Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Development of tourist facilities on a small island: 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.
  • 183 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The two maps below show an island, before and after the construction of some tourist facilities.

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

Island before and after development

Before

  • Beach on the west side
  • Sea surrounding the island
  • Palm trees scattered across the island

After

  • Beach on the west side designated for swimming
  • Accommodation huts built in two clusters
  • Central reception building
  • Restaurant building north of reception
  • Pier on the south side
  • Footpaths connecting all facilities
  • Vehicle track connecting the pier to the reception

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 8183 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided maps illustrate the transformation of an island following the construction of various tourist facilities. Overall, the island has been significantly developed, changing from a largely untouched natural landscape into a structured resort destination with improved access and amenities.

Before the development, the island was almost entirely natural, featuring only a beach on the western side and scattered palm trees across the land. The surrounding area consisted solely of sea, with no man-made structures or paths present.

Following the construction, the island now features a range of tourist facilities. A cluster of accommodation huts has been built, with some located in the west near the beach and a larger circular group situated in the east. A central reception area has been established, connected to a restaurant located to its north. Access to the island has been improved through the addition of a pier on the southern shore, which is linked to the reception via a vehicle track. Furthermore, a network of footpaths now connects all the accommodation units and main buildings, while the western beach has been specifically designated for swimming activities.

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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.
  • transformation

    a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance

  • untouched

    not handled, used, or altered by anyone

  • amenities

    useful or desirable features of a building or place

  • designated

    officially assigned a specified status or name

  • infrastructure

    the basic physical systems of a business or location

  • network

    a group or system of interconnected people or things

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The island underwent significant transformation, evolving from an undeveloped natural area into a structured tourist resort featuring accommodation, dining, and transport infrastructure.

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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