How to describe a map in IELTS Writing Task 1?

 

The maps below show the center of a small town called Birshire as it is now, and plans for its development. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

How to describe a map in IELTS Writing Task 1?

The following are the changes that can occur between maps.

1. addition: A new structure not present in the old map may be seen in the next map. This means construction of a new feature. For example, in the maps above, you can see items like a supermarket and a sports center will have been built in the future.
2. removal: Old structures may be demolished and erased from the map. In Birshire, you can see that the farms and the farmer’s market will be removed.
3. expansion: Some items may be extended to make them bigger. For an instance, the housing area and the Corbie Road will have been expanded in the future.
4. downsize: Opposite to expansion, some structures may be reduced in size when comparing two maps.
5. replace: On occasions, you will notice that some features from the older map may be absent from the newer one with some other feature in its place. If you look at the maps above, you will find that the Hoolahan Farm will have been replaced by a car park, while the shops will have been replaced by houses.

6. IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Questions: Locating places in a map

   Describing the alterations and modifications in the maps is one aspect, but we also need to give details of where those changes have occurred.

   1. top / bottom: If directions have not been given, then mention whether the places in the map are at the top or at the bottom.
   2. left / right: Similarly, in the absence of directions, include whether the places are on the left-hand side or the right-hand side.
   3. north / south / east / west / northeast / southeast / northwest / southwest: Some maps include a compass rose. In such cases, locate places using directions instead of simply top, bottom, left, or right. Sometimes only one direction, usually North, is given. You have to work out the other directions by yourself.