Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Comparison of trade conference floor plans between 2009 and 2010: 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.
  • 190 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The maps below compare two floor plans of one trade conference held in 2009 and 2010.

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

Trade conference floor plans in 2009 and 2010

2009

  • main entrance top left
  • registration top center
  • side entrance top right
  • concert hall middle left
  • stage bottom left
  • meeting room center
  • display area center
  • exhibition area bottom center
  • balcony right

2010

  • main entrance top left
  • refreshment top center
  • side entrance top right
  • exhibition area left
  • registration middle right
  • concert hall bottom center
  • stage bottom center
  • balcony with lounge area right

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 8190 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided maps illustrate the layout changes made to a trade conference venue between 2009 and 2010. Overall, the floor plan was extensively reconfigured, with several key facilities being relocated or repurposed to accommodate different spatial requirements.

In 2009, the main entrance and side entrance were positioned at the top of the venue, flanking a central registration desk. The concert hall and stage occupied the left side, while the exhibition area was situated in the bottom centre, adjacent to a meeting room and a display area. A balcony was located along the entire right wall.

By 2010, the layout had changed considerably. The registration desk was replaced by a refreshment area at the top of the hall. The exhibition area was moved to the left side, taking up the space previously occupied by the concert hall. Meanwhile, the concert hall and stage were relocated to the bottom centre. Furthermore, the balcony on the right was expanded to include a lounge area, and a new registration desk was positioned between the concert hall and the balcony. These alterations reflect a complete transformation of the internal floor space over the one-year period.

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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.
  • reconfigured

    arranged in a new or different way

  • flanking

    being situated on each side of something

  • adjacent

    next to or adjoining something else

  • relocated

    moved to a new place or position

  • transformation

    a thorough or dramatic change in form

  • accommodate

    to provide sufficient space for a purpose

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The floor plan underwent significant structural modifications between 2009 and 2010, most notably the relocation of the concert hall, stage, and exhibition area, alongside the replacement of the registration desk with a refreshment 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

More maps

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