IELTS Map Questions: A Complete Guide
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about IELTS Writing Task 1 map questions, covering essential topics such as the types of map questions, how to structure your answers, and important vocabulary.
Richard | Love to Learn English
Whether you’re a beginner or already preparing for the exam, this guide will help you confidently approach this task and improve your band score.
Different Kinds of Map Questions
In IELTS Writing Task 1, you may encounter several types of map questions. The three most common are:
One map in the present day: These questions ask you to describe a map that represents the current state of a location. This type is rare and doesn’t involve comparisons.
Two maps: one in the present and one in the future: Here, you’re asked to describe the present layout of a place and the plans for future development. You'll need to use both present and future tenses.
Two maps: one in the past and one in the present: This is the most common question type. You will describe how the area has changed over time, using both past and present tenses.
This guide will focus mainly on the third type, as it is the most frequent.
Structure for a Map Question Answer
For a well-structured response, I recommend the following four-paragraph format:
Introduction
Paraphrase the question using synonyms. This gives a brief overview of what you will describe in your essay.Overview
Provide a general summary of the main differences between the two maps. Focus on the most noticeable changes. Think about:Is there more or less residential area?
Have new buildings or infrastructures been added?
Were there significant changes in transportation or leisure facilities?
Body Paragraph 1
Focus on specific changes, such as construction or the demolition of buildings. Explain what has been added, removed, or replaced. Use precise vocabulary and describe the changes clearly.Body Paragraph 2
Continue describing further changes, either by location or time, depending on how the question is structured.
How to Describe Specific Changes
The key to scoring well in map questions is your ability to describe changes accurately. You will need to mention specific features (e.g., buildings, roads, parks) and describe how they’ve transformed over time.
Useful Vocabulary for Describing Changes:
Buildings: demolished, knocked down, replaced, renovated, constructed, developed, extended, reconstructed, expanded, converted, modernized
Nature: cleared, chopped down, removed, planted
Infrastructure: built, constructed, extended, expanded, removed
Leisure Facilities: opened, set up, developed
Examples:
The industrial park was demolished and replaced with a shopping mall.
A new hospital was constructed to the east of the town.
The park area was extended, and new recreational facilities were developed beside it.
The old factory was converted into a modern apartment complex.
How to Describe General Changes
While you should focus on specific changes in the body paragraphs, the overview is the place to mention general developments. Use general statements to capture the overall transformation of the area.
Examples of General Statements:
Over the period, the town underwent significant changes.
From 1995 to 2023, the city saw major urban development.
The industrial area was completely redeveloped during the last 20 years.
The town's residential area expanded, and a new shopping center was built.
These sentences help provide a clear snapshot of the transformation that will be detailed in the body paragraphs.
How to Describe Locations
In map questions, being able to describe the locations of different features is crucial. It’s better to use directions like “north,” “south,” “east,” and “west” rather than vague terms like “left” and “right.”
Location Vocabulary:
To the north/south/east/west of
In the north-west/south-east corner
Adjacent to, next to, beside, near, on the outskirts
Behind, in front of, to the left/right of
Examples:
The residential area to the north of the river was replaced by a commercial complex.
A new school was built in the south-east corner of the town, next to the park.
The shopping center was developed in the western part of the town, beside the river.
Prepositions of Place
You’ll also need to use prepositions to describe where things are. These are essential for clarity and cohesion:
At, in, on, beside, near, in front of, behind, on top of, above, below, next to, opposite
Examples:
The new road runs along the edge of the river.
The park is situated next to the lake, to the west of the city center.
The new shopping mall is located at the junction of two main streets.
Sample Answer
Now, let’s take a look at a sample map question and a model answer.
Map Question: The maps show the development of an island from 1995 to 2023. Describe the changes that have taken place.
Sample Answer:
Introduction
The two maps illustrate the development of an island before and after the construction of tourist facilities. Initially, the island had a beach to the west, surrounded by palm trees. After development, significant changes occurred, including the construction of hotels and recreational facilities.
Overview
Overall, the island underwent major changes, with new developments primarily in the west and central areas. The most noticeable additions were hotels and a pier. However, the eastern part of the island remained largely undeveloped.
Body Paragraph 1
In the western part of the island, six hotel buildings were constructed around the existing palm trees. In the center of the island, nine hotel rooms were built, with a reception area and restaurant situated between them. These developments transformed much of the island’s natural landscape.
Body Paragraph 2
The southern coastline saw the addition of a pier, which provided yacht access. Despite these changes, the eastern part of the island remained untouched, with the beach area preserved, although a swimming area was added. This section of the island remained largely unchanged.
Conclusion
Mastering IELTS map questions requires clear structure, precise vocabulary, and a solid understanding of how to describe changes and locations. By following the four-paragraph format and using the vocabulary and strategies outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to scoring high in this part of the exam.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about IELTS Writing Task 1 map questions, covering essential topics such as the types of map questions, how to structure your answers, and important vocabulary.