AVTC5_Unit 2_Maps

TABLE OF CONTENTS
UNIT 2: MAPS 3

I. Pre-writing 3

1. Definition and Characteristics 3

2. Structure of maps report 3

3. Useful language 4

1. Introduction 4

2. Overview 4

3. Body paragraphs 5

4. Analyze a model answer 7

5. Practice 10

II. While-writing 12

III. Post-writing 13

1. Peer editing. 13

2. Model answer. 14

3. Further practice. 14

ANSWER KEY 17

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AVTC5_Unit 2_Maps

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AVTC5_Unit 2_Maps

UNIT 2: MAPS
I. Pre-writing

1. Definition and Characteristics

1. Definition: In Task 1 of the IELTS Writing Test, maps is a type of essay describing the change
of a place in a certain period such as a city, residential area, village, etc.

2. Characteristics: Maps in IELTS writing task 1 show either the development of an area or a
comparison. When you write about a map, you need to focus on describing where things are in
location to each other. Language such as 'to the left', 'next to', 'north of', 'behind', etc. will be
important.
3. Sample IELTS Writing Task 1 – Maps
a. The two maps below show Sunnyhills University campus in 1995 and today.
Sunnyhills University 1995 Sunnyhills University today

(Aish, F., & Tomlinson, J. (2011). Mindset for IELTS (1st ed). HarperCollins Publisher.)

2. Structure of maps report

Introduction - Paraphrase the task prompt:

(1 sentence) + Type of the graphic (maps)
+ What the graphic shows
+ Time period

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Overview - Describe the general changes that have taken place or

(1-2 sentences) compare/ contrast the two maps.
Body Paragraph 1 - Describe specific changes that have occured.
(3-4 sentences) OR Compare/ contrast the maps.
Body Paragraph 2 - Describe the other specific changes that have occured.
(3-4 sentences) OR Compare/ contrast the maps.

3. Useful language

1. Introduction

The (provided/given) maps demonstrate/ illustrate/ reveal/ show:

- how + [noun phrase] + changed / developed + time.
- the changes to + [noun phrase] + time.
- the development of + [noun phrase] + time.
- the transformation of + [noun phrase] + time.
- the layout of [map A] and [map B].

2. Overview

To write an overview for maps, you should look at ALL the changes/ differences and classify
them into the following groups:
 residential area
 industrial zone
 entertainment facilities
 tourism facilities
 transportation facilities
 green space

General format:
Signalling words + general changes/ differences + key changes/ differences
- Generally, [noun phrase] + see / witness / experience + major changes / striking
transformation / remarkable development / significant modernization. Most noticeably, +
[key changes].

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- It can be seen that + [noun phrase] + made many changes during this period, including
[key changes].
- Overall, there are great differences between the two maps, including [key differences].
Example:
It can be seen that the university made many changes during this period, including new
buildings and recreation facilities.

3. Body paragraphs

a. Language of directions

Task 1. Choose the correct direction given in the box for each letter of the
compass below.

Northeast Southeast Southwest Northwest

West South North East

A. __________ B. __________ C. __________ D. __________

E. __________ F. __________ G. __________ H. __________

b. Language of locations

– There + to be + noun 1 + position phrase + noun 2

– Noun 1 + to be + located/situated + position phrase + noun 2
– Noun 1 + stand/ lie + position phrase + noun 2
Examples:
 There were some trees to the North of the car park 2 and café in 1995.
 A recreation area is located to the South of the Scott’s library today.
 A pond stands in the South-Eastern corner of the university.

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c. Verbs to describe changes

In maps reports, the following verbs are often used in passive voice:
S + BE + V (past participle)

Verbs of
Places on the map Meaning Example
changes

Buildings, roads, bridges demolish, knock A number of houses were demolished so

and railways down, tear down that the supermarket could be built.

clear, cut down, destroy

The trees were cleared to make way for
Forests and trees chop down,
houses.
remove
replace by,
The factory was converted into
Buildings convert into,
apartments.
relocate
change
Forests and trees replace by, plant More trees are planted next to the library.
open, set up, A skate park was set up next to the
Leisure facilities
develop swimming pool.

 Buildings, roads, bridges

increase
and railways lines The car park was expanded to
extend, expand
 Forests and trees
in size
accommodate an extra 50 cars.
 Leisure facilities

 Buildings, roads, bridges decrease

and railways lines shrink, diminish The forest has been seriously diminished.
in size
 Forests and trees
construct,
Buildings, roads, bridges build A new road was constructed next to the
develop,
and railways lines town.
establish
renovate,
upgrade The hostel has been completely
Buildings refurbish,
refurbished.
modernize

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d. Discourse markers to link the sentences

- One of the most noticeable/ significant changes …

- Another noticeable/ significant change is …
- However / Meanwhile / While
- In addition / Similarly
- Regarding …
Examples:
 One of the most noticeable changes is the renovation of the Watson Building and
Founder’s Building at the center of the university as they both increased in size.
 There used to be a car park in the northwest of the university in 1995. However, it has
been relocated to make way for the main reception.

