IELTS Map Vocabulary 2024

Maps are a description task that will come across in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. In this question type, you must describe in brief a presented map or compare two of them. Therefore, one of the crucial factors that you need to master in order to get a good band score is to get acquainted with IELTS map vocabulary.

So, let us check out the reasons for the importance of IELTS Task 1 map vocabulary along with some lists of commonly used words and phrases as part of the IELTS writing task 1 map vocabulary and boost your IELTS preparation.

Why Do You Need to Learn IELTS Map Vocabulary?

Learning IELTS Writing Task 1 map vocabulary is important for many reasons. They are:

• Aids in Fulfilling Scoring Criteria: Vocabulary or Lexical resources is one of the marking criteria for IELTS Writing, which accounts for 25% of our writing band score. Repeating words and phrases in your IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 answer will reduce your band score. Therefore, to achieve a good score for vocabulary, learning IELTS Task 1 map vocabulary is crucial.

• Makes Describing Easier: Gaining knowledge of IELTS map vocabulary helps you to give more complex and descriptive explanations. By using specialized language to communicate exact information about locations, landmarks, directions, and spatial arrangements, you can improve the quality of your writing.
• Provides Clarity to Your Answer: Using the right vocabulary for describing IELTS maps will make your writing more structured and comprehensive. So, using specific language to explain geographical aspects will help to ensure that your writing makes sense as it progresses from one point to the next.

Want to know more about how map vocabulary can help you to achieve Band 9? Check the video below!

IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Vocabulary

There are various phrases that can be used to explain things. But there are certain words which can be used to describe the IELTS map or a diagram which are as follows:

IELTS Map Labelling Vocabulary for Cardinal Directions

Cardinal directions refer to the four main fixed points on a compass: north, south, east, and west. So, the words related to the cardinal directions are:

• North
• South
• East
• West
• North east
• North west
• South east
• South west

IELTS Map Task 1 Vocabulary: Different Parts of Speech

While describing the key features of an IELTS map or comparing two maps, it is essential to use proper adverbs of place, preposition, nouns, verbs and other parts of speech for a better description. Let’s check some in the lists below.

Adverbs & Prepositions

• Upstairs/Downstairs
• Clockwise/Anticlockwise
• To the north/To the south/To the east/To the west
• Across the road
• Before you get to
• In the middle of = in the centre of
• Just beyond = a little beyond = just past
• Inside/Outside
• To the left of/ To the right of

Verbs

• Go up/Go down
• Start by
• Build/Construct
• Demolished/Knocked-down
• Extended/Expanded
• Converted/Modernized
• Located/situated
• Is located = is situated = lies = there is = is
• Run through = cross = pass through = go through
• Cross = pass over = cut across
• Renovated/Reconstruct
• Developed
• Cleared/Removed
• Planted

Noun

• Crossroad/intersection/junction
• Housing area/residential area/sleeping area
• Entrance/doorway
• Path/way
• Roundabout
• Area/field/zone
• Site/place/location
• Edge/boundary/ end/fringe

IELTS Map Task 1 Vocabulary for Specific Places

Using place-specific IELTS map vocabulary to point out the salient features from your map will help you stand out. Explore such task 1 map vocabulary to frame a high-level answer.

City or Town

• Township
• Satellite town
• Eco town
• Metropolis
• Green belt
• Inner-city
• Upmarket shops
• Grid plan
• Pavement/sidewalk
• Roundabout
• Roadside
• Transition zone

Landscape 

• Bay
• Archipelago
• Bog
• Hedge
• Moor
• Canal
• Canyon
• Castle
• Cliff
• Valley
• Strait
• Stream
• Summit
• Tide
• Tributary

Grammar for IELTS Map Vocabulary

Familiarizing with grammar as part of IELTS map vocabulary is equally important as it is assessed under the criterion, Grammatical range and accuracy. So, check out the most common grammatical form you can use while summarizing features for maps.

• Present passive

Overall, notable differences can be found in the Bristol area, particularly with regard to the new park and mall.

• Future passive

Tourist attractions that are under construction will be included on the town map once they are completed.

• Perfect passive 

As the second map depicts, the old school ground has been transformed into a resort that has different modern features.

IELTS Map Vocabulary to Frame Writing Task 1 Answer with Example Sentence

Now let us look at some IELTS map vocabulary with example sentences that will help you write a Band 9 answer for your IELTS map.

Introduction

System of Coordinates

Table format

Movement

Description

Map Location

Conclusion

Tips to Use IELTS Map Vocabulary for a Better Score

Effective use of IELTS map vocabulary can greatly improve your exam result. To improve your score, use the following tips to make better use of words linked to maps:

• Get to know the map vocabulary for IELTS: Ensure that you understand the terminology used in maps, such as directions, landmarks, and spatial relationships to guarantee precision and coherence.
• Learn Synonyms and Alternatives: Go through the synonyms and variants of frequently used IELTS map vocabulary to increase the size of your word bank. This enables you to convey the same topic in multiple ways, which can enhance the richness and diversity of your IELTS Writing Task 1 answer.
• Study Sample Responses: You can have a better grasp of how to use IELTS map vocabulary by reviewing sample responses or model answers that include it. Examine the language and arrangement of these answers to find recurring themes and strategies.
• Practice Explaining Maps: Take time in practicing using the right words when explaining maps or diagrams. This may be comparing various maps, providing instructions, or explaining how something has changed over time. You’ll get more accustomed to employing map vocabulary successfully as you practise more.
• Evaluate Accuracy: Make sure you’re utilizing the right and accurate terminology related to maps. Your score may suffer if you use terms improperly or out of context. Spend some time verifying the accuracy of your vocabulary selections.

Learn IELTS Map Vocabulary with IELTSMaterial

If you’re looking to enhance your writing skills for the IELTS exam, IELTSMaterial can be a valuable resource. Whether it is about updating your vocabulary with words used in IELTS Writing Task 1 test or learning how to use them appropriately, our experts are your all-time partners.

Feel free to check out our highly rated IELTS Vocabulary and IELTS Writing learning material with example answers or get in touch with our IELTS experts if you need more advice. Take the step you need to boost your prep further and receive a Band 8+ on the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.

Additional Reads

• How to score band 8 in IELTS
• IELTS Listening Map Labelling
• IELTS 2024 Study Plan for 1 month (30 Days) / 15 Days / 7 Days
• IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Map Diagram – Lessons, Tips and Strategies
• Steps to Solve IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Questions