📍HƯỚNG DẪN LÀM BÀI IELTS WRITING
TASK 1 DẠNG MAPS
1. Giới thiệu chung về dạng bài Maps
Trong phần IELTS Writing Task 1, một trong những dạng bài thường gặp là Maps –
yêu cầu thí sinh mô tả sự thay đổi của một khu vực qua thời gian hoặc so sánh hai
bản đồ trong cùng một thời điểm. Đây là dạng bài kiểm tra khả năng mô tả vị trí, sự
thay đổi không gian, và dùng đúng các thì ngữ pháp.
2. Các dạng bài Maps phổ biến
● 🔄 Một bản đồ – sự thay đổi qua thời gian (trước và sau)
● 🆚 Hai bản đồ – so sánh giữa hai mốc thời gian
● 🗺️ Hai bản đồ – so sánh hai khu vực khác nhau
● 🏗️ Quy hoạch / phát triển trong tương lai (dùng thì tương lai)
3. Cấu trúc bài viết đề xuất (3-4 đoạn)
🔸 Introduction (Giới thiệu)
➡️ Viết lại đề bài bằng cách paraphrase, không đưa số liệu.
Example:
The two maps illustrate how a village has developed over a 15-year period.
🔸 Overview (Tổng quan)
➡️ Nêu 2-3 điểm nổi bật nhất, thường là sự thay đổi lớn về cơ sở hạ tầng, đất sử
dụng, hoặc số lượng công trình.
Example:
Overall, the village has undergone significant modernization, with more facilities built
and the road system expanded.
🔸 Body Paragraph 1 (Chi tiết phần 1)
➡️ Mô tả sự thay đổi ở nửa phía Tây/Bắc... hoặc một nhóm địa điểm cụ thể.
➡️ Chú ý dùng đúng thì và mô tả logic theo vị trí.
🔸 Body Paragraph 2 (Chi tiết phần 2)
➡️ Mô tả phần còn lại, nêu rõ các thay đổi nhỏ, cái bị phá bỏ, cái được thay thế, hoặc
các yếu tố được giữ nguyên.
4. Lưu ý quan trọng khi làm bài dạng Maps
✅ Xác định thì:
● Nếu bản đồ là quá khứ → dùng past simple
● Nếu một bản đồ là hiện tại, một là tương lai → dùng present + future (will be
built / is expected to...)
● Nếu không có mốc thời gian → dùng present simple
✅ Tổ chức miêu tả theo hướng (North, South...) hoặc nhóm đối tượng
✅ Không cần miêu tả từng chi tiết nhỏ
✅ Không đưa ý kiến cá nhân
5. Từ vựng mô tả bản đồ (Vocabulary for Maps)
🔹 Động từ mô tả sự thay đổi
Động từ Nghĩa Ví dụ
build / construct xây dựng A new supermarket was built.
demolish / knock phá bỏ The old school was demolished.
down
replace thay thế The farmland was replaced by a park.
expand / extend mở rộng The road was extended to the east.
convert into chuyển đổi The factory was converted into a
thành museum.
🔹 Từ chỉ phương hướng
Hướng Cách diễn đạt
North to the north / in the northern
part
South to the south / southern side
East to the east of the school
West in the western area
Northwest in the northwest corner
Opposite opposite the library
Adjacent sát bên
to
Next to kế bên
🔹 Cụm từ mô tả
● There was a dramatic transformation in...
● The area witnessed significant development.
● The original structure remained unchanged.
● A large number of trees were planted.
● A roundabout was introduced to replace the crossroads.
6. Chiến lược làm bài hiệu quả
🔍 Bước 1: Quan sát kỹ hai bản đồ, đánh dấu các điểm khác biệt lớn.
✍️ Bước 2: Nhóm các thay đổi thành từng khu vực để dễ mô tả.
🧠 Bước 3: Viết Overview trước để có góc nhìn tổng quát.
🗂️ Bước 4: Triển khai thân bài theo hướng di chuyển (trái → phải, Bắc → Nam...)
🕒 Bước 5: Soát lại thì ngữ pháp, giới từ, từ vựng miêu tả thay đổi.
Bài 1: The maps below show the changes in a library from 1975 to the present.
Sample: The diagrams illustrate how the layout of a library has been modified
between 1975 and the present day.
Overall, the library has undergone extensive changes, marked by the addition of
modern amenities, the reconfiguration of reading spaces, and enhanced accessibility
features, such as a wheelchair ramp.
In 1975, upon entering through the main entrance in the northern center, visitors
would find books and magazines displayed on the right, while two new book sections
were positioned to the left, adjacent to the library desk. The central and rear
right-hand areas were dominated by bookshelves, while a shared reading area was
located between them. The children’s book section occupied the southwest corner, and
the toilet was situated in the southern central area of the library.
