IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps Guide

Vocabulary and structural concepts for IELTS Writing Task 1 map descriptions.

Map (IELTS Task 1)

A visual representation showing the development or changes that have taken place in a particular area over a period of time.

Verbs for Increase

Verbs used to describe growth in maps: rise, increase, grow, expand, become large, and develop.

Verbs for Decrease

Verbs used to describe reduction in maps: fall, decrease, reduce, shrink, become smaller, and decline.

Verbs for Removal

Verbs used when features are taken away: remove, demolish, disappear, eliminate, and clear.

Verbs for Creation and Addition

Verbs used when new structures appear: add, build, construct, create, develop, and improve.

Adverbs of Degree and Manner

Words that describe the scale or pace of change: significantly, considerably, steadily, gradually, slightly, moderately, dramatically, noticeably, substantially, and sharply.

Introduction (4-Paragraph Model)

The first paragraph of a Task 1 map essay that paraphrases the prompt question and states what the maps show.

Overview (4-Paragraph Model)

The second paragraph of a Task 1 map essay that summarises the main features and overall changes without including specific details.

Body Paragraph 1 (4-Paragraph Model)

The paragraph describing the first key trend or group of changes, utilizing comparisons and key figures where possible.

Body Paragraph 2 (4-Paragraph Model)

The paragraph describing the second key trend or remaining changes in the map comparison.

Past Simple Tense (Map Grammar)

The tense used in IELTS map tasks to describe completed time periods (e.g., 'A new road was built in 2020').

Passive Voice (Map Grammar)

A grammatical structure frequently used in map tasks to focus on the changes rather than who performed them (e.g., 'The old building was demolished in 2018').

Comparative Structures

Phrases used to compare map features, including 'higher than', 'lower than', 'more than', 'less than', 'bigger than', 'smaller than', 'twice as many as', 'the same as', 'the highest', and 'the lowest'.

Location Phrases

Prepositional phrases indicating position on a map, such as 'in the north/south/east/west of…', 'in the centre of…', 'along the…', 'near…', 'next to…', 'opposite…', and 'between… and…'.

Linking Words

Connective vocabulary used to transition between ideas, such as 'and', 'but', 'however', 'while', 'whereas', 'similarly', 'in contrast', 'therefore', 'as a result', 'in addition', and 'moreover'.