IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Map – Types of Questions, Structure and Techniques

Janet

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Updated On Nov 30, 2021

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Map – Types of Questions, Structure and Techniques

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Types of Map Questions in IELTS

When it comes to map questions in Writing Task 1, you will come across a variety of them. Jotted down below are some of them to help you understand the gist of these questions:

Explaining Data in the Present Scenario

This type of question is quite rare as you would have to explain the data about the present day. With such a question type, it could be a bit difficult to explain without making any comparison.

Explaining Information In Two Tenses: Present & Future

This type of question may come up occasionally, and you will have to write information in both present as well as future tenses. Generally, the questions will be about explaining the development of a city or a town in the future.

Explaining Information In Two Tenses: Past & Present

In this type of question, you will have to compare both the present as well as the past information. You will get two maps, and you will be asked to compare them, identifying main features.

Structure of Map Questions

As far as the structure is concerned, you will have to follow something specific. Below-mentioned is the entire structure that will help you get a better idea.

Paragraphs	Content Details & Structure
Paragraph 1	In the first paragraph, you will have to paraphrase the information given in the question. When doing so, keep in mind that you don’t repeat the same sentences or words mentioned in the question.
Paragraph 2	The second paragraph is all about writing an overview. You would have to write two general statements. You can write about the most common differences between the two maps.
Paragraph 3 (Main Body 1)	This paragraph should talk about certain changes that you can see on the map.
Paragraph 4 (Main Body 2)	If you think there are more changes in both the maps, you can describe them in this paragraph.

How to describe changes and locations?

Most of the time, students get stuck when describing a specific change, a general change or a location. Here are few examples of how you can do so:

Describing Specific Changes	Describing General Changes	Describing Locations
In specific changes, the main features will already be labeled and you just have to write on how it is being changed from past to present.	In general changes, there will be two maps given and you need to compare and explain the main features on the maps.	In the location, you have to write after identifying the points where changes have occurred on the maps.
Buildings: Demolished Modernized Knocked-down Converted Flattened Replaced Relocated Renovated Built Expanded Constructed Reconstructed Extended Developed	Examples: Over the period From 1995 to 2005 Changed considerably over the time period During the 10 year period Over the past 20 years Between 1995 and 2005	Examples: ‘to the left’, ‘behind’, ‘on the top’ ‘In the south’.

Describing Specific Changes

Describing General Changes

Describing Locations

In specific changes, the main features will already be labeled and you just have to write on how it is being changed from past to present.

In general changes, there will be two maps given and you need to compare and explain the main features on the maps.

In the location, you have to write after identifying the points where changes have occurred on the maps.

Buildings:

Demolished
Modernized
Knocked-down
Converted
Flattened
Replaced
Relocated
Renovated
Built
Expanded
Constructed
Reconstructed
Extended
Developed

Examples:

Over the period
From 1995 to 2005
Changed considerably over the time period
During the 10 year period
Over the past 20 years
Between 1995 and 2005

Examples:

‘to the left’,
‘behind’,
‘on the top’
‘In the south’.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Map Techniques

If you are planning to gain a band score of 6 and above, here are some techniques that you must keep in mind when attempting these questions:

Come Up with a Plan

Before you begin to write the explanation, you must plan and figure out how you want to go ahead with it. You can plan points that should be included in every paragraph. In case there is anything similar in both the maps, you can combine that information to write a common description.

Task Accomplishment

You would have to ensure that you have accomplished the task by keeping up with all of the rules. In simple words, your description should be of at least 150 words; else, it will be regarded invalid. Also, before writing the content, you can take a few minutes to understand the requirements and key features.

Language & Coherence

When describing, keep in mind that you are not repeating any words provided in the question. Every sentence should be unique and written in your own words. Here, vocabulary takes all the brownie points. Also, it is necessary to maintain coherence. You must follow a specific format and not go off-track.

Most of the students end up with grave mistakes when attempting writing task 1 map. With our holistic IELTS preparation online classes, you can now learn everything about the types of questions, structure and techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are different types of map questions?

You may be asked to describe a map in one particular timeline. There may also be questions to compare maps in two different timelines.

What are the different tense verbs used to describe maps?

The list of the 12 verb tenses in English are : Present Simple Present Continuous/Progressive Present Perfect Present Perfect Continuous/Progressive Past Simple Past Continuous/Progressive Past Perfect Past Perfect Continuous/Progressive Future Simple Future Perfect Future Continuous/Progressive Future Perfect Continuous/Progressive

How to describe a map?

When you are given two maps, do the following: Count the changes and similarities. Use words to describe where map elements are positioned. Summarise the changes and similarities using appropriate vocabulary.

Why does writing task 1 not have a conclusion?

Conclusion means summarizing your opinions. As writing task 1 cannot contain personal opinion, there is no conclusion in its structure. Also you cannot reiterate your opinion because in writing task 1, there can be no repetetion.

Can I use cardinal directions to describe maps even if there are no directions given in the map?

Yes. There is no harm in doing it. But there are many other words to describe maps too.

Janet

Janet had been an IELTS Trainer before she dived into the field of Content Writing. During her days of being a Trainer, Janet had written essays and sample answers which got her students an 8+ band in the IELTS Test. Her contributions to our articles have been engaging and simple to help the students understand and grasp the information with ease. Janet, born and brought up in California, had no idea about the IELTS until she moved to study in Canada. Her peers leaned to her for help as her first language was English.