How to write the most detailed Map of IELTS Writing Task 1

Must be IELTS Task 1 Map Is it always the type of post that makes you bewildered? So if you encounter this type of question in the real exam, how should you approach it? The following article will provide detailed step-by-step instructions to help you do well in the exam formatIELTS Writing Task 1 Maps. At the same time, at the end of the article, you will also be provided with a "super huge" sample topic for reference and practice.

DOL IELTS Dinh Luc

Aug 26, 2022

2 mins read

1. What is the type of Maps in IELTS Writing Task 1?

IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps (Map) usually shows a thumbnail image of an area or place. For example, a city, a small town, or a building, school, etc. at different time points. It can be past, present, or future.

This type of essay asks candidates to describe the change or development of this area or place over time. On the map there are often elements such as facilities, transport infrastructure or some natural elements present in that area.

Like other types of Writing Task 1, you need to complete an essay of at least 150 words in 20 minutes for the format.IELTS Task 1 Map.

In addition, you also need to meet all 4 evaluation criteria of the examiner including:

• Task Response (Answer the question correctly and completely)
• Lexical Resource (Vocabulary)
• Grammatical Range And Accuracy (Variety and grammatical accuracy)
• Coherence And Cohesion (Coherence and coherence)

4 scoring criteria in the form of Maps IELTS Task 1

When describing a map, you must imagine that your reader cannot see the same image that you see. Your job is to put that image in their head. This requires you to be precise and concise in the words you use.

2. Types of Maps in IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Maps There are two main types: the form with only 1 map and the form with 2 maps.

2.1 Type 1 map

2.1.1 Type 1 map with no specific time

This type of test requires candidates to describe, distinguish and compare objects in the map. This is a fairly rare type of test, but this does not mean that candidates will not encounter this type of map in the exam.

Here is an exampleMap IELTS copybookCambridge IELTS 5:

Eg:

The map below is of the town of Garlsdon. A new supermarket (S) is planned for the town. The map shows two possible sites for the supermarket. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Example IELTS Task 1 Maps 1 map – No time

2.1.2 Type 1 map with specific time

Similar to the above, this is also a type of postMap IELTS Task 1 rarely. However, make sure you are well prepared to deal with this type of test in case it comes up for the actual exam.

Eg:

Chorleywood is a village near London whose population has increased steadily since the middle of the nineteenth century. The map shows the development of the village. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the development of the village.

Example IELTS Task 1 Maps 1 map – Time available

2.2 Type of 2 maps

This is the formIELTS Writing Map most commonly encountered. The problem gives 2 maps of the same area but at 2 different time points. Ask the candidate to describe the change and development of this area.

2.2.1 Type 2 maps in the past

The problem includes 2 maps at 2 different times in the past. The writer needs to mix well the past perfect tense (Past Perfect Tense) and Past Simple(Simple Past) to describe regional variation.

Eg:

The diagrams show a small museum and its surroundings in 1990 and 2010.

2.2.2 Type 1 map in the past, 1 map in the present

The problem gives 2 maps at 2 different time points, 1 in the past and 1 in the present. Writers need to useSimple Past to describe maps in the past. And use Present perfect tense(Present Perfect Tense) to describe the current map.

Eg:

The plan below shows the village of Pebbleton 20 years ago and now.The plan below shows the village of Pebbleton 20 years ago and now.

Example Maps IELTS Task with 1 map in the past, 1 map in the present

2.2.3 Type 1 map in the present, 1 map in the future

The problem gives 2 maps at 2 different time points, 1 in the present and 1 in the future. The writer needs to use the present simple(Simple Present) to describe the current map. And use Simple Future Tense (Simple Future Tense) or languages ​​indicating proposals/plans to describe the map in the future.

Eg:

The maps show how the industrial area will change into a housing area in the future.

Example of Maps IELTS Task form with 1 map in the present, 1 map in the future

3. Steps to complete the description of Maps IELTS Task 1

Similar to other types of Writing Task 1, a complete Maps description also includes 4 paragraphs: Introduction paragraph (Introduction), the Overview (Overview), and two Body paragraphs (Body). Here are the detailed instructionsHow to write Map in IELTS.

