IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Summarize Maps is one of the tasks that may show up in the Writing exam. There are different types of maps. The most common type will represent two maps showing past and present views. There are also chances of having 2 maps of past views and 2 maps of future views (such as that of any future development work).

The most important things for attempting this exam are your grammar and vocabulary. You have to be very careful about using grammar in the sentences. Mostly, you will have to use the past tense (was/were), the present perfect passive to describe any changes in summarizing maps. You may also need to use a specific language for showing location or any changes in the map.

Understand the Format of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The word limit for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Summarize Maps is between 150 to 180 words. Practise counting the number of words you write per line. Know how many lines will help you to reach 150 words. You can lose your scores for writing too few words. So be careful!

You can practice with the following structure:

Focus on writing general statements on the noticeable changes shown in the maps. Your overview should be general and be completed within only 2-3 statements.

On the other hand, more specific changes should be included in the body paragraph 1 and body paragraph 2.

Note: No conclusion is required at the end of the IELTS Writing Essay Task.

Learn How to Describe Specific Changes for IELTS Writing Task 1 Describe Maps

It is crucial to describe the changes accurately using proper grammar and vocabulary. Your ability to describe the changes will impress the examiner and will fetch you a high score in the exam. The icons will be labelled for you; you will simply need to write about how the changes have occurred from the past until the present day.

Go through some examples mentioned below to understand how these changes will help you to write well in the exam.

1. Over a while, the forest has witnessed many changes.
2. From the last 15 years, the residential area is reconstructed.
3. The central park was rebuilt for the children.

You can use the following verbs to describe the changes in maps.

• Buildings: Renovated, Demolished, Constructed, Relocated, Converted, Built, Developed, Converted, etc.

Example: The Government has demolished the shopping centre and relocated it to the west of the south.

• Wildlife: Removed, Planted, Cut-down, Extended, Cleared, Separated, Abolished, Planted, etc.

Example: The trees were cut-down to extend the road lines.

• Transportation Lines & Ways: Built, Constructed, Extended, Removed, Expanded, etc.

Example: Now, new road lines are constructed between the shopping centre and hospital.

• Leisure Facilities & Services: Set-up, Opened Up, Developed, Modernized, Converted, etc.

Example: A park for children was developed.

Learn How to Describe Location for IELTS Writing Task 1 Describe Maps

IELTS Academic Writing Task will expect you to describe the location of the things, and the changes have occurred. Location is an important part of navigating the direction.

You can use 'to the left', 'to the right', 'to the north', 'to the south', 'to the east', 'to the west' to show the directions.

• The shopping centre was constructed to the west of park.
• The Hospital was relocated from the centre of the city to the north.

Prepositions will also play an essential role while describing the locations on a map:

• By
• Off
• Along
• Near
• Across
• From
• In
• At
• Between
• Beside
• Over

Example: There is a cricket stadium surrounded by trees.

Implement these strategies in your practice. Sometimes, writing an essay could be challenging for some IELTS aspirants. You can Sign Up IELTS Tutorials and avail Free Download Booklet Services for your preparation. Get an idea of all the tasks associated with the IELTS Academic Writing Exam.

For a better understanding, you could avail Writing Correction Service. Our IELTS experts will evaluate your writing and guide you to improve better. Don't let small mistakes ruin your dreams.

Practice from today itself!