Writing about a single map in the IELTS Writing Task 1 requires you to describe the main

features and relevant details of the map clearly and coherently. Here's a step-by-step guide
along with useful sentence structures to help you craft an effective response.

1. Understand the Task

• Carefully examine the map: Note all the important features, landmarks, and spatial
relationships.
• Identify key information: Look for significant details that you need to describe, such
as locations, directions, and notable structures.

2. Structure of the Report

Your report should be organized into four paragraphs:

1. Introduction
2. Overview
3. Body Paragraph 1
4. Body Paragraph 2

3. Detailed Breakdown
Introduction

Purpose: Paraphrase the task prompt to introduce the map to the reader.

Sentence Structures:

• "The map illustrates/shows/displays/provides an overview of..."

• "The diagram depicts/represents..."
• "Presented is a map outlining..."

Example:

• "The map illustrates the layout of a small coastal town known as Harborville."

Overview

Purpose: Summarize the main features or general layout of the map without going into too
much detail.

Sentence Structures:

• "Overall, it can be seen that..."

• "In general, the map reveals that..."
• "At first glance, it is clear that..."
Example:

• "Overall, it can be seen that Harborville is characterized by a central harbor surrounded

by residential and commercial areas, with a park located to the north."

Body Paragraph 1

Purpose: Describe specific details of one part/section of the map systematically.

Sentence Structures:

• "Located/situated in the (direction) part of the map is..."

• "To the (north/south/east/west) of..., there is/are..."
• "Running through the center of the area is..."
• "Adjacent to..., there lies..."

Example:

• "Situated in the northern part of Harborville is a large public park, which features
several walking trails and a small lake. Directly south of the park lies the main
residential area, consisting of numerous detached houses aligned along Maple Street."

Body Paragraph 2

Purpose: Continue describing the remaining parts/details of the map.

Sentence Structures:

• "Meanwhile, in the (direction) section, there is..."

• "Furthermore, next to..., we can see..."
• "Opposite/facing..., stands..."
• "Connecting... and..., there is a..."

Example:

• "Meanwhile, in the southern section, there is a bustling commercial district centered

around Market Square, which hosts various shops and restaurants. Furthermore, the
central harbor is connected to the eastern outskirts by Riverside Road, providing easy
access to the industrial facilities located there."

4. Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

Describing Locations and Directions

• Directions:
o North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest
• Prepositions:
 o Above, below, beside, between, among, across from, near, far from, along,
around, inside, outside
• Phrases:
o "In the vicinity of..."
o "On the corner of... and..."
o "Extends from... to..."
o "Surrounded by..."
o "Runs parallel to..."
o "At the intersection/junction of..."

Describing Features and Structures

• "A network of roads/paths..."

• "A cluster of buildings/houses..."
• "An expanse of forest/grassland..."
• "A series of bridges/tunnels..."
• "Dominated by..."
• "Characterized by..."

Linking Words and Phrases

• Addition:
o Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Also, Besides
• Contrast:
o However, Although, Whereas, While, On the other hand
• Sequence:
o First(ly), Second(ly), Next, Then, After that, Finally
• Emphasis:
o Notably, Importantly, Significantly, Especially

5. Tips for Writing

• Use varied vocabulary: Avoid repeating words by using synonyms and different
expressions.
• Be clear and concise: Describe the features systematically and logically.
• Maintain proper tense usage: Generally, use the present tense when describing a
current map.
• Include only relevant details: Focus on the most significant aspects; avoid
unnecessary minutiae.
• Practice spatial descriptions: Be comfortable using directional language and
prepositions accurately.

Sample Answer
Introduction: The map illustrates the layout of Greenwood Town, highlighting its main
residential, commercial, and recreational areas.

Overview: Overall, Greenwood Town is organized around a central park, with residential
neighborhoods occupying the northern and southern sections, and commercial districts located
to the east and west.

Body Paragraph 1: Situated in the heart of the town is Greenwood Park, which features
extensive green spaces, walking trails, and a central lake. To the north of the park lies the Old
Town residential area, characterized by historic houses and narrow streets. Adjacent to this,
along River Road, is the Greenwood School, serving the local community.

Body Paragraph 2: Meanwhile, the southern part of Greenwood Town comprises the New
Estate, a modern residential development with apartment complexes and community centers.
Flanking the park to the east is the Market District, home to various shops, cafes, and a weekly
farmer's market. Conversely, the west side hosts the Industrial Zone, which includes several
factories and warehouses, all connected by Main Street that runs east to west through the town.
When writing about two maps in the IELTS Writing Task 1, where the maps show the same
location at different points in time, the key is to compare the changes between the two years.
Here's how to structure your response, along with useful sentence structures.

