Below is an IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Model Answer with Great Tips and also Vocabulary. The IELTS Map Model Answer is Band Score 9 and helps you see the structure, key features and language. The IELTS Map question is a comparison of three maps in different time periods for the academic writing task 1.
TIPS FOR IELTS MAPS: WRITING Task 1
Below are useful tips and techniques for writing a high band score writing task 1 map.
Types of IELTS Maps
There are a variety of maps that you can get in IELTS Writing Task 1 test:
- Changes in Towns
These types of maps focus on the expansion and layout of towns with features such as roads, buildings, land and other features of a town or city. It is most common to be given two maps, but occasionally (like in the model below) you could get three maps.
2. Changes in a Resort
This is about a holiday area which usually has different features than a town. There might be facilities such as swimming pools, nature hikes, hotels, beaches and water features. These types of tasks often compare current resorts with a future resort. However, future maps could appear as any type of map.
3. Places with Multiple Buildings and Features
Typical examples of this type of map is a school, university or hospital.
This type of map covers an area of ground containing different buildings that serve different functions. The layout is different to a town and the facilities relate only to the function of the company/institution.
4. Floor Plans
You could be given a floor plan which means it is the layout of a building on the inside showing all the rooms. Floor plans often show a past layout with a future plan to expand and alter rooms. Unlike the above maps, this one is about rooms and the functions of rooms. For example a room might have been a study in the past but there are plans to expand it and use it as a kitchen/diner.
Grammar Tenses for Map Writing
Always check the date on the maps.:
- if the map is dated in the past, you must use past tense. For example, “The hospital was located to the north side of the town”
- if the map shows a future plan, you must use future forms, such as “it will be extended and will no longer be used as an office, but instead used as a reception room.”.
- if the map is dated as “Present” or “Now”, you would use the present tense.
- If there is a comparison of dates, you must be flexible with the tenses in your sentences: “the office was located on the ground floor but in the future it will be moved to the first floor.”
- You will also notice that the passive voice is sometimes used for map reports for writing task 1.
Map KEYS and Compass Points
Sometimes your map will have a key. This is a a box of information in the map that tells you what things are called. You should pay attention to it and use that language.
Always check if the map shows north. For towns and other areas, you can always presume that north is directly up. It is important to know: north, south, east and west. Watch the video below for map vocabulary.
Structure & Paragraphing for IELTS Map Writing
Structure of Report
- Introduction – paraphrasing the description given and adding more required information
- Overview – collecting all key features into one paragraph
- Body Paragraph 1 – details of the maps
- Body Paragraph 2 – details of the maps
- Body Paragraph 3 – details of the maps (optional)
Overview: Key Features
All overviews in writing task 1 are critical to your score and are the most important paragraph. They must contain all key features. So, you need to pay attention to what changes and what stays the same. This what you highlight in your overview paragraph. The biggest mistake people make is writing only one sentence for their overview because they think it isn’t important.
Body Paragraphs
Your division of information for body paragraphs will depend on what your maps show. You might divide the information into paragraphs based in different time periods. But if you do that, you won’t be comparing. Or you could divide information based on what changes and what doesn’t. Body paragraph organisation must be logical whatever your choice.
IELTS MAP WRITING TASK 1: Model Answer
The maps below show the changes that have taken place in Meadowside village and Fonton, a neighbouring town, since 1962.
Source: Map above not produced by IELTS Liz.
IELTS Map Comparison Model Answer
The three maps illustrate how Meadowside village and Fonton, which is a nearby town, have developed from 1962 to the present.
Overall, both Fonton and Meadowside village increased in size over the years until they eventually merged together, at which point Meadowside became a suburb. Furthermore, there have been significant changes to infrastructure, housing and facilities over the period given.
In 1962, both Meadowside and Fonton were completely separate with no roads or rail connecting them. While Fonton had a railway line running to the north, Meadowside, located to the west of Fonton, only had a small road from the west.
By 1985, Meadowside had expanded and the small road had become a main road. A further main road had been built to connect the village to Fonton. Within Meadowside, a superstore, leisure complex and housing estate had been developed. By this time, Fonton had also grown in size.
