Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Changes to a region after the construction of a hydroelectric dam: 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.
  • 189 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The picture below shows a place in 1980 and after the construction of a hydroelectric dam in 1990.

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

Changes to a region following the construction of a hydroelectric dam

1980

  • Mountains in the north and south
  • Forests in the northwest
  • Rare plants and animals in the northwest
  • Architecture/Structure in the northwest
  • River flowing north to south
  • Irrigated land in the east
  • Village in the east

After construction of dam

  • Mountains in the north and south
  • Hydro-electric dam in the south
  • Large reservoir for fishing in the center
  • Hotel in the east
  • Electrical towers in the south
  • Village in the southeast

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 8189 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagrams illustrate the environmental and structural changes that occurred in a specific region between 1980 and the period following the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Overall, the area underwent a major transformation, shifting from a largely natural and agricultural landscape to one dominated by industrial infrastructure and tourism facilities.

In 1980, the region was characterised by a river flowing through the centre, flanked by mountains in the north and south. The western side featured forests, rare plants, and animals, alongside a single architectural structure. To the east of the river, there was irrigated land and a small village.

Following the construction of the hydroelectric dam, the landscape changed dramatically. A large reservoir was created in the centre of the area, which replaced the original river flow and provided space for fishing. The western forest area was removed, and in its place, electrical towers were installed near the new dam in the south. Furthermore, the eastern side saw the addition of a hotel, while the village remained. The mountains persisted in their original locations, serving as the only major geographical feature that remained unchanged throughout the development process.

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Write a report, get a band free →

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.
  • characterised by

    having a particular feature or quality as typical

  • underwent

    experienced a significant change or process

  • flanked by

    situated on each side of something

  • dominated by

    having a commanding influence or presence over

  • persisted

    continued to exist in a specific state

  • dramatically

    in a way that is sudden and striking

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The construction of the dam significantly transformed the landscape from a natural, agricultural area into a site focused on energy production, tourism, and leisure 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

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Write a report, get a band free