Introduction to Map Questions
Map comparison tasks are common in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 and often focus on land use over time. Many candidates struggle to describe changes clearly while selecting the most relevant features. This model answer demonstrates how to organise an effective response, use comparative language, and write a strong overview—all essential for a Band 7+ score.
IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Question
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The maps below show changes in a rural area between 1970 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
You should write at least 150 words.
Model Answer
The two maps compare how a rural area developed between 1970 and 2010, focusing on changes to infrastructure, land use, and recreational spaces.
Overall, the area saw a shift from farmland to residential and industrial development. The school remained in the same place, but many of the open spaces were replaced with housing, a football pitch, and a new road network that now crosses the river.
In 1970, the school was located to the west of the river, adjacent to a large playing field. Most of the land was used for farming, with just a few houses in the west and a forested area to the east.
By 2010, farmland had been entirely replaced by an industrial unit. A football pitch was constructed south-east of the school, and a new road now connects both banks, running across the river. The housing estate was expanded and replaced the school playing field.
In summary, the rural area underwent considerable urbanisation, with residential and industrial facilities replacing farmland, while the school remained unchanged in its original location.
Words: 174
Rationale for the IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
1. Clear Overview
The model provides a clear summary of the most important changes, noting the shift from farmland to development and the addition of infrastructure like the road and football pitch.
2. Effective Organisation (Coherence & Cohesion)
The essay follows a logical structure:
- Introduction
- Overview
- Paragraph 1: Description of the 1970 map
- Paragraph 2: Description of the 2010 map with comparisons
- Summary sentence
3. Well-Selected Data (Task Achievement)
Rather than describing every minute detail, the response highlights key differences such as:
- Road construction
- Housing and industrial development
- Repositioning of the playing field
4. Varied Sentence Structures & Vocabulary (Lexical Resource & Grammar)
This version uses:
- Comparatives: “replaced by,” “remained in the same place,” “more developed”
- Passive voice: “was replaced,” “was constructed”
- Time markers and linking devices: “By 2010,” “In 1970,” “Overall,” “Notably”
Advanced Vocabulary Glossary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning / Use in Context |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Physical structures and systems (e.g., roads, buildings) that support an area’s development. |
| Recreational spaces | Areas specifically designed for leisure or sport, such as playing fields or pitches. |
| Urbanisation | The process of making a rural area more urban, usually involving construction and expansion. |
| Adjacent to | Positioned directly next to something; formal alternative to “next to.” |
| Constructed | Built; formal and precise term often used in Task 1 when describing man-made features. |
| Underwent | Experienced or went through a significant change (e.g., “underwent development”). |
| Remained unchanged | Formal phrasing for something that did not change over the time period. |
| Notably | Used to emphasise a particularly significant or surprising feature. |
| Facilities | Purpose-built spaces such as schools or industrial units; more formal than “buildings.” |
| Replaced by | Indicates substitution; useful in describing development or transformation. |
📝 IELTS Task 1 Vocabulary Quiz: Advanced Map Language
Part 1: Multiple Choice (Choose the best answer)
1. The term urbanisation refers to:
A) farming techniques
B) movement of people to rural areas
C) development of cities and towns
D) destruction of infrastructure
2. If a football pitch is adjacent to a school, it is:
A) inside the school
B) located nearby but not touching
C) directly next to the school
D) behind the school
3. Which of the following best matches the meaning of underwent in this context?
“The farmland underwent dramatic changes between 1970 and 2010.”
A) stopped experiencing
B) rejected
C) gradually ignored
D) experienced
4. In Task 1, the phrase remained unchanged suggests:
A) a small modification
B) a temporary shift
C) no alteration over time
D) a partial transformation
5. The phrase recreational spaces would most likely include:
A) industrial units
B) residential buildings
C) electricity lines
D) football pitches and parks
Part 2: Fill in the Blanks
Use the words from this list: infrastructure / notably / constructed / facilities / replaced
6. In 2010, a bridge was __________ across the river to connect both sides of the village.
7. The school remained in place, but most of the farmland was __________ by housing.
8. The industrial unit and sports complex were new __________ added to the area.
9. The village lacked modern __________ until new roads and utilities were developed.
10. __________, the school was the only feature that did not change over the 40-year period.
✅ Answer Key
1. C
2. C
3. D
4. C
5. D
6. constructed
7. replaced
8. facilities
9. infrastructure
10. Notably
How to Continue Your IELTS Study
If you would like to get some IELTS practice, answer the same question and purchase one of our Writing Correction Packages
to get feedback.
If you would like to watch a video about how to write IELTS General Task 1 letters, visit this page.