Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Three maps illustrating the development of Brindell between 1800 and 2000: 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.
  • 188 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

Compare the town of Brindell and local areas in 1800, 1900, and 2000.

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

Changes in Brindell and surrounding areas over three centuries

1800

  • Farmland (crops) in the northwest
  • Woodland in the northeast
  • River Stour running diagonally
  • Brindell in the southwest
  • Farmland (animals) in the southeast

1900

  • Farmland (crops) in the northwest
  • Woodland in the northeast
  • River Stour running diagonally
  • Brindell in the southwest
  • Industry established along the river
  • Bun Hill village for workers established

2000

  • Farmland (crops) in the northwest
  • Bun Hill Park replacing former woodland
  • River Stour running diagonally
  • Brindell in the southwest
  • Expanded Industry along the river
  • Expanded Bun Hill village for workers

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 8188 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided maps illustrate the geographical and structural evolution of Brindell and its surrounding areas between 1800 and 2000. Overall, the region transformed from a predominantly agricultural and forested landscape into an industrialised area with expanded residential facilities.

In 1800, the area was largely rural, featuring farmland for crops in the northwest and animals in the southeast, with woodland occupying the northeast. The River Stour flowed through the centre, separating these zones, while the settlement of Brindell was situated in the southwest. By 1900, the landscape had changed significantly with the introduction of industry along the banks of the River Stour. Furthermore, a village for workers was established at Bun Hill, located between the river and Brindell.

By 2000, further developments were evident. The industrial zone had expanded, and the village for workers at Bun Hill had grown in size. Notably, the original woodland in the northeast had been converted into Bun Hill Park. Throughout this two-hundred-year period, the farmland dedicated to crops in the northwest remained the only feature that stayed relatively consistent in its location and purpose, while the rest of the region saw substantial urbanisation.

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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.
  • evolution

    The gradual development of something over a period

  • predominantly

    For the most part or mainly

  • repurposed

    Adapted for a different use or purpose

  • industrialised

    Developed industries on a wide scale

  • urbanisation

    The process of making an area more town-like

  • consistent

    Acting or done in the same way over time

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The maps illustrate that Brindell underwent significant industrial and residential expansion over two centuries, while agricultural land and natural woodland were progressively repurposed.

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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