Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Changes in the layout and facilities of a park since 1980: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 map question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about maps.
  • 200 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The pictures show the changes in the park from 1980 to the present day.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Park layout in 1980 and Now

1980

  • Brick wall perimeter
  • Single curved path from bottom center to top left
  • Three trees in top right
  • Four benches arranged around a small pond in bottom left
  • Wooden gate at bottom center
  • Flowers scattered near the gate

Now

  • Cross-shaped path system
  • Picnic area with tables and barbecue in top right
  • Two trees in top right
  • Two benches near a pond in bottom left
  • Two children playing football in bottom right
  • Small bushes in bottom left and right

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8200 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided images illustrate the transformation of a park between 1980 and the present day. Overall, the park has undergone significant structural modifications, transitioning from a quiet, nature-focused space to a more recreational area with expanded facilities for social and physical activities.

In 1980, the park featured a simple layout with a single curved path leading from a wooden gate at the bottom centre towards the top left. The area was primarily landscaped with three trees in the top right corner and a small pond surrounded by four benches in the bottom left. The perimeter was enclosed by a brick wall, and the entrance was decorated with flowers.

By contrast, the current layout is more complex, featuring a cross-shaped path system that divides the park into distinct sections. The original pond remains, but it is now accompanied by only two benches. The most notable additions are the recreational facilities; the top right section now contains picnic tables and a barbecue area, while the bottom right area has been cleared to provide space for children to play football. Furthermore, the original trees have been reduced in number, and new small bushes have been planted along the bottom edge of the park.

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Maps

How to write about maps: tips and vocabulary

  • →Overview: how much the area changed and what stayed the same.
  • →Use location language: to the north of, adjacent to, replaced by.
  • →Group changes by area or by type, such as housing, roads and green space.
  • transformation

    a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance

  • transitioning

    changing from one state or condition to another

  • modifications

    the action of making changes to something

  • by contrast

    used to show that something is different from another

  • notable

    worthy of attention or notice; remarkably or interesting

  • accompanied by

    happening or existing at the same time as something

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The park has undergone significant structural modifications, transitioning from a quiet, nature-focused space to a more recreational area with expanded facilities for social and physical activities.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

How do I describe maps?+

Overview: how much the area changed and what stayed the same. Use location language: to the north of, adjacent to, replaced by. Group changes by area or by type, such as housing, roads and green space.

Keep practising

More maps

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