IELTS Writing Task-1 (Map Questions)

IELTS writing Task-1 is report writing for academic students. A report of at least 150 words Is expected to be written by the students. In report writing, a picture or any diagram in the form of an illustration is given about which a student has to explain it in words. In a report, one should not write their own ideas or assumptions instead a student should write or explain about whatever is visible. Task one Report has seven types of illustrations which are

• A table
• A diagram
• A flow chart
• A pie chart
• A bar graph
• A line graph
• A map

In this particular article, doubts regarding the explanation of MAP illustrations will be focused on. The map is all about directions. A map of any building or floor area, any city or place, any park or any tourist place, any library or school building etc. can be given in the question paper. In the time of two minutes of planning a student has to jot down the directions that are north South East-West. Markings of the rooms or places will be given on the map itself. In this type of particular case,

• You have to write some of the components of the map in the first paragraph and the rest in another paragraph.

Sometimes two or three maps can be given for different time periods and you have to compare the changes in the time periods. In that type of particular case, there are two ways to attempt a report.

• The first one is to explain each map in each of two or three paragraphs.
• The other way is to take half of the number of places and compare them over time in each paragraph.

Some Important Points to Remember

• Do not try to make three body paragraphs. Try to complete it in two paragraphs.
• Talk about the key features and highlighted ones first.
• Be short and briefly explain all the points.
• The comparison should be clear and valid.
• Take care of the directions of North, South, East and West.

Some Useful Connectors for Body Paragraphs

For Introduction

• Maps, layouts, designs, plans
• Represents, shows, depicts, illustrate
• 10 years- a decade
• Between---- and----, from----to----
• As compared to, in contrast with

For Body Paragraph 1

• In past
• It can be clearly seen that
• It is crystal clear that
• In _______ (year)
• It can be seen that

For Body Paragraph 2

• As compared to the past,
• In present structure
• In contrast
• In______ (year)
• Shifting to another layout
• Moving to the second map

For Conclusion

• Overall,
• All in all,

Sample Question & Solution

The map shows the village park, now and 10 years ago. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Solution

The given maps represent the radical changes taking place in the layout of a village park over a period of a decade.

It can be clearly seen that the plan of the park was not with many amenities as compared to the present. The entrance was located at the northwest corner of the park. There was a big football pitch in the middle of the park. At the very southeast corner, a small pond was located near the woods. There were 2 tennis courts on the northern side of the park having car parking and children’s playing area on the left and right side respectively.

Shifting to the present plan of the park, it can be seen that the park has undergone significant changes over time. The football pitch and the entrance remained at the same place. However, the tennis courts which were two in number have now been increased to 4. In the east corner of the park, toilets have been built. The car parking which was able to accommodate 20 cars has now been widened to accommodate 50. A new picnic area has been constructed at the southwest corner. Around the periphery of the park, a cycle path has been built.

Overall, the area of the park is the same but with new constructions.

SOME EXERCISE QUESTIONS

1. The map below is the town of Canterbury. A new school has been planned for the location. The map shows the two possible sites for the school.

Summarise the information and make the comparisons wherever relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

2. The maps below show the changes that have taken place at the seaside resort of Templeton between 1990 and 2005.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

3. The map shows the development of the Meadowside village and Fonton over three different time periods(1962, 1985 and Present)

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

4. Below is the map of the city of Bradfield. City planners have decided to build a shopping complex and for that two locations S1 and S2 have been proposed .

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

5. The diagrams show the changes that have taken place At the West Park secondary school Since its construction in 1950.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Attempting a report on an illustration of map is quite simple but with a difference of usage of the vocabulary in an effective way. Try not the repeat the words. Take care of the directions and attempt accordingly.

Best of luck!