Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Maps showing the current industrial area and future development of Norbiton: 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.
  • 195 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The maps below show an industrial area in the town of Norbiton and the planned future development of the site.

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

Norbiton industrial area now

Now

  • River running west to east
  • Farmland north of the river
  • Town area to the west
  • Roundabout in the centre
  • Factories surrounding the roundabout and along the eastern road

Planned future development

  • River with a new bridge
  • Housing replacing factories
  • New housing north of the river
  • Playground north of the eastern road
  • School at the eastern end
  • Shops southwest of the roundabout
  • Medical centre southeast of the roundabout
  • New southern roundabout

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 8195 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided maps illustrate the current layout of the Norbiton industrial area and the proposed future development of the site. Overall, it is clear that the area is set to undergo a major transformation, shifting from an industrial zone dominated by factories to a residential neighbourhood equipped with various community amenities and improved infrastructure.

Currently, the site is primarily industrial, featuring a central roundabout surrounded by several factories. A river flows across the northern section, with farmland located beyond it. To the west lies the town, and a road network connects the factories to the main thoroughfare.

In the future, the factories are planned to be replaced by housing, which will be situated around the central roundabout and also extended to the north of the river, accessible via a new bridge. Furthermore, the development includes the addition of several public facilities. A playground is to be built north of the eastern road, with a school located at the far eastern end. Additionally, a new medical centre will be situated southeast of the roundabout, while shops are planned for the southwest. Finally, a second roundabout will be constructed to the south, enhancing the local road network.

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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

  • dominated

    to be the most important or noticeable feature

  • amenities

    useful or desirable features of a building or place

  • thoroughfare

    a main road for public use in a town

  • situated

    fixed or located in a particular place

  • enhanced

    to increase or further improve the quality or value

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The maps illustrate a significant transformation of the Norbiton industrial site into a residential area, featuring new community facilities and improved 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

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