Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Comparison of a bookstore layout between the year 2000 and now: 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.
  • 189 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The maps below show a bookstore in 2000 and now.

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

Bookstore layout in 2000 and now

2000

  • Entrance on the left
  • Service desk in the bottom-left corner
  • New books section next to service desk
  • Travel section in the middle-left
  • Art, Hobbies, and Cookery shelves in the center
  • Fiction section occupying the top and right walls
  • Non-fiction section in the bottom-right

NOW

  • Entrance on the left
  • Service desk in the bottom-left corner
  • New books section next to service desk
  • Travel section in the middle-left
  • Art, Hobbies, Cookery, and Fiction sections along the top wall
  • Non-fiction section on the right wall
  • Three tables with chairs in the center
  • Cafe in the bottom-right corner

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 8189 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided maps illustrate the layout of a bookstore in 2000 compared to its current configuration. Overall, the store has transitioned from a space primarily dedicated to book storage and display to a more customer-focused environment featuring social areas.

In 2000, the bookstore was dominated by shelving units. The Fiction section occupied a large L-shaped area along the top and right walls, while Art, Hobbies, and Cookery books were housed on three central shelves. A Travel section was situated near the entrance, with a New books display and a Service desk located in the bottom-left corner. The Non-fiction section was positioned in the bottom-right area.

Currently, the layout has been substantially altered. The central shelves have been removed to accommodate three tables with chairs, and a Cafe has been installed in the bottom-right corner where the Non-fiction section previously stood. The book categories have been relocated to the top wall, now arranged in a row consisting of Art, Hobbies, Cookery, and Fiction. Meanwhile, the Non-fiction section has moved to the right wall. The Travel section, New books area, and Service desk remain in their original positions near the entrance.

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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.
  • transitioned

    underwent a change from one state to another

  • dominated

    occupied the majority of the available space

  • accommodate

    provide sufficient space for a new feature

  • relocated

    moved to a different place or position

  • substantially

    to a great or significant extent

  • configuration

    the arrangement of parts within a space

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The bookstore has undergone significant structural changes, most notably the replacement of central shelving with seating and the addition of a cafe, alongside a reorganization of book categories.

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

More maps

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