Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Proposed Redevelopment Plans for a University Sports Centre Facility: 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.
  • 193 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The plans below show the layout of the university's sports center now, and how it will look after redevelopment.

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

University Sports Centre (present)

present

  • Outdoor courts to the west
  • Outdoor courts to the east
  • Gym at the north
  • Changing room to the west of the pool
  • Seating to the east of the pool
  • 25m Pool in the centre
  • Reception at the south entrance

future plans

  • Leisure pool replacing western outdoor courts
  • Sports hall and two dance studios replacing eastern outdoor courts
  • Gym remains at the north
  • 25m Pool remains in the centre
  • Reception remains at the south
  • New sports shop and changing room added at the southwest
  • New café and changing room added at 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 8193 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagrams illustrate the current layout of a university sports centre and the proposed modifications for its future redevelopment. Overall, the plans indicate a major transformation from an outdoor-focused facility to a more comprehensive indoor complex, with the addition of several new recreational and service areas.

Currently, the centre is relatively compact, featuring a central 25m pool flanked by a changing room to the west and seating to the east. The northern side is occupied by a gym, while the southern entrance leads directly into a reception area. Externally, the facility is bordered by outdoor courts on both its western and eastern sides.

Under the future plans, the outdoor courts will be completely removed. In their place, a large leisure pool will be constructed on the western side, while the eastern side will be repurposed to house a new sports hall and two dance studios. Furthermore, the internal layout will be enhanced with the addition of a sports shop and a new changing room in the southwest corner, alongside a café and another changing room in the southeast. The central 25m pool, gym, and reception area will remain in their original positions.

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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.
  • redevelopment

    The process of developing a site again

  • flanked

    Situated on each side of something

  • repurposed

    Adapted for a different use or purpose

  • comprehensive

    Including all or nearly all elements involved

  • transformation

    A thorough or dramatic change in form

  • amenities

    Useful or desirable features of a building

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The proposed redevelopment involves a significant expansion of the indoor facilities, replacing all outdoor courts with new amenities such as a leisure pool, a sports hall, and additional service areas.

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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