IELTS Writing Task 1 — Map
- Writing
- Task 1
- Map
IELTS Writing Task 1 Overview
Task 1 always includes the following three elements:
① A Brief Description of the Graphic
A short section explaining what the graphic is
② Instructions
"Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words."
③ Graphics
- Line graph
- Bar chart
- Pie chart
- Table
- Map
- Process diagram
- Multiple charts (a combination of the above charts)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Key Requirements
- Identify the most important information
- Group information logically
- Compare data clearly
- Describe trends and changes
- Use accurate grammar and vocabulary
- Avoid unnecessary or invented details
Comparison Data Overview
What Is Comparison Data?
- In Task 1, comparison data means the visual mainly asks you to compare categories, groups, places, age groups, genders, countries, products, activities, or time periods.
- The main skill is not explaining why something happened. The main skill is showing:
- what is higher, lower, similar, different, largest, smallest, or changing more noticeably.
What Should You Focus On?
- highest and lowest categories
- major gaps
- similar figures
- noticeable exceptions
- ranking of categories
Strategy for Writing - Comparison Data
STEP 1. Understand the Task
The instructions are always the same:
"Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant."
STEP 2. Plan Your Answer (4-Paragraph Structure, at Least 150 Words)
1. Paraphrase the description
2. Write an overview paragraph
3. Write two body paragraphs
※ No conclusion needed
Map Task Overview
What Map Tasks Usually Show
Map tasks usually compare the same place at different times.
They may show:
- a past and present version of a place
- a present and future development plan
- three stages of development
- two different proposed layouts
- changes before and after construction
Your job is to describe the main physical differences, not every small object on the map.
Map Description Guide
Overview Points
- Summarize 2–3 of the most prominent changes
- Mention the overall transformation of the area
- Do not describe every detail
Useful language
- the area became more developed
- more housing was added
- green space was reduced
- transport facilities improved
- commercial facilities expanded
- the basic road layout remained unchanged
- the area changed from rural to urban
- several facilities were replaced by newer buildings
Direction and Location Language
Map tasks require clear location language. The examiner must understand where each change happened.
Useful language
- in the north/south/east/west
- in the northern part of the area
- to the north of
- south of
- next to
- opposite
- beside
- near
- around
- in the center of
- at the entrance
- along the road
- on the left/right side of the map
Essay Structure for Map Tasks (4 Paragraphs)
1) Introduction
- Paraphrase the description of the maps
2) Overview Paragraph
- Summarize 2–3 of the most prominent changes
- Mention the overall transformation of the area
- Do not describe every detail
3) Body Paragraph 1
- Describe the first main group of changes. Possible grouping methods:
- changes in the northern/western part
- added facilities
- transport and access changes
- major developments
4) Body Paragraph 2
- Describe the remaining major changes. Possible grouping methods:
- changes in the southern/eastern part
- removed or replaced features
- unchanged features
- recreational or green-space changes
※ No conclusion needed.
Reminders
1. Spend only 20 minutes on Task 1
Task 1 is worth half of the Task 2 score.
2. Do not describe every small feature
Focus on the main physical changes.
3. Use passive voice often
Map tasks usually describe changes made to places, so passive structures are useful: was built, was removed, was replaced by.
4. Mention what stayed the same
Unchanged features are often important in map tasks.
5. Use location language clearly
The examiner must understand where each change happened.
6. Be careful with tense
Use past tense for past-to-present changes and future forms for proposed developments.
7. Do not explain reasons
Do not write why the changes happened unless the map directly states it.