1. Understand the Task

• Examine both maps carefully: Identify significant changes between the two maps,
such as new structures, removed areas, or shifts in use.
• Focus on the main differences: Don’t describe every single detail; focus on the most
important changes.

2. Structure of the Report

Your report should be organized into four paragraphs:

1. Introduction
2. Overview
3. Body Paragraph 1
4. Body Paragraph 2

3. Detailed Breakdown
Introduction

Purpose: Paraphrase the task prompt to introduce the maps.

Sentence Structures:

• "The two maps illustrate the changes in (name of the place) between (year 1) and (year
2)."
• "The maps compare the layout of (name of the place) as it appeared in (year 1) and
(year 2)."

Example:

• "The two maps illustrate the changes in the layout of Riverside Town between 1990
and 2020."

Overview

Purpose: Summarize the most significant changes or the overall trend in the maps. Highlight
what has changed the most, or if the area has developed or transformed.

Sentence Structures:

• "Overall, the area has seen significant changes, including the development of..."
 • "In general, it can be seen that the town has transformed from a predominantly rural
area into a more urbanized region."
• "The most notable change is the expansion of..."

Example:

• "Overall, Riverside Town has undergone significant urbanization, with notable

developments including the construction of new residential areas and the expansion of
the commercial district."

Body Paragraph 1

Purpose: Describe the features that have remained the same or the key changes in one part of
the area.

Sentence Structures:

• "In (year 1), the (north/south/east/west) part of the area was characterized by..."
• "By (year 2), the (north/south/east/west) side had been transformed into..."
• "One of the major changes between the two years is..."
• "The area that once housed (feature) in (year 1) was replaced by (new feature) in (year
2)."

Example:

• "In 1990, the northern part of Riverside Town was largely rural, dominated by farmland
and a few scattered houses. By 2020, this area had been transformed into a residential
suburb with modern housing developments replacing the farmlands."

Body Paragraph 2

Purpose: Continue comparing the features, focusing on other significant changes.

Sentence Structures:

• "Another major change observed between (year 1) and (year 2) is the development of..."
• "While the (feature) remained unchanged, the surrounding area has been significantly
altered."
• "In contrast to (year 1), the (feature) had been relocated to the (new location) by (year
2)."
• "Additionally, the (direction) part of the map witnessed the construction of..."

Example:

• "Another major change observed between 1990 and 2020 is the development of a new
commercial district in the southwestern part of the town. In 1990, this area was an open
field, but by 2020, it had become a bustling commercial hub with several shops,
restaurants, and a shopping mall."
4. Useful Vocabulary and Phrases
Describing Changes Over Time

• Verbs:
o Developed, transformed, expanded, constructed, demolished, replaced,
converted, relocated, introduced, extended
• Phrases:
o "Underwent significant changes..."
o "Was turned into..."
o "Gave way to..."
o "Saw the addition of..."
o "Was replaced by..."

Describing Locations and Directions

• Directions:
o North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, Southwest
• Prepositions:
o Above, below, beside, between, among, across from, near, far from, along,
around, inside, outside
• Phrases:
o "In the vicinity of..."
o "On the corner of... and..."
o "Extends from... to..."
o "Surrounded by..."
o "Runs parallel to..."
o "At the intersection/junction of..."

Linking Words and Phrases

• Addition:
o Moreover, Furthermore, In addition, Also, Besides
• Contrast:
o However, Although, Whereas, While, On the other hand
• Sequence:
o First(ly), Second(ly), Next, Then, After that, Finally
• Emphasis:
o Notably, Importantly, Significantly, Especially

5. Tips for Writing

• Focus on the most significant changes: Don’t try to describe every detail; prioritize
major developments or shifts.
• Use varied vocabulary: Avoid repetition by using synonyms and diverse expressions.
• Keep the tense consistent: When discussing changes, usually use the past tense, but if
something remains unchanged, the present tense can be used.
 • Be clear and logical: Describe the changes systematically and logically, so the reader
can easily follow the progression.
• Practice describing changes: Get comfortable with verbs and phrases that describe
transformations over time.

Sample Answer
Introduction: The two maps compare the layout of Lakeside Village in 1980 and 2020,
highlighting significant developments over the 40-year period.

Overview: Overall, Lakeside Village has transformed from a small rural area with scattered
houses and farmlands into a more urbanized village, with the most notable changes being the
development of a new residential area and the expansion of the industrial zone.

