Academic Writing Task 1 · map

Proposed Urban Development Changes to Foster Road Between Two Avenues: 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.
  • 187 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram shows the proposed changes to Foster Road.

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

Proposed changes to Foster Road between SE 84th and 85th Avenue

Before

  • Two-lane road with central divider
  • Narrow sidewalks
  • No street trees
  • No bicycle lanes
  • No pedestrian crossing

After

  • Narrowed vehicle lanes
  • Added bicycle lanes
  • Wider sidewalks
  • New street trees planted along both sides
  • New pedestrian crossing with central island

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 8187 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagrams illustrate the planned urban redevelopment of Foster Road, specifically the section situated between SE 84th and 85th Avenue. The visual comparison highlights a shift from a vehicle-dominated thoroughfare to a more multi-modal and pedestrian-friendly environment.

In the 'Before' state, the road is characterised by a standard two-lane layout with a central divider, narrow sidewalks, and an absence of greenery or dedicated cycling infrastructure. The design appears focused primarily on facilitating motor vehicle traffic, with no designated facilities for pedestrians to cross the road safely.

Conversely, the 'After' diagram depicts a comprehensive redesign. The vehicle lanes have been narrowed to accommodate the addition of dedicated bicycle lanes on both sides of the street. Furthermore, the sidewalks have been widened, and a new row of street trees has been planted along the verges, enhancing the aesthetic and environmental quality of the area. Perhaps the most significant safety improvement is the installation of a new pedestrian crossing, which includes a central refuge island. Overall, these changes represent a strategic effort to improve accessibility and safety for non-motorised road users while integrating green infrastructure into the urban landscape.

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.
  • thoroughfare

    a main road for public use and travel

  • multi-modal

    involving several different modes of transport or travel

  • redevelopment

    the process of developing an area in a new way

  • infrastructure

    the basic physical systems of a business or nation

  • verges

    the edge or border of a road or path

  • refuge island

    a small area in the middle of a road

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The proposed modifications to Foster Road involve a significant transformation of the streetscape, prioritising pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure over vehicle-centric design.

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