IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps Lesson
Structure
To describe two maps, I advise my students to follow a four-paragraph structure.
Paragraph 1- Paraphrase Sentence
Paraphrase question using synonyms.
Paragraph 2- Overview
Make two general statements about the map. You should describe the maps generally and write about the most noticeable differences between the two maps. You could ask yourself the following questions to identify general changes. Is the map more or less residential? Is there more or less countryside? Are there more or fewer trees? Were the changes dramatic or negligible? Were there any major infrastructure improvements? How have the buildings and leisure facilities changed?
Paragraph 3- Main Body 1
Three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.
Paragraph 4- Main Body 2
Further, three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.
You can group information in paragraphs 3 and 4 by time or location, depending on the question asked.
How to Describe Specific Changes
Buildings– demolished, knocked down, flattened, replaced, renovated, built, constructed, reconstructed, developed, extended, expanded, relocated, converted and modernized.
Examples:
The government demolished the industrial estate and developed a sports ground.
They removed the shops and replaced them with a skyscraper.
A port was constructed at the edge of the river.
The factory in the city centre was demolished and relocated to the city’s north.
The old warehouses were replaced with new hotels.
The factory was converted into apartments.
Trees and Forests- cleared, cut down, chopped down, removed, planted.
Examples:
The forest was cut down and replaced with a shopping centre.
The trees were cleared to make way for houses.
Roads, bridges and railways lines- constructed, built, extended, expanded and removed.
The main road was extended, and a new bridge was built over the river.
Leisure facilities- opened, set up, developed.
Examples:
A skate park was set up next to the swimming pool.
How to Describe General Changes
- Over the period, the area witnessed dramatic changes.
- From 1995 to 2005, the city centre saw spectacular developments.
- The village changed considerably over the period.
- During the 10-year period, the industrial area was totally transformed.
- Over the past 20 years, the residential area was totally reconstructed.
- Over the period, the old docks were totally redeveloped.
- Between 1995 and 2005, the old houses were rebuilt.
- The central business district was completely modernised during the period.
Pick two or three of the most noticeable differences in the map and write a general statement for each. This will be your overview paragraph.
The more specific changes should be included in your main body paragraphs.
How to Describe Locations
The forest to the south of the river was cut down.
A golf course was constructed to the north of the airport.
The houses in the southwest of the town were demolished.
The green fields to the city’s northwest were redeveloped as a park.
The airport in the city’s centre was relocated to the northeast of the river.
The school to the southeast was knocked down and a new one was built to the east of the forest.