3.1 Introduction - Introduction

Still the operation'paraphrase' repeat the introductory sentence of the map that the topic gives like any other type of writing task 1. To restate that introductory sentence in your own words, the writer can use synonyms or change the structure. structure/order of words in the original sentence.

To make writing Introduction more convenient and time-saving, DOL would like to provide the following two sample sentences:

Method 1: Change the sentence structure

The [given/ provided] maps [show/ illustrate/ demonstrate] how [area/location name] change(d) over a [No. 5] - year period from… to…

Eg:

The maps illustrate how a coastal town called Pebbleton has changed over a 20 - year period.

Method 2: Use synonyms

The [given/ provided] maps [show/ illustrate/ demonstrate] the [changes/ modernisation/ development/ differences] of [area/location name] between… and…

Eg:

The maps illustrate the changes made in a town called Pebbleton over the period of 20 years.

3.2 Overview - Overview

Paragraph Overview (Overview) is probably the most important one in Writing Task 1. Therefore, the writer needs to carefully observe and generalize the changing area or the most noticeable changes of the described area/place. in the map.

1 way to write Overview you can refer to:

[In general/ Overall] it is clear that [area + location/direction] [undergo/ see/ witness/ experience] [major/ significant/ radical] [modernization/ changes/ transformations/ developments], with the most noticeable changes being [+ phrase for change].

Eg:

Overall, it is clear that the northern and western parts of the town has undergone significant transformations, with the most noticeable changes being addition of houses and other facilities as well as the replacement of old fort with a children’s playground.

Some noun phrases are used to indicate a prominent change between two maps:

• The relocation of…: The relocation of…
• The expansion of…: The expansion of…
• The replacement of… with…: The replacement… with…
• The addition of…: The addition of…
• The erection/ construction of…: The construction…
• The disappearance/elimination of…: The disappearance/elimination of…

3.3 Body - Body

In the two body paragraphs, the writer needs to describe in more detail the changes of the objects contained in the articleMap Task 1 IELTS. Depending on the arrangement of the map, the writer can consider and choose the appropriate method of grouping information.

There are two ways to organize information into two body paragraphs:

• Describe each map's timeline in turn
• Divide objects in the map by location (North - South - East - West)

Detailed instructions for writing IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps

4. Commonly used languages ​​to describe Map

4.1 Common grammar structures in IELTS Task 1 Map

For post formatIELTS Task 1 Map, we can only observe the results of the changes and cannot determine who made those changes. Therefore, throughout the article, the Passive structure (Passive Voice) will be applied frequently.

Eg:

Specifically, on the western side of the city, while the lighthouse has not changed its initial position for 20 years, the substitution of the old fort with a children’s playground and the film studio with flats has been recorded.

At present, a Footbridge has been built to connect the coast road to the old fort road, which greatly assisted students of the school in the south to cross the river. There was a footpath at the end of the footbridge and a tennis court was added in the middle of the footpath and the lighthouse land.

However, the important point that the writer needs to note is that the choice must be suitable with the timeline that the topic gives. Then apply the structurePassive Voice. In this regard, please refer to the section‘Types of Maps in IELTS Writing Task 1’ at the top!

4.2 Vocabulary applied to Map Task 1 IELTS

4.2.1 Location Description Language

The first step in describing a map is to describe the location of the features in the map. When describing the location, the writer needs to identify the directions as shown below.

The main directions to describe the position in English

To avoid confusion of direction while writing, you can quickly draw a compass right next to the drawing. And sign the basic directions if the topic has not provided.

Here are some things candidates should keep in mind when describing the location of an object in the Map IELTS Task 1:

Distinguish between the prepositions 'to' and 'in' when describing locations

• Use‘to’ when 2 objects in the map are separate
• Use‘in’ when a small object/place is within a city/town/building…

Notes on using prepositions 'to' and 'in' with directions

Use the combination phrase “direction + corner”

When an object is located in the corner of the map, the writer can describe the location of this object by combining the two directions to form an adjective, placed before the noun "corner" (corner).

