Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Comparison of current layout and future development plans for Islip: 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.
  • 186 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The maps below show the center of a small town called Islip as it is now and plans for its development.

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

Islip town centre now

Islip town centre now

  • Countryside at the north
  • Main road running east-west
  • Shops on both sides of the main road
  • Housing area south of the shops
  • Park in the southeast
  • School in the southwest

Islip town centre: planned development

  • Dual carriageway encircling the town centre
  • Bus station, shopping centre, and car park in the north
  • Pedestrians-only zone south of the new facilities
  • Existing shops retained south of the pedestrian zone
  • New housing added in the northeast and southeast
  • Existing housing and school retained in the south
  • Park relocated to the southeast

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 8186 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided maps illustrate the current layout of Islip town centre and the proposed modifications for its future development. Overall, the town is set to undergo substantial changes, most notably the construction of a dual carriageway encircling the centre and the addition of new amenities.

Currently, the town is bisected by a main road, with shops located on both sides. To the south of these shops lies a residential area, with a park situated in the southeast and a school in the southwest. The area to the north of the shops is designated as countryside.

Under the planned development, the main road will be replaced by a dual carriageway that loops around the town centre. Within this loop, the northern section will be redeveloped to include a bus station, a new shopping centre, and a car park. A pedestrian-only zone will be established between these new facilities and the existing shops. Furthermore, new housing units are planned for the northeast and southeast, while the school and original housing in the south will remain. The park will be relocated to the southeast corner of the residential area.

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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.
  • bisected

    divided into two parts by a line

  • encircling

    forming a circle around or surrounding something

  • redeveloped

    developed again or improved an existing area

  • relocated

    moved to a new place or position

  • substantial

    of considerable importance, size, or worth

  • designated

    officially assigned a specified status or name

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The proposed development for Islip town centre involves a significant transformation of the road network into a dual carriageway and the introduction of new commercial and residential facilities.

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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