How to Tackle Maps in IELTS Writing Task 1 Questions

Maps occasionally show up in IELTS academic writing task 1 and when they do, you will see two
maps. Often one map is in the past map, while the other is in the present. You’ll also encounter
scenarios where both maps are in the past. You might also get maps which show proposals for
the future such as a redevelopment scheme. Therefore, it is important to use the proper tenses
to describe the changes.

Since there are 2 maps, the essay structure for this question is simple:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question

2. Overview: Describe what you consider to be the major changes over time.

3. Body paragraph 1: Describe the first map in detail

4. Body paragraph 2: Describe the second map in detail

We will use this essay structure for all map questions. Now, let’s join IELTS Instructor Tina
below to learn how to approach IELTS Writing Task 1 Map questions.

Vocabulary for IELTS Academic Writing Map Questions

When describing the location of something on a map, you can use the following phrases and
vocabulary:

Phrases and vocabulary Example sentences

to the north of/north of The marsh is north of the hotel = The

marsh is to the north of the hotel.

to the south of/ south of The hotel is to the south of the marsh =
The hotel is south of the marsh

to the east of/ east of The forest to the east of the river was
completely cut down. = The forest east
of the river was completely cut down.

to the west of/ west of The factory to the west of the

school was flattened and relocated. =
The factory west of the school was
flattened and relocated.
Phrases and vocabulary Example sentences

north east of / to the north east of The sand dunes are north east of the tea
room.
north west of / to the north west of

south east of / to the south east of

south west of / to the south west of The industrial area to the south west
of the station was expanded.

The shopping centre is relocated to the

south west of the town, which has a
population of 50,000.

in the west Most of the town’s buildings are

concentrated in the north.
in the east

in the north

in the south There were many shops in the east.

on the south side of Shops on the south side of the current

main road will be maintained in the
on the north side of future.
on the east side of

on the west side of

The trees on the east side of the river
were cut down and a new office block was
built.

The shops along the north side of the

new pedestrian street will be demolished
to make way for a bus station.
Phrases and vocabulary Example sentences

Northern The house faces northwest.

Southern

Eastern
The northern area is rarely countryside,
Western while the southern area is filled with
houses.
Southeast

Northeast

Southwest
There is a school at the end of the fork
Northwest road in the southwest corner and a
park in the southeast area.

Most factories are located on the

northeast side of the town.
Report Plan

Paraphrase: show>compare; before and after construction of some tourist facilities >before
and after developments carried out for tourism purposes

Overview: The maps compare a small island before and after the developments carried out for
tourism purposes.

Paragraph 2: (1) Talk about the overall information. Explain briefly.

Paragraph 3: (1) Compare the before and after scenarios. Give explanation.

Paragraph 4: (1) Compare the before and after scenarios. Give explanation.
Sample Answer 1

The maps compare a small island before and after the developments carried out for tourism
purposes.

Overall, it is clear that accommodation and other facilities for tourists were built and that a
pier was constructed to permit access to the island by boat.

The island was originally undeveloped entirely. Plenty of trees occupied the northern and
southern parts. In the central part of the island, two separate accommodation areas were built,
consisting of simple huts arranged around a circular footpath. A reception area and restaurant
were located in the centre of these two areas. Another pathway was constructed, leading to the
beach on the western edge of the island and an area for tourists to swim.

Access to the island was made possible by constructing a pier for tourists to land safely by boat.
A vehicle track then connected the pier with the reception area and covered a short distance
path to the restaurant.

Sample Answer 2

The given map is illustrating changes on an island post the construction of tourist facilities.
Before this altered scenario, the island seemed to be a deserted one with no significant
tourist facility. However, after the renovation, plenty of tourist amenities were made available,
including roads, reception on the island, a variety of accommodations, a restaurant, pier, and
more to make the island a tourist-friendly space.

The first map is showing emptiness on the island, except for a few trees. However, the
second one is displaying all of the changes post construction. A pier could be seen that is
constructed for boats. From there, a vehicle track can be spotted, which leads to the reception
area and the restaurant. The vehicle track seemingly ends near the restaurant. And then, there is
a footpath that leads tourists to the accommodation areas and then to the beach. The residential
areas are situated on both sides of the reception with connecting footpaths.

Towards the left side of the reception, a footpath is used to connect the residential area to the
beach. Swimming facility is available with ease. It is worth the notice that no woodcutting
was done as trees can be seen in both the maps.

To summarise, the map states that a deserted island was turned into a convenient tourist spot
for the amusement and recreation of people without harming nature.
Band 9 Sample Report

The two maps provided intend to showcase the numerous structural alterations made on a
barren island. The construction of said facilities is undertaken to promote tourism.

The outline of the island’s initial framework depicts the deserted surroundings with a few
scattered groups of trees. However, the depiction of the island following the remodelling
portrays all the measures taken to enable touristry. These include the construction of a pier to
ferry individuals over to the island by water transport and the establishment of roadways so that
tourists can reach the reception on automobiles. The living quarters built on either side of the
island are accessible only via footpaths.

Furthermore, a restaurant is established on the edge of the island overlooking the sea, which is
also reachable by motor vehicles. The beach which was already present is upgraded for
swimming activities.

To sum up, the task of reconstructing the island for tourism was accomplished successfully.
Another commendable observation, is in the midst of the renovation process, the natural
surroundings, which include the plant life of the isle, were not harmed.