IELTS Writing Task 1 #170
Describe information in a map
Don't panic if you get a map question for your Writing Task 1! Sometimes the information you are given is in the form of maps or ground plans. Often these are not difficult to understand and they always take place over time.
As you can write on the question paper, so feel free to make notes as you analyse the maps. It is a good idea to circle, underline or highlight the points you want to write about. It can also be helpful to number them according to which you think is most important.
Remember the more you plan what you are going to write about, the easier it is to write about it and also have time to think about your grammar and spelling.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The maps below show the town of Langley in 1910 and 1950.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Read the model answer for the question. Choose the discourse marker that best fits each space.
Model answer
The two maps show the town of Langley in the years 1910 and 1950 and the urban developments that took place. , there were a number of notable changes to the buildings and amenities of this area.
In 1910, the area had a combination of residential and industrial features, but by 1950 the industrial features had largely disappeared. in 1910 a railway line ran through the neighbourhood, by 1950 this had been removed. , the townhouses which used to dominate the 1910 map had been replaced by blocks of flats by 1950, and the areas of wasteland had gone.
in 1950 was the development of more commercial and recreational features. The demolition of a second row of houses on Sherman Street and the removal of the railway line made room for a spacious park and children's play area. , to the right of the park some new stores were built on the aptly named New Lane, replacing the small store of 1910, and the cafe and laundry were relocated.
, the area was renovated extensively, seeing fundamental changes to its residential accommodation, and its commercial and recreational facilities were developed.