IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Map Diagram – Lessons, Tips and Strategies

Understanding IELTS Map Diagram questions

In the IELTS map questions, the maps will mostly be about the same location at different times, which could be past, present, or future. So, you’ll have to write and describe the required changes you see between the maps. Many of the test takers confuse between map diagram questions and process diagram questions. But both are very different from each other. However, the IELTS map questions are the one of the easiest questions to answer where the test taker needs to compare 2 or 3 maps. Very rarely, there might be a single map. Sometimes the information presented in the map diagram questions are not as difficult as it may seem. So, do not panic if you get a map diagram question in IELTS Writing Task 1. 

Strategies to Answer IELTS Map Diagram Questions

Follow the below-mentioned strategies while answering IELTS Writing Task 1: Map Diagram Questions. 

• Analyze the question and plan your answer accordingly 
• Recognize the key features in the map and summarize the information and make comparisons where ever necessary 
• Check whether the maps are from past, or present, or future situations. 
• Use synonyms and paraphrase the question for an effective introduction 
• Make sure to describe the general changes in the overview paragraph with appropriate words and correct verb tenses
• Include detailed information along with supporting points in the following paragraphs 
• Conclude the essay with a well-structured conclusion by summarizing the main points. 

Tips for Answering IELTS Map Diagram Questions

Below are some of the tips to consider while answering IELTS Writing Task 1: Map Diagram Questions 

• Go through the instructions thoroughly and then read the map diagram questions. 
• Make notes while analyzing the maps. You can circle, underline, number, or highlight the key points you think may be relevant. 
• Remember, the more you plan what you’re going to write, the easier it will be to write about it. 
• In this way, you may have some time to work on grammatical errors and spelling mistakes.
• Make sure your report doesn’t exceed more than 150 words; otherwise, it will be considered invalid. 
• Your report should be grammatically correct with the proper tenses.
• Maintain the coherence of your essay 
• Ensure that you complete your essay within 15 minutes, for which you need a lot of practice. 

Sample Practice

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Plan A below shows a health centre in 2005.

Plan B shows the same place in the present day.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and making comparisons where relevant.

Write atleast 150 words

Sample Answer

FAQs

What is the scoring for writing task 1?

The writing task 1 makes up to 33% of the score. 

How long should the content be?

The content should be a minimum of 150 words. However, keep an eye on the instructions part if it differs from the basic requirement. 

How much time will I get to complete the map diagram?

You will get not more than 20 minutes to complete the map diagram. 

Here are the 10 examples for the IELTS Map Diagram:

• Example 1
• Example 2
• Example 3
• Example 4
• Example 5
• Example 6
• Example 7
• Example 8
• Example 9
• Example 10

Also check: 

• IELTS Writing Task 1
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Bar chart
• IELTS Writing task 1 tips
• Tips to Improve IELTS Writing Skills
• IELTS Writing recent actual test
• IELTS Writing Answer sheet
• IELTS map vocabulary
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Connectors