Academic Writing Task 1 · map

The transformation of a small island into a tourist resort: 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.
  • 179 words
  • Maps
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The map shows changes made in the small village over some time.

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

Development of a small island resort

Before

  • Sea surrounding the island
  • Beach on the western tip
  • Palm trees scattered across the island

After

  • Sea surrounding the island
  • Beach on the western tip designated for swimming
  • Restaurant located in the central north
  • Reception area in the centre
  • Accommodation huts arranged in two circular clusters
  • Pier extending from the southern shore
  • Footpaths connecting all facilities
  • Vehicle track connecting the pier to the reception and restaurant

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 8179 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided maps illustrate the transformation of a small, undeveloped island into a tourist resort. Overall, the island underwent significant changes, evolving from a natural landscape into a structured facility with accommodation, dining, and transport infrastructure.

In the initial state, the island was largely untouched, featuring only a beach on the western side and scattered palm trees across the land. The surrounding area consisted entirely of sea, with no man-made structures or paths present.

Following the development, the island was extensively modified to accommodate visitors. A restaurant was constructed in the central northern part, while a reception area was established in the middle of the island. Accommodation for guests was built in two distinct circular clusters, connected by a network of footpaths. Furthermore, a pier was added to the southern shore to facilitate access, linked to the reception and restaurant by a vehicle track. The beach on the western side was designated for swimming, and while many original palm trees remain, the overall layout is now highly organised to support tourism, contrasting sharply with the island's previous natural state.

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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

  • undeveloped

    not having been built upon or improved by humans

  • infrastructure

    the basic physical systems of a place or facility

  • facilitate

    to make an action or process easier to perform

  • contrasting

    differing strikingly when compared to something else

  • designated

    appointed or assigned for a specific purpose or use

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The island underwent significant development, transitioning from an uninhabited natural area into a structured tourist resort featuring accommodation, dining facilities, and improved access.

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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