Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Changes to the Liverton docks area between 1980 and today: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 map question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about maps.
  • 188 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram shows how Liverton docks have changed since 1980.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Liverton docks in 1980

1980

  • Three warehouses in the north
  • Two cranes
  • Four ships docked in the river
  • One warehouse in the south

Today

  • Education Centre (converted) in the north
  • Sailing Club (new) in the north
  • Kid's playing area in the north
  • Ship museum in the river
  • Bridge connecting north and south
  • Flood barrier
  • River walk along the south bank
  • Hotel (new) in the south
  • Apartments (converted) in the south
  • Parking area in the south

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8188 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagrams illustrate the significant redevelopment of the Liverton docks area between 1980 and the present day. Overall, the site has transitioned from an industrial shipping zone into a modern space focused on leisure, residential living, and public amenities.

In 1980, the docks were primarily industrial, featuring four warehouses and two cranes used for shipping operations. Four ships were docked in the river, reflecting its active commercial role. By contrast, the area today has been completely repurposed. The northern bank now hosts an education centre, which is a converted building, a new sailing club, and a children's playing area. The industrial cranes and most warehouses have been removed, with the river now featuring a ship museum and a newly constructed bridge equipped with a flood barrier.

The southern bank has also seen substantial development. Where there was previously a single warehouse, there is now a new hotel, a block of converted apartments, and a parking area. Additionally, a river walk has been installed along the southern bank, enhancing public access to the waterfront. These changes highlight a shift away from heavy industry towards a more community-oriented environment.

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Maps

How to write about maps: tips and vocabulary

  • →Overview: how much the area changed and what stayed the same.
  • →Use location language: to the north of, adjacent to, replaced by.
  • →Group changes by area or by type, such as housing, roads and green space.
  • redevelopment

    the process of developing an area in a new way

  • repurposed

    adapted for a different use than originally intended

  • transitioned

    changed from one state or condition to another

  • amenities

    useful or desirable features of a place

  • substantial

    of considerable importance, size, or worth

  • enhanced

    improved the quality or value of something

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The Liverton docks have undergone a comprehensive transformation from a functional industrial shipping hub into a modern residential and recreational area.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

How do I describe maps?+

Overview: how much the area changed and what stayed the same. Use location language: to the north of, adjacent to, replaced by. Group changes by area or by type, such as housing, roads and green space.

Keep practising

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