In the current layout, the bookshelves on the left have been removed to make way for a
café furnished with sofas, offering a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The
shared reading space has been relocated and enlarged, now occupying the central
area and featuring a variety of round and square desks for group or individual study.
Accessibility has been significantly improved with the installation of a wheelchair
ramp in place of one of the former new book sections near the entrance. Meanwhile, the
area once designated for books and magazines has been converted into a computer
section, reflecting the library’s shift towards digital resources. Notably, the rear
bookshelves and toilet facilities have remained unchanged.
Bài 2: The maps indicate how Huntingdon has changed throughout time, both in terms of present
changes and anticipated future changes.
Sample: The given maps illustrate the current layout of Huntingdon town and a proposal for
its future urban development.
Overall, the town is projected to experience major transformations, particularly in terms of
transport infrastructure upgrades and the establishment of new industrial areas.
At present, Huntingdon features a road network where the A14 and A1 highways intersect
via a roundabout located in the northwestern outskirts of the town. The A14 stretches from the
northwest to the southeast, cutting across the town, while the A1 runs in a north–south
direction. In the north, the A1 connects to a minor road leading to Airfield, which is slated for
demolition to accommodate a new industrial estate. The southern section of the A1 links to
Brampton Road, forming a T-junction, and currently serves as the main access route to the
town center, situated in the eastern area, enclosed by the Ring Road.
According to the proposed plan, access to the central area will be enhanced by the
construction of a new roundabout, creating a direct link between the A14, Brampton Road,
and the Ring Road. Furthermore, a new access road is planned at the southern end of the A1,
further improving connectivity to the town center.
The surrounding area of the town center is currently occupied by residential and commercial
buildings, catering to local residents. A railway line, which runs north to south, passes west of
the center and includes a train station. In the future, this rail line will be extended to serve the
new industrial zones, thereby strengthening transport links and supporting economic growth
in the region.
Bài 3: The map below shows the plan of a proposed new town.
Sample: The graphic illustrates a proposed urban development plan for a town in the future.
Overall, the town is expected to comprise a blend of residential and industrial zones, with
housing developments and public facilities strategically arranged around a central square, and
two separate industrial areas located at opposite ends of the town.
The layout is organized around a large intersection that divides the town into four quadrants,
with a distinctive square-shaped central area rather than a conventional roundabout. This
central square serves as a hub for key public amenities, including two parking facilities and
two bus stations, each placed at the corners. Recreational buildings are concentrated near the
southern exit of the square, offering residents convenient access to leisure activities.
Surrounding the town is a ring road, designed to facilitate efficient transport circulation
across different zones.
The western section is predominantly allocated for residential use, aside from an industrial
estate in the northwest corner. In contrast, the northeastern quadrant is entirely dedicated to
housing, indicating a focus on urban living in that area. The southeastern part is noteworthy
for its large-scale industrial park, which occupies nearly the entire section, suggesting a
significant emphasis on economic and industrial development in the town’s future plan.
Bài 4: The two maps below show road access to a city hospital in 2007 and in 2010.
Sample: The two maps illustrate the changes in access routes to a city hospital between 2007
and 2010.
Overall, the area underwent significant upgrades to traffic infrastructure, most notably
through the addition of roundabouts, the construction of a dedicated bus station, and the
reallocation of parking facilities.
One of the most notable developments during this period was the construction of two
roundabouts along Hospital Road. The first was installed at the junction of Hospital Road and
the hospital ring road, while the second was located further south, at the intersection with City
Road. These changes greatly enhanced traffic flow and connectivity in the vicinity.
In 2007, bus stops were positioned along both sides of Hospital Road, allowing passengers to
board directly from the street. By 2010, these stops had been completely removed and replaced
with a purpose-built bus station on the western side of Hospital Road. This new facility was
linked to the main roads via the newly constructed roundabouts, offering a more organized
and safer transport system for visitors.
Parking arrangements were also improved. A new public car park was introduced to the east of
the hospital, accessible through the ring road, while the original parking area located at the
southeastern end of the hospital complex was repurposed exclusively for staff use.
Bài 5: The diagram below shows the plan of a medical centre in 2008 and 2010.
Sample: The diagram illustrates the transformation of a medical centre between 2008 and
2010.
Overall, the centre underwent significant structural changes, most notably the addition of new
medical and support facilities, such as an Education Room, Mother and Child Room,
Pharmacy, and Store Room, while the core infrastructure remained largely intact.
In the southwest corner, two new rooms were introduced: the Education Room and the
Mother and Child Room, both situated to the left of the main entrance. On the opposite side,
in the southeast corner, a Pharmacy was added directly above the existing Laboratory,
occupying part of the previously vacant area.
At the northern end of the layout, the original three Doctor’s Offices were reconfigured and
resized to accommodate a fourth office, thereby increasing service capacity. Additionally, a new
Store Room was constructed at the far end of the corridor, next to the new office.