A map with a total of 4 corners is as follows:

• South - Eastern corner: Southeast corner (Right corner - Bottom)
• South - Western corner: Southwest corner (Left corner - Bottom)
• North - Eastern corner: Northeast corner (Right corner - Top)
• North - Western corner: Northwest corner (Left corner - Top)

There are 4 angles to describe a position in English

Some structures used to describe location:

• There + to be + 1 . object + conjunction +location phrase + conjunction +2 . object

Eg: In 2000, there was a restaurant to the West of the town.

• Object 1 + to be +located/ sited/ situated + conjunction +location phrase + conjunction +2 . object

Eg: A factory was situated to the South of the golf course in 1990.

• Object 1 + conjunction + stand/ lie/ flow +location phrase + conjunction +2 . object

Eg: A warehouse stood in the North - Eastern corner of the village.

4.2.2 Language to describe the change of objects in the map

2nd step of descriptionIELTS Task 1 Map is to describe the change of objects over time. The change in the map is quite varied. Therefore, to assist you in memorizing important words, DOL would like to introduce 7 vocabulary topics as follows:

Vocabulary group for adding (Addition)
Verb	Noun	Meaning
build	-	build
construct	construction	build
erect	erection	build
introduce	introduction	put to use
establish	establishment	found
open	opening	open door
occupy	-	take the place
add	addition	add

Vocabulary group for removing (Removal)
Verb	Noun	Meaning
cut down (trees)	-	cut down the tree
chop down (trees)	-	cut down the tree
clear (trees)	-	cut down the tree
demolish	demolition	destroy
remove	removal	removal
be no longer there	-	no more
pull down	-	destroy
flatten	-	Raze
knock down	-	Destroy

Vocabulary group indicating REPLACEMENT (Replacement)
Verb	Noun	Meaning
convert into	conversion of… into…	cut down the tree
it's cold	-	cut down the tree
turn into	-	cut down the tree
redevelop into	redevelopment of… into…	destroy
replace	replacement of… with…	removal

Vocabulary group indicating relocation (Relocation)
Verb	Noun	Meaning
move	-	move
relocate	relocation of… to…	to move

Vocabulary group indicating SIZE CHANGE (Make bigger/ smaller)
Verb	Noun	Meaning
enlarge	enlargement	extend
expand	expansion	extend
extend	extension	prolonged
widen	-	extend
shrink	shrinkage	shrink
reduce in size	-	reduced in size

Vocabulary group indicating the STANDARD (No change)
Verb	Noun	Meaning
remain unchanged	-	constant
stay the same	-	keep stable
-	no change	Do not have any change

General statements about changes
Verb	Noun	Meaning
industrialize	industrialization	industrial
modernize	modernization	modernization
transform	transformation	change
urbanize	urbanization	urbanization
pedestrianize	pedestrianization	converted into a pedestrian zone

See more vocabulary and structures used inIELTS Writing Task 1 Map in the following document:

5. Common mistakes for IELTS Writing Map

To improve your writing as well as develop your own error detection ability, let's take a look at some common mistakes in the Map description article below!

5.1 Using the wrong tense

As mentioned above, each map timeline requires the writer to determine the appropriate time to describe the change of objects. However, there are quite a few cases where the writer forgets to specify the timeline in the title and goes straight to writing the article. And the default is to use the Simple Past tense for all types of cards.

So, before you start writing articles, you should determine the(Tenses) Match the given timeline carefully!

Many candidates use the wrong form when writing IELTS Task 1 Map

5.2 Confusion between active and passive voice

When writing about the change of objects inIELTS Task 1 Map, writers often have to use mainly passive sentence structures. However, you should note that, not all of the above verbs are used in the passive form.

You need to consider the meaning of the sentence, as well as look up whether the verb you are using is intransitive or transitive. For intransitive types like maintain‘remain’ nice"bite", you are not allowed to use the passive voice.

Eg:

• Although the northern and western parts of the village underwent significant transformations, the remaining areas remained unchanged.
• It can be seen that the construction of a new road is planned to take place along the river.

