How to do MAPS, IELTS Writing Task 1, Academic.

 How to do MAPS

IELTS Writing Task 1

MAPS are generally 3 types:

1. Describe one map in the present time.

(Rarely asked)

2. Describe two maps, one in the present and other in the future.

(Occasionally asked)

3. Describes two maps, one in the past and the other in the present.

(Usually asked).

Structure

Paragraph 1.  Introduction.

Paraphrase the question using synonyms. One sentence.

Paragraph 2. Overview. 2 sentences. Tell what is the differences between the two maps. ( General Changes)

Choose any two from the given.

1. Is the maps more or less residential?

2. Is there more or less countryside?

3. Are there more or less trees?

4. Were the changes dramatic or negligible?

5, Are there any improvements in infrastructure?

6. How have the buildings and leisure facilities changed?

Paragraph 3. Body Para1. 3 or 4 sentences about specific changes

Paragraph 4. Body Para 2. 3 or 4 sentences about specific changes.

Changes happened can be explained in standard English phrases:

1. From 2000 to 2010, the the shopping complex saw significant developments.

2.The village changed considerably over the time.

3. Over the time period, the area witnessed dramatic changes.

4. Over the past 20 years, the residential area was totally reconstructed.

5. Between 1945 and 2000, the old homes were re-built.

6. During the 15 years, the industrial area was totally transformed. 

Select any two or three noticeable differences and use them.

Vocabulary for changes.

Buildings:

Demolished: The industrial estate was demolished and developed into a sports ground by the municipality.

Knocked down: The row of shops were knocked down and replaced with a skyscraper.

Renovated: The old building was totally renovated.

Constructed: A harbour was constructed at the edge of the river.

Relocated: The factory in the city was relocated to the north of the city.

Trees and forests

Cleared: The trees were cleared to make way for a new residential area.

Cut-down: The forest was cut-down and made space for shopping centre.

Planted: A new forest was planted west of the marsh.

Roads, Bridges and Railways.

Constructed: A new railroad was constructed next to the village.

Extended: The main road was extended and a new bridge was built over the river.

Removed: The old railway were lines were removed and replaced by a metro line.

Leisure Facilities:

Opened: A new sports centre was opened north to the school.

Set up: A new indoor stadium was set up close to the swimming pool.

Developed: A playground was developed next to the school.

Model Question.

Writing Task 1.

You should about 20 minutes on this Task.

The two maps below show an island, before and after construction of some tourist facilities.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Model Answer

The given map illustrates an island before and after it was developed for tourism.

Overview, the island, which is about 250 meters long, has palm trees dotted around it, is surrounded  by ocean and has a beach to the west. Over the period, the island was totally transformed with the addition of a hotel and a pier; however, the eastern part appears to have been left undeveloped.

The most conspicuous additions are the hotel rooms and six buildings surrounding some trees have been built in the west of the island and nine buildings have been constructed in the centre of the island. Between the two accommodation areas, a reception building and a restaurant have been developed.

Moreover, a pier has been built on the south cost of the island, allowing yachts access to the resort.  Apart from the trees, the beach remains the only natural features to remain relatively untouched; however, it appears that it is used for swimming.

(Words 160)