some area separated for the car parking of both staff and the public. The city hospital was enriched with a circular track of a ring road going from east to west and then finally connected to the main entry points. In 2010, after taking a roundabout from the city road, it connected to the main hospital road, which was bifurcated from two sides in the South-west direction which was attached to a rectangular area for the bus station and after taking a roundabout in front of the hospital it was connected to the ring road which was having an entrance of a huge car parking for the general people towards the east and for the working staff in the south-east direction. The main city hospital was locared in the centre. This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 6.5 score, here is the expert’s comment. The candidate has addressed the main features of the maps, describing the changes in road access to the hospital over two years. However, the description lacks clear logical organisation, thus making it difficult to follow. There are numerous grammatical errors, including incorrect verb forms and prepositions, which impact the clarity of the description. The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, but there are several incorrect word choices and awkward phrases. Additionally, the lack of cohesive devices, such as linking words, makes the text less coherent. The candidate shows an attempt to use complex sentences, but frequent errors impede understanding.
Map Chart Response 2 for 8 Band Score
The two maps illustrate the changes that took place in transport infrastructure in the years 2007 and 2010. Overall, the major change could be seen in the development to cater for new roads, parking and bus facilities. Examining the earlier map from 2007, it is evident that the hospital was enclosed within a circular road known as Ring Road. Hospital Road was connected to this ring road in the south, featuring six bus stops, three on each side. This road extended southward to intersect with City Road. To the east of the Hospital Road was a car park designated for staff and public use.
Turning our attention to the second map from 2010, it can be observed that the hospital grounds had increased in size and developed significantly. The most striking feature was the construction of a new bus station to the west of Hospital Road, necessitating the removal of the pre-existing bus stops. By 2010, the original car park had been designated for staff use only, and a new public car park was constructed to the east of the hospital, outside the Ring Road. Additionally, two new roundabouts were built on Hospital Road at the junctions with Ring Road and City Road to facilitate the flow of vehicles to the bus station and the hospital. This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 8 score, here is the expert’s comment. The response covers all the task requirements appropriately, it is started with appropriate paraphrasing in the first paragraph, providing a clear overview.All the essential points are clearly and appropriately illustrated or extended.The content is divided into paragraphs, making it both a coherent and cohesive response. A wide range of resources is fluently and flexibly used to convey precise meanings within the scope of the task. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is well managed. However, there is a repetition of vocabulary in the body paragraphs. The vocabulary resource is sufficient to allow understanding but lacks skillful use of uncommon word choices, with some repetition of words.
Map Chart Response 3 for 9 Band Score
The maps illustrate the modifications made to road access at a city hospital between 2007 and 2010. Overall, there was a notable restructuring of the area, including the addition of a roundabout and the separation of parking areas. Overall, the hospital's road access underwent significant transformations, including new infrastructure to accommodate both private vehicles and public transportation, along with a more organized parking system.
In 2007, the hospital was situated within a ring road, with access primarily through a single entrance from the City Road, labelled Hospital Road. A combined car park for both staff and the public was located to the immediate right of this entrance, and there was a single bus stop to the east of the access road.
By 2010, a number of changes had been implemented. A roundabout had been added at the junction of Hospital Road and City Road, facilitating smoother traffic flow. The combined car park had been divided into separate areas for staff and public, with the public car park positioned to the north of the hospital building. Additionally, a bus station was constructed to the west of Hospital Road. These changes significantly restructured access to the hospital, and segregated various transport functions.
(Word Count: 179)
Explanation and Breakdown:
Introduction (1 sentence):
Clearly states the purpose of the maps.
Uses the proper phrasing: "...illustrate the modifications made to road access..."
The word 'notable restructuring' signals that there are significant changes.
Overview/General statement (1 sentence):
Highlight the key changes in a broad sentence.
Body Paragraph 1 (3 sentences):
Describes the 2007 map: Road layout, the combined car park, and the bus stop.
Uses prepositional phrases correctly ("within a ring road", "to the immediate right").
Uses specific vocabulary related to maps and locations "to the east"
Body Paragraph 2 (3 sentences):
Describes the 2010 map: the addition of the roundabout, separate car parks, and the bus station.
Uses transitional words "by 2010" to connect and show change over time.
Highlights the changes with the words: "had been implemented" and "had been added."
Uses strong verbs like "facilitating" and "segregated" to show a better writing style.
Why This Answer Scores Highly
Task Achievement: All parts of the task are fully addressed. The changes are correctly identified and described.
Coherence and Cohesion: The response is logically organised, with clear connections between sentences and paragraphs using cohesive devices.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is broad and precise, and includes words related to maps and structures. "facilitating," "segregated," "infrastructure," and "transformations," are examples of this.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response shows a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures.
Tips Related to Grammar in Map Chart
When writing about maps in IELTS Writing Task 1, your choice of verb tense should reflect the times stated in the maps. Below is a simple guide for verb use in your maps:
Present Simple - For when the map indicates the layout as it is now.
Past Simple - To describe how things looked in the past or things that had changed then.
Present Perfect - For describing how things have changed after a time until now.
Future Simple - Express this idea using such a verb as the map indicates plans for future changes or development.
Past Perfect - A tense to describe a situation that had changed prior to another time in the past.
Selecting the appropriate tense enables your map description to be precise, fluent and coherent which is exactly what the examiners are looking for.
Task 1 - Map Chart - FAQs
Q: What kind of map charts might appear in the test?
A: In the IELTS test, map charts often appear in the Writing Task 1 section. Here are some common types of map charts you might encounter:
Before and After Maps
Proposed Changes Maps
Comparative Maps
Single Time Point Maps
Tourist or Transport Maps
Q: What should I talk about inside the map. What is the start point and finish point?
A: When reporting on the start point and finish point of a map for IELTS Writing Task 1, it is important to explicitly identify and describe the individual features of the starting point and finishing result of the map of changes or proposed developments/changes.
Q: What symbols or icons are used in the chart?
A: In IELTS map charts, various symbols or icons are used to represent different features and changes. Example: roads, bus or train routes, bridges, construction sites etcetera.
Q: How should I structure my report?
A: The report needs to be structured in 3-paragraphs. Start with an introduction paraphrasing the task and mentioning the overall of the map. Dedicate separate body paragraphs to describe each illustration.
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae