IELTS Maps Task 1: Comparing Past and Present Locations

Quick Answer: In IELTS Maps Task 1, you describe changes between two maps showing the same location at different times. Focus on key transformations like new buildings, removed features, and relocated infrastructure. Use precise location language (north, south, adjacent to) and comparison phrases (was replaced by, has been transformed into). Aim for 150-170 words, describe the most significant changes, and avoid personal opinions.

Table of Contents

Understanding IELTS Maps Task 1

Key Vocabulary for Map Comparisons

Structure Your Response

Band Score Comparison

Real Examples

Common Mistakes

Pro Tips from IELTS Active

How IELTS Active Helps

FAQ

Key Takeaways

Understanding IELTS Maps Task 1

IELTS Maps Task 1 requires you to compare two maps of a location—often a town, city area, or facility—showing how it looked in the past versus how it looks now or in the future. The maps may be labeled with features like roads, buildings, parks, or industrial zones. Your job is to describe the changes systematically.

The key skill is noticing transformations: what was added, removed, relocated, or expanded. For example, a farm might become a housing estate, or a river might be diverted for a new road. You must use accurate location prepositions (e.g., to the north of, adjacent to, in the southeast corner) and comparison language (e.g., was replaced by, has been developed into, remained unchanged).

Aim for 150-170 words—no more, no less. Use a formal, objective tone. Avoid speculation (e.g., "perhaps the town grew") and stick to the visual evidence. The examiner wants to see your ability to organize information, use precise vocabulary, and highlight key trends.

Key Vocabulary for Map Comparisons

To score Band 7+, you need a rich lexicon. Here are essential words and phrases:

Location Prepositions:

to the north/south/east/west of

in the northwest/southeast corner

adjacent to / next to / bordering

in the centre / in the middle

along the river/coast/road

Describing Changes:

was replaced by / has been transformed into

was demolished / removed / cleared

was constructed / built / erected

was expanded / extended / enlarged

was relocated / moved / shifted

remained unchanged / stayed the same

Comparing Time Periods:

in the past / previously / originally

currently / now / at present

over the period / during this time

Example sentence: "The farmland to the north of the river was completely replaced by a housing estate, while the industrial zone in the east remained unchanged."

Structure Your Response

A well-structured response is crucial for coherence and cohesion (25% of your score). Follow this 4-paragraph plan:

Paragraph 1: Introduction Paraphrase the question. State the two time periods and the location. Example: "The two maps illustrate the development of a small coastal town called Seaville between 1990 and 2020." Paragraph 2: Overview Summarize the most significant changes. Do not include details. Example: "Overall, the town underwent substantial urbanization, with the construction of new residential areas and the removal of agricultural land." Paragraph 3: First main change Describe one major area of transformation (e.g., the north side). Use location language and comparison phrases. Example: "In the north, the farmland was replaced by a housing estate, and a new road was built connecting it to the town centre." Paragraph 4: Second main change Describe another key area (e.g., the south or centre). Highlight additions, removals, or relocations. Example: "Meanwhile, the industrial zone in the south was demolished to make way for a park and a shopping centre."

This structure ensures a logical flow and meets the word count. Avoid listing every small change—focus on the 3-4 most important transformations.

Band Score Comparison

Band	Score	What Examiner Wants
6	6.0-6.5	Basic description of changes; some location language; limited vocabulary; minor errors in grammar
7	7.0-7.5	Clear overview; accurate location prepositions; good range of comparison vocabulary; few errors
8	8.0-8.5	Detailed overview; precise language; complex sentence structures; all key changes covered
9	9.0	Flawless response; sophisticated vocabulary; perfect coherence; no errors; insightful summary

Real Examples

Band 7 Response: "The maps show how the town of Greenfield changed from 1990 to 2020. Overall, the town became more residential and less agricultural. In the north, the farmland was replaced by houses, and a new road was built. In the south, the industrial area was removed to create a park. The river remained the same." Band 8 Response: "The two maps illustrate the transformation of Greenfield between 1990 and 2020. Overall, the area underwent significant urbanization, with agricultural land giving way to housing and recreational spaces. Specifically, the farmland to the north of the river was converted into a housing estate, connected to the town centre by a newly constructed road. Meanwhile, the industrial zone in the southeast corner was demolished and replaced by a park. The river and the main road remained unchanged." Band 9 Response: "The provided maps depict the evolution of Greenfield from a predominantly rural settlement in 1990 to a modernized suburban area in 2020. A striking overall trend is the replacement of agricultural and industrial zones with residential and leisure facilities. The northern sector, originally characterized by extensive farmland, was transformed into a compact housing estate, with a new road linking it directly to the central district. Conversely, the southeastern industrial complex was completely cleared to accommodate a public park, while the river and primary road network persisted unchanged. These developments reflect a clear shift toward urban living."

Common Mistakes

❌Describing every small change: Focus on major transformations (e.g., new housing, removed industry). Minor details like a new bench waste words.

❌Using vague location language: Saying "near the river" is weak. Use precise terms like "to the north of the river" or "adjacent to the main road."

❌Forgetting the overview: A paragraph 2 overview is mandatory. Without it, you lose marks for task achievement.

❌Writing too many words: Stick to 150-170. Exceeding 200 words risks penalty for irrelevance.

❌Adding personal opinions: Never say "I think" or "perhaps." Only describe what you see.

Pro Tips from IELTS Active

Tip 1: Practice with 5 different map pairs before your test. Focus on identifying 3-4 key changes and describing them in 150 words.

Tip 2: Use a timer: spend 2 minutes analyzing the maps, 5 minutes writing, and 3 minutes checking grammar and vocabulary.

Tip 3: Memorize 10 location prepositions and 10 comparison verbs. This builds automaticity and reduces errors.

How IELTS Active Helps

At ieltsactive.com, we provide free practice tests with real map tasks, model answers for Band 7, 8, and 9, and a vocabulary builder tool. Our step-by-step guide covers all Task 1 types (maps, charts, processes). Join 500,000+ students who have improved their scores with our resources.

FAQ

Q: How many changes should I describe in IELTS Maps Task 1? A: Describe 3-4 major changes (e.g., new roads, removed buildings, relocated facilities). Avoid minor details like a single tree. Q: Can I use future tense for maps showing future plans? A: Yes. Use "will be built" or "is planned to be constructed" if the second map shows a future date. Q: What if the maps have no labels? A: Use directional language (e.g., "in the northwest corner") and describe shapes or colors (e.g., "a rectangular area"). Q: How important is the overview paragraph? A: Very important. It's 25% of your task achievement score. Always summarize the biggest change in 1-2 sentences.

Key Takeaways

✅Focus on 3-4 major changes, not minor details.

✅Use precise location prepositions (north, south, adjacent to).

✅Include a clear overview in paragraph 2.

✅Keep to 150-170 words with formal, objective language.

About IELTS Active: Trusted by 500,000+ students. Get free practice tests at ieltsactive.com Related:

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