Academic Writing Task 1 · map

The development of the village of Rye Mouth between 1995 and the present: 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
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The question

The map below shows the development of the village of Rye Mouth between 1995 and the present.

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

Development of Rye Mouth

1995

  • Housing in the northwest
  • Farmland in the northeast
  • Forest park in the east
  • Hotel in the center
  • Shop in the southwest
  • Cafe in the south
  • Fish market in the south
  • Fishing port in the south
  • Sea in the south

Present

  • Housing in the northwest
  • Golf course in the northeast
  • Tennis courts in the northeast
  • Car park in the east
  • Restaurant in the center
  • Apartments in the south
  • Cafe in the south
  • Sea in the south

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 transformation of the village of Rye Mouth from 1995 to the present day. Overall, the village has shifted from a primary industry-based settlement to a more residential and leisure-oriented area, with substantial infrastructure changes.

In 1995, the northern part of the village was dominated by farmland and a forest park, while the southern section featured a shop, a fish market, and a fishing port near the sea. A hotel was situated in the centre, and housing was limited to the northwest corner. By the present day, the farmland and forest park have been replaced by a golf course and tennis courts. The hotel has been converted into a restaurant, and the original shop has been removed.

Furthermore, the southern coastline has seen a dramatic change. The fish market and fishing port have been demolished to make way for a row of apartments. A car park has been constructed in the eastern area, replacing part of the former forest. While the housing in the northwest remains, the overall character of the village has transitioned from a working fishing community to a modern residential and recreational hub.

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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.

  • undergone

    experienced a significant change or transformation over time

  • urbanisation

    the process of making an area more developed

  • replaced

    taken the place of something previously existing there

  • dominated

    occupied the largest or most significant part of

  • converted

    changed the function or form of a building

  • transitioned

    changed from one state or condition to another

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The village of Rye Mouth has undergone significant urbanisation, with agricultural and natural areas replaced by leisure and residential facilities, while the traditional fishing industry has been completely removed.

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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