There are still many candidates confused between active and passive voice when writing IELTS Writing Task 1 Map

5.3 Using the wrong preposition

The map description requires a lot of location information, and this causes many candidates to get confused about prepositions. In addition to paying attention to‘to’ and‘in’ Above all, here are some phrases that are frequently misused with prepositions:

‘in the corner’ và ‘at the corner’:

• ‘in the corner': Used with directional adjectives(Northern/ Southern/ Western/ Eastern) to refer to a large space located at the corner of a town/city.

Eg: The park is in the North - Eastern corner of the village.

• ‘at the corner': Used to indicate the angle between two roads.

Eg: The coffee shop is at the corner of Lighthouse and Old Fork Street.

‘give way to’ và ‘make way for’:

While both phrases mean ‘to make room for…’, the two phrases come with two different prepositions.

>> See more: Synthetic Connecting words in IELTS Writing Task 1

6. Analysis of sample IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps

6.1 Sample papers for the exam on 11/6/2022

Topic: The map below shows the changes that have taken place at the waterfront area of a town called Darwin between 2009 and 2014.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps on June 11, 2022

Outline:

• Introduction: DOL willparaphrase topic to re-introduce the topic to the examiner.
• Overview: The DOL will show the most important, prominent features in the figure.
• Body 1: Describe the features of the area to the North and East.
• Body 2: Describe the features of the area to the south and west.

Articles refer to band 8.0:

00:00

Introduction: The given table illustrates certain forecasted alternations in an industrial site, which will be transformed into residential areas in the future. 

Overview: Overall, the most noticeable changes will be the addition of various buildings to the North and East of the spot; also the modification of names of specific areas and their facilities will be recorded.

Body 1: Regarding the East side of this place, the factory is predicted to be replaced by apartments, which will be located next to the newly-added parking area. While the current Entrance and Reception are placed to the North, the plan proposes its substitution by residential areas including 6 bedroom houses which will be accessed through communal gardens.

Body 2: Significant changes will also be projected on the remaining sides of this site. The 3 - bedroom house and 4 - bedroom house will replace the packing and storage areas in the Western part. Additionally, the substitution of offices and canteen for parking garages is also suggested in this plan. The only feature that is predicted to remain its original position is the main road which surrounds the whole area.

6.2 Sample papers for the exam on May 7, 2022

Topic: The plan below shows the village of Pebbleton 20 years ago and now.

IELTS Writing Maps exam on May 7, 2022

Outline:

• Introduction: DOL will paraphrase the topic to re-introduce the topic to the examiner
• Overview: DOL will point out the most important, prominent features in the picture
• Body 1: Description of the map 20 years ago
• Body 2: Description of the current map

Articles refer to Band 8:

00:00

Introduction: The map illustrates changes made in Pebbleton over the period of 20 years.

Overview: Overall, it can be seen that the most noticeable change was the addition of houses and other facilities such as footbridge, tennis court, community center as well as the replacement of old fort with a children’s playground.

Body 1: Specifically, on the western side of the city, while the lighthouse has not changed its initial position for 20 years, the substitution of the old fort with a children’s playground and the film studio with flats has been recorded.

At present, a footbridge has been built to connect the coast road to the old fort road, which greatly assisted students of the school in the south to cross the river. There was a footpath at the end of the footbridge and a tennis court was added in the middle of the footpath and the lighthouse land.

Body 2: Towards the north of the map, the number of houses increased and the city had a new community center located near the residential area. Regarding the eastern side, almost every feature such as the old fort road, the playing field and the roadbridge remained unchanged. 

7. Frequently asked questions about Map IELTS Task 1

Does the Map format often appear in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Which tense is used for the Map form in IELTS Writing Task 1?

How do you describe a location on a map?

The above article has shown the types of IELTS Task 1 Map. Along with that are the errors when writing and how to applyLinearthinking to make this post complete. Through this, DOL hopes you have a more general view of the Map format and understand how to write this type of article.

Wishing you all the best in your practice and success in conquering the formatIELTS Map this. If you have any problems or difficulties while studying, please contact DOL via Hotline 1800 96 96 39. DOL is always ready to support you to the best of your ability!