Currently, Meadowside is known as Meadowside Suburbs after joining with Fonton. Between both places, a hotel, station and business park have been built on either side of the railway line.
COMMENTS about MODEL ANSWER:
- It isn’t often that you will have three body paragraphs for your IELTS Writing Task 1 report. But this maps has three time periods so it makes sense to have these body paragraphs.
- It could be possible to divide the information of body paragraphs into:
- Body Paragraph 1 – roads and railway
- Body Paragraph 2 – land and buildings
- There is no right or wrong way to organise information into body paragraphs. You are being marked on being logical in how you organise information. If it lacks logic, you get a lower score. Your organisation also needs to help highlight key features which means deciding key features during your planning state is important because it will influence your paragraphing.
- The length of all writing task 1 should be between 170 and 190 words. A longer report will be marked down for not selecting features and getting lost in detail. A shorter report will be marked for not having enough information. To learn about the marking criteria that the examiner will assess you on, click here: Writing Task 1 Band Scores Explained
IELTS Writing Task 1: Vocabulary and Techniques for Describing Maps
In this lesson, we’ll explore the essential vocabulary, grammar, and techniques you need to accurately describe maps in IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic. While maps don't appear as frequently as other visuals, they are part of the test, and being prepared can make a significant difference in your score.
We’ll cover:
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Key vocabulary for maps
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How to describe location using compass directions
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How to read and use the key (legend)
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How to describe roads, railways, and population
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A complex sentence example using all of the above
🧭 1. Describing Location Using Compass Points
When you get a map in IELTS Writing Task 1, your task is to describe the location and changes clearly. Maps typically include a compass rose, showing North, which allows you to use directional language such as:
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Cardinal directions: north, south, east, west
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Intercardinal directions: northeast (NE), northwest (NW), southeast (SE), southwest (SW)
🔹 Example:
B is located northeast of Dartford.
Important grammar note:
Use the passive structure “is located” or “is situated” — this is present tense passive, not past.
You can vary your vocabulary using:
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is located
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is situated
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lies
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is to the [direction] of
🔑 2. Understanding and Using the Map Key
Many maps include a key (or legend) that explains the meaning of colors and symbols. Always study the key before you begin writing, as it gives you critical information such as:
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Land use areas (e.g., residential/housing, commercial, green space)
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Transport features (e.g., railway lines, roads)
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Other infrastructure (e.g., schools, factories)
Grammar tip:
The key often uses capital letters, but you must change these to lowercase when writing.
🔹 Vocabulary and Paraphrasing:
| Key Term | Suggested Paraphrase |
|---|---|
| Housing area | Residential area |
| Town center | The center of the town (not "city center") |
| Railway | Railway line (or keep as is) |
| Road | Main road (not “street”) |
🚉 3. Talking About Roads and Railways
To describe roads and railways, use appropriate verb-noun collocations. This shows vocabulary range and accuracy.
🔹 Common verbs:
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Runs through
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Passes through
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Crosses
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Extends from... to...
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Connects
🔹 Example:
The railway line runs through Dartford from north to south.
✅ These verbs can also be used for roads.
👥 4. Writing About Population
Some maps include population data. If this is provided, you should mention it clearly.
🔹 Ways to describe population:
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The population of Dartford is 60,000.
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Dartford has a population of 60,000.
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There are 60,000 people living in Dartford.
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B is located northeast of Dartford, which has a population of 60,000.
✅ Population is singular, so use "is", not "are."
📝 5. Example: Complex Sentence Combining All Elements
Let’s now bring together the vocabulary and grammar we've covered into a strong descriptive sentence:
A is located in the town center, which has a railway running through it. B is situated northeast of Dartford, just outside the housing area.
This sentence includes:
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Correct use of passive voice (is located, is situated)
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Use of a relative clause (which has...)
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Directional language (northeast)
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Vocabulary from the map key (town center, housing area)
✅ Final Tips
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Always check for a compass and key on the map before writing.
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Use clear paragraphing: introduction, overview, and two body paragraphs.
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Do not try to paraphrase every word from the map key—some terms like “railway” or “town center” are best left as they are.
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Practice writing complex and compound sentences for higher band scores.
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Accuracy is more important than creativity in Task 1—stick to the data and visuals.
