Describing maps is one of the least common types of questions you may have to answer in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. Does the approach to this type of question differ from, for example, describing graphs, tables, or answering process questions? Of course, yes, because each type of visual in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 has different features. Today, we will look closer at map questions and give you tips on how to tackle maps in IELTS Writing Task 1 effortlessly.
What are map questions about?
When map questions appear on the exam, there will always be two maps. Sometimes, both maps illustrate what used to be in a particular area in the past; sometimes, one map shows what there was in the past while the other one is about the present; also, you might see the maps one of which demonstrates the proposed changes for the future. Regardless of what date you see on the map, your task is always the same:
- Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
This means that you will have to describe what changes have / will have occurred and use the proper tenses to describe them.
What’s on the maps? They usually depict several images of cities, towns, countryside or other areas at different stages of their development, and you have to describe changes which happen to these places. For example, some new/old objects may appear or disappear, others may be relocated to a different place or increase/decrease in size.
Here is how the task is usually worded on the exam:
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram shows Rampart street today and the plan for changes to the street in 2035.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
READ ABOUT: IELTS language for describing maps
How to build the description?
Step 1. Analyzing the task and maps.
The first thing to do is reading the task carefully and finding the key information. You should look at WHAT changes happened as well as WHEN:
- The diagram shows Rampart street today and the plan for changes to the street in 2035.
There can be three possible options:
- past and now
- past and future
- now and future
In our sample task, the maps show Rampart street now and in the future. This can also be understood from the visual because there we can see “now” and “in 2035”.
Now, it’s time to look at the maps and identify the main changes: what objects have appeared, been demolished, constructed, relocated, expanded, etc. Then, decide which changes were mainly made. You have to decide on the general character of changes and what happens to the objects and in different parts of the maps: objects appear or disappear or change.
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Step 2. Planning.
After you have identified the main changes on the maps, group them by type or by the part of the place. For example, the objects have appeared/disappeared/changed or the changes took place in the north/ south/ north-east/ south-east of the town/city, etc.
As you group the changes by type or place, choose the details on the map to illustrate these changes.
As you can see on the maps above, many new objects have been added, and some of the old objects have disappeared. Can you spot them by looking at the maps?
Step 3. Writing the description.
Basically, the structure of the description will be the same as for process questions or other visuals. However, the content will depend on what changes there are to describe:
| MODEL 1 | MODEL 2 | |
| INTRODUCTION | Paraphrase the task and give an overview of changes. | Paraphrase of the task. |
| BODY PARAGRAPH 1 | Compare changes in the first group by giving a topic sentence and details. | Describe changes to existing objects. |
| BODY PARAGRAPH 2 | Compare changes in the second group by giving a topic sentence and details. | Describe changes to new objects. |
| CONCLUSION (optional) | Write a conclusion about the most striking changes. This kind of conclusion is optional but will be very useful if your word count is lower than 150 words. | Write an overview of trends. |
Both models have all the necessary components of a good description. Both ways of organizing your Writing Task 1 are appropriate, as they address the task and meet its requirements in terms of Task Achievement:
There are also other things to keep in mind while writing your response:
- Organize your ideas logically. Make sure you use small paragraphs to show the introduction and overview, key features (2 body paragraphs), and conclusion.
- An overview is a must regardless of what you are writing about in the task.
- Describe all changes. This is a specific point to write about in map questions, so don’t miss anything.
- Be careful with tenses. Make sure you are using past, present, and future tenses correctly where necessary.
- Use complex sentences, linking words to show connections between maps, make references and extend your ideas.
READ ABOUT: IELTS Pronunciation guide
Step 4. Checking your writing.
After you write your description, don’t forget to make sure:
- you have used proper grammar;
- you have spelled the words correctly;
- you haven’t made any of your typical mistakes;
- you have avoided repetition of vocabulary and linkers.
Go to our online IELTS Academic self-study course to see sample answers, and to practice writing your own response. You will also get access to IELTS Knowledge Bank with strategies and language for IELTS Writing. You will familiarise yourself with other types of maps, and we will guide you through the process of writing your own response – from task overview to writing practice. Finally, you will write your description under exam-like conditions, our AI will check your writing, and you will receive immediate feedback on your writing as well as have an opportunity to analyze the model answer and compare it with yours.
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