Despite these extensions, several key facilities remained unchanged, including the Treatment
Room, Waiting Room, Staff Office, Laboratory, and Reception, preserving the original
functional layout of the medical centre.
Bài 6: The diagrams show changes in a student common room.
The plans illustrate the modifications made to a student common room over a five-year period.
Overall, the updated layout incorporates more seating, introduces several new
amenities—notably a television, drinks machine, and laptop bench—and reflects a more
modern and functional design, while the kitchen area has remained mostly unchanged.
Five years ago, the common room had a relatively simple and symmetrical arrangement, with
four identical round tables, each surrounded by six chairs, placed at the centre of the room. In
one corner stood a bookshelf, and the kitchen facilities—including a sink, cupboard,
refrigerator, two benches, and a microwave—lined the left-hand wall.
In the present layout, several significant changes have been made. On the right side near the
entrance, one set of round tables has been replaced by a laptop bench, allowing students to
work individually. On the left side of the entrance, a new long table with eight chairs has been
introduced, offering a more collaborative space. Additionally, the bookshelf in the corner has
been replaced by three armchairs arranged around a television, creating a comfortable
relaxation area. A drinks machine has also been added next to the refrigerator. As for the
kitchen, its configuration remains largely the same, except that one bench has been removed to
accommodate an extra microwave.
Bài 7: The maps show a road system as it is now and the proposed changes in future to reduce
the number of accidents.
Sample: The map illustrates the current layout of a road network and outlines the proposed
modifications aimed at improving traffic safety and flow. Overall, several new features and
infrastructure upgrades are planned, particularly in areas with a high frequency of accidents.
One of the most significant changes will take place at the intersection of City Road and Forest
Road, where a large roundabout is set to be constructed. This is intended to regulate traffic
flow and address what has historically been a high-risk area for collisions. Additionally, a new
driveway will be extended from this roundabout, providing an alternative route to the
supermarket, thereby diverting traffic away from the eastern section of City Road.
Another noteworthy development will occur west of Forest Road, where Low Lane currently
intersects with City Road near a school entrance. Here, four traffic lights are proposed to be
installed to better control vehicle movement and enhance pedestrian safety. Furthermore, the
routes at this junction are expected to undergo realignment, in order to eliminate sharp turns
and ensure a smoother transition where the roads meet Forest Road.
It is anticipated that these improvements will result in a substantial reduction in traffic
accidents, thereby enhancing overall safety and convenience for road users.
Bài 8: The map below shows the changes that have taken place at the waterfront area of a town
called Darwin between 2009 and 2014.
Sample: The two maps depict changes to the waterfront area of Darwin town between 2009 and
2014. Overall, the most significant transformations include the replacement of industrial zones
with forested areas and residential developments, alongside the construction of additional
infrastructure such as a university, a harbour, and a swimming pool.
In 2009, the southern part of the town was largely occupied by industrial facilities, situated just
below three blocks of residential buildings. To the north, there was a small lake, surrounded by
trees and further industrial development. A footpath encircled this central area, providing
access to the sea, which lay to the east of the town. In the northwest corner, a school and a
convention centre were positioned side by side. Additionally, two swimming pools were
located near the footpath, and a fishing area was found in the northeast section.
By 2014, the landscape had undergone significant changes. Three additional residential blocks
were constructed, expanding the housing area. The former industrial land to the south was
replaced by dense forest and a newly built university to the west of the residential blocks.
Within the circular area bordered by the original footpath, the former industrial zone was
redeveloped into a new swimming pool. Furthermore, a new footpath running west to east was
added to the southern edge of the map, leading directly to a newly constructed harbour. Other
features, including the school, convention centre, and the original pools, remained unchanged.
Bài 9: The maps show changes in a city in 1950 and now.
Sample: The two maps illustrate how a city has developed between 1950 and the present day.
Overall, the city has experienced substantial growth, particularly in its business and residential
areas, while a significant portion of the river has been transformed into a lake.
In 1950, the city was relatively underdeveloped, with minimal infrastructure. A river flowed
through the centre, separating the business district in the north from the government building
to the south. These two areas were connected by a single road across the river. The residential
zone was relatively small and only partially encircled the business district. The population at the
time stood at approximately 20,000, a figure that has since increased tenfold. Additionally, there
were only four roads in total, with a single intersection located in the heart of the business
district. A small airport was situated on the eastern outskirts of the city.
By the present day, the city has undergone major transformations. Most notably, a large lake
has been created in the central part of the river, and an additional bridge has been constructed to
allow traffic to cross it. The business district has expanded to both sides of the lake, while the
residential area now entirely surrounds it. A dam has been added at the eastern end of the lake,
separating it from the remainder of the river. Moreover, a second government building has been
introduced in the southern part of the city. The airport has been significantly enlarged, and two
new roads have been added, improving connectivity across the urban landscape.
