IELTS ADVANCED

IELTS Advanced

Task 1
Introduction to Maps

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Writing task 1 – Describing maps

Analyzing maps

1. Type 1: Maps which show changes over time

I. Intro:

1) Introduce the map (remember to paraphrase)

2) General statement: the most significant change

II. Body: Main regions:

A. Either divide map(s) by main roads/ rivers/ railways

 Describe each area of map in separate paragraph (e.g. 1. east, 2. west)

B. Or divide map(s) by types of changes

 Describe newly developed buildings / areas

 Then the remaining buildings / areas

 Finally, describe the replacements

2.Type 2: Maps which show comparison/contrast

I. Intro:

The maps show…

II. Body = possible sites

1. Describe site 1: Where? How? (consider access and travel)

2. Describe site 2: Where? How? (consider access and travel)

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Describing Location
1. Use directions and reference

2. Use prepositions of place

- between, next to, behind, opposite, …

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Sample answer

The maps show the changes that took place in the town of Eastminster between the years
1999 and 2009. It is clear that Eastminster became more urbanized with fewer open
spaces over the decade.

North of the river, which divides the town, the woodland in the northwest was turned into
an adventure park. Moreover, by 2009 the large house with gardens had been replaced
with a hotel and a golf course. More houses were also built encroaching on the park in the
northeast. The other main development north of the river was the relocation of the school
from the south bank of the river.

The area south of the river experienced greater urbanization. To the east, the streets of
houses were demolished to make way for blocks of flats. By 2009, where a public garden
stood south of the old streets of houses, more houses have been constructed. Further
developments that occurred were the construction of factories and warehouses along the
railway line, together with the conversion of the school by the river into a new shopping
complex. The final transformation was the expansion of the hospital west of the old school.

(192 words)

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