4. Analyze a model answer

The maps below show changes in the city of Nelson in recent times.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparison
where relevant.

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(Ielts writing task 1 #193. Preparation for IELTS Exam. (n.d.). Retrieved April 25, 2022, from https://www.english-
exam.org/IELTS/academic_writing_samples_task_1/1200/)

Task 2. Look at the maps above and answer the questions.

1. What are the two maps about?

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the general changes to the area?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

3. What time periods are shown?

____________________________________________________________________________

4. Which tenses should be used?

____________________________________________________________________________

5. What are the differences between the maps?

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____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

6. What features have remained the same over the time period?
____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

7. How do you organize your report?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Task 3. Read the sample essay of the maps and fill in the blanks to complete the
outline below.

Introduction -The two maps show _________________________________________

_________________________________________from ____to ____

Overview -It appears that ______________________________________________

___________________________________________________________

Body 1 -The first change is ___________________________________________

-The second change is ________________________________________

-The third change is __________________________________________

-The fourth change is _________________________________________

Body 2
-The fifth change is ___________________________________________

-The final change is ___________________________________________

The two maps show the main changes which have taken place in the town of Nelson between
the year 2000 and today.

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In general, it appears that Nelson has become a much more modern city, with many more
shopping and transport facilities. One noticeable change is that a new tramline has been built to
connect the university with the town center. In 2000, there wasn't any accommodation for
students, but today, a hall of residence has been built near the university. Another striking
change is that the old market in the west of the city has been knocked down to make way for
new shops. A completely new covered market has also been built on the other side of town.

If we look at the port area, it has been pedestrianized since 2000, and a range of entertainment
facilities have been built, including restaurants, bars, and clubs. The north-east of the city used
to be a green area, with many trees, but they have been cut down, and a new shopping
complex has been constructed. A final interesting development has been the introduction of a
bike-rental scheme in the city center.
(191 words)

5. Writing Practice

Task 4. Look at the maps below and answer the questions.

The maps below show the village of Stokeford in 1930 and 2010.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

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(Source: IELTS Actual Test)

1. What are the two maps about?

____________________________________________________________________________

2. What are the general changes to the area?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

3. What time periods are shown?

____________________________________________________________________________

4. Which tenses should be used?

____________________________________________________________________________

5. What are the differences between the maps?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

6. What features have remained the same over the time period?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

7. How do you organize your report?

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Task 5. Complete the outline for the maps in Task 4 with your own ideas.

Paragraph 1 Introduction: Paraphrase the question.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Paragraph 2 Overview: Describe the main changes.

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__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Paragraph 3 Body 1: Describe some of the changes.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

Paragraph 4 Body 2: Describe other changes.

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________

II. While-writing

Task 6. Write a complete report to describe the maps in Task 4.

Remember to write at least 150 words.

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

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____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

III. Post-writing

1. Peer editing.

Work in pairs. Read your partner’s report. Then use the Checklist below to offer
feedback that can help your partner improve his/ her writing.

Content Y/N Feedback

Task Achievement

Is the report at least 150 words?

Has the introduction paraphrased the question?

Has the overview shown the significant changes/
differences?
Has the report covered the key changes?

Coherence & Cohesion

Is the information grouped into clear paragraphs?

Is the information presented in a logical order?

Are the sentences well linked together?

Lexical Resource

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Has the question been suitably paraphrased?

Has consistent repetition of vocabulary been
avoided?
Is there sufficient use of academic vocabulary?

Is the spelling accurate?

Does the text contain vocabulary specific to maps?

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Is the grammar accurate?

Is the punctuation accurate?

Have the verb tenses and subject-verb agreement
been checked?
Does the report have a wide enough range of tenses
and structures to clearly report the maps?

2. Further practice. Choose one of the maps below. Summarize the information by
selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

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1. The maps below show a public park when it first opened in 1920 and the same park
today.

(Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Assessment English. (2019). Ielts 14: Academic with answers: Authentic practice tests.)

2. The two maps below show road access to a city hospital in 2007 and in 2010.

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(Cambridge University Press, Cambridge Assessment English. (2019). Ielts 13: Academic with answers: Authentic practice tests.)

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