Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip - IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Map Diagram, like ‘Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip’, are a description task that will come across in the IELTS. For this question type, you must describe in brief a presented map or diagram. To do so, begin by analyzing the question and identifying the main features of the diagram. Draft an introduction, followed by an overview of the main characteristics of the image. Then you may finally add the essential details.

Let’s have a look at the three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores ranging from band 7-9 on the topic, ‘Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip’ from Cambridge IELTS 12 Test 6 Writing Task 1.

Question for Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip

Islip Town Centre Now

Islip Town Centre: Planned Development

Structure Breakdown for Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip

Band 7 Sample Answer For Writing Task 1 – Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip

The given maps show the present layout of the centre of a small town, Islip, and how city planners have planned to develop it in the future. Overall it is apparent that the town centre of Islip will have developments in modern facilities and residential stuff related to housing.

In the current map, there is a big main road that goes through the middle of town from east to west and in the future, they will be maintaining the road just for walking and no vehicles will be allowed. In contrast, the plan is to make the side roads wider for vehicles to drive on, with two lanes stretching out to the countryside, which is in the northern part of the town.

Additionally, all the stores on the north side of the present main road are to be removed in the future plan. Instead, the developers are to construct a big shopping centre with a car park as well as a bus station for the public. They are also building some new houses northeast of the main road. On the south side of the main road, the current stores will remain but some houses are getting shifted to different places. (200 Words)

Band 8 Sample Answer For Writing Task 1 – Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip

The maps show how the town of Islip is in the present day and how it will develop in the future. Overall it is visible that there will be major alterations in the accessibility, shopping centres, and housing.

In the present day, there is a long main road that goes through the middle of the town from east to west. In the future map, this road will be changed into a walking lane to act as a pedestrian-friendly zone. One another road will be built in the centre of Islip to help with traffic, going around it like a ring.

Adding on, currently, there are stores along the main road and some of them are to be taken down in the future map by the city developers. Once they are demolished in the future, new establishments like the bus stop, car park, and more homes will be erected there for the use of the public. (155 Words)

Band 9 Sample Answer For Writing Task 1 – Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip

The given maps show the current and proposed future that are planned for the main area of Islip town. Overall, the layout of the town will entirely have alterations in the town’s roadways, shops, and housing in the future plan as suggested by the city developers.

The biggest change in the future of Islip will be the construction of a ring road around the town centre. This road will make it easier for people to get around to the places they wish to without hassle. The current main road is to be altered into a pedestrian-only pathway for the citizens to walk around the centre.

Moreover, the currently present shops on both sides of the main road right now are to be reduced in the future plan of the town. Some of these shops might be taken down to make space for new developments like a bus station, a shopping centre, and a car park. Furthermore, housing will also increase in the future map on both the eastern and southern sides. (171 Words)

Connectors Used in the Above Sample Answers of ‘Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip’

IELTS Writing Task 1 connectors, also known as linking or transition words, are words or phrases that link ideas or parts of a sentence or paragraph together. Here are some of the connectors used in the above sample answers:

• Overall it is apparent that
• Overall it is visible that
• In contrast
• Additionally
• Adding on
• Moreover
• Furthermore
• In the current map

How to Frame a Band 9 Answer for Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip - IELTS Writing Task 1?

Here are 5 very specific tips on how to improve your IELTS Writing band score to Band 9 for the IELTS Writing Task 1 map question, ‘The maps below show the centre of a small town called Islip’. By applying these tailored strategies and incorporating precise language, your map description of Islip town centre can effectively meet Band 9 criteria.

• Use compass directions and prepositions accurately: Instead of using vague terms like ‘on the left’ or ‘above’, describe locations and changes using cardinal directions (north, south, east, west) and precise prepositions of place. It shows spatial awareness, an essential skill assessed in Task 1 map questions.
• Contrast the present and proposed maps using time-linked phrases: Use comparison structures and time-related linking devices to show clear differences between the two stages. Phrases like ‘in contrast’, ‘compared to the existing layout’, and ‘in the future plan’ are necessary for organizing comparisons.
• Highlight major infrastructure changes with specific vocabulary: Focus on key transformations like road changes, additions of facilities, and zone re-allocations. Use specific terms like ‘pedestrianised area’, ‘dual carriageway’, ‘demolished’, ‘replaced by’, or ‘converted into’. This precise IELTS vocabulary shows control of formal language and task-relevant terminology.
• Group related changes logically in your body paragraphs: To reach Band 9 in Coherence and Cohesion, group your ideas meaningfully, such as changes to transportation, commercial areas, and housing, rather than describing the map in a clockwise or random order. 
• Avoid over-describing unchanged features: Band 9 responses focus on significant trends and changes. Mention unchanged features briefly, but do not give them unnecessary attention. It shows awareness of task focus, which is to describe changes, not simply list every feature.

To conclude, remember to proofread your essay for grammar, vocabulary, and spelling errors. These tips, combined with practice, will help you write well-structured and coherent IELTS Writing Task 1 Map answers like ‘Maps below Show the Centre of a Small Town called Islip’.

Useful Links:

• The civic centre will be planned to change – Map
• The development of the village of Rye mouth between 1995 and present – Map 
• Changes in the local industrial village in England called Stamdorf – Map
• Hawaiian island chain in the centre of the Pacific Ocean – Map
• Two possible sites for the supermarket – Map