Body Paragraph 1: In 1980, the northern part of Lakeside Village was primarily occupied by
farmland, with a few houses located along the main road. By 2020, this area had been
completely transformed into a residential district, with rows of modern houses replacing the
farmland. Additionally, a new road was constructed to connect this residential area to the
village center.

Body Paragraph 2: Another significant change is seen in the eastern part of the village, where
the industrial zone was expanded. While in 1980, this area consisted of a small factory and a
few storage facilities, by 2020, it had grown substantially to include several large factories and
a new warehouse complex. Meanwhile, the village center itself remained relatively unchanged,
retaining its small shops and community buildings.
To achieve a C2 level of writing (the highest level on the CEFR scale, indicating near-native
proficiency), you need to use sophisticated and varied sentence structures, advanced
vocabulary, and clear, precise, and well-organized content. Here’s how you can elevate your
IELTS Writing Task 1 map comparison to a C2 level:

1. Complex Sentence Structures

Use a mix of complex and compound-complex sentences to demonstrate a higher level of

proficiency. This can involve multiple clauses, embedded clauses, and a range of subordinating
conjunctions.

Examples:

• "While the northern area, which was predominantly rural in 1990, has been entirely
transformed into a suburban residential zone, the southern section, previously used for
agricultural purposes, has given way to commercial developments."
• "Not only has the central park remained a constant feature, but it has also been enhanced
with additional facilities, including a children's playground and a public gym, indicating
a shift towards more community-oriented urban planning."

2. Advanced Vocabulary and Synonyms

Use precise and varied vocabulary to describe changes, locations, and features. Avoid
repeating words by using synonyms and more sophisticated alternatives.

Examples:

• "The maps delineate the evolution of the area from a sparsely populated village into a
bustling urban landscape, characterized by extensive residential and commercial
developments."
• "By 2020, the industrial zone had burgeoned, occupying the eastern quadrant of the
map, while the once prominent agricultural lands had been subsumed by residential
expansion."

3. Use of Passive Voice and Nominalizations

Incorporate passive voice and nominalizations to add variety to sentence structures and shift
the focus from the agent to the action or result.

Examples:

• "The residential area was significantly expanded, with new housing estates being
constructed where farmland once existed."
• "The industrialization of the eastern region represents a pivotal change, with numerous
factories being established over the decades."

4. Emphasizing Significant Changes

Use emphasis structures to highlight the most important or striking changes.

Examples:

• "What is most striking about the transformation is the complete redevelopment of the
northern section, which has gone from open fields to a densely populated suburb."
• "Particularly noteworthy is the relocation of the school, which, having been situated
near the town center in 1990, was moved to the western edge to accommodate the
expanding commercial district."

5. Contrasting and Comparing

Use sophisticated comparison structures to highlight differences and changes between the
two maps.

Examples:

• "In stark contrast to the tranquil rural landscape of 1990, the area by 2020 had become
a hub of urban activity, with new residential and commercial developments replacing
the fields and woodlands."
• "Whereas the 1990 map depicts a predominantly agricultural area, the 2020 map
illustrates a significant shift towards industrial and residential use, reflecting broader
urbanization trends."

6. Incorporating Higher-Level Cohesive Devices

Use a range of cohesive devices to link ideas and paragraphs smoothly, demonstrating an
advanced level of writing.

Examples:

• "Moreover, the introduction of new infrastructure, such as a network of roads

connecting the residential areas to the industrial zone, underscores the area’s shift
towards urbanization."
• "On the other hand, despite the extensive urban developments, certain areas, such as
the central park, have remained largely intact, preserving some elements of the original
landscape."

7. Precise and Varied Descriptions of Locations and Changes

Use precise language to describe locations and changes, ensuring clarity and sophistication in
your writing.

Examples:

• "The northeast quadrant, previously an uninhabited area, has been entirely restructured
to accommodate high-density housing, with a grid-like street pattern facilitating traffic
flow."
• "Meanwhile, the southern coastline, which in 1990 was characterized by natural
beaches, has been developed into a tourist promenade, complete with hotels, cafes, and
recreational facilities."
8. Use of Inversion and Advanced Grammatical Structures

Inversion and other advanced grammatical structures can add complexity and variety to
your writing.

Examples:

• "No sooner had the industrial zone expanded than the surrounding residential areas
began to emerge, indicating a rapid phase of urban development."
• "Rarely is such a drastic transformation seen as that which occurred between 1990 and
2020 in this region."

Sample C2-Level Answer

Introduction: The maps delineate the extensive transformation of Greenfield City between
1980 and 2020, highlighting key developments and the resultant changes in land use over this
40-year period.

Overview: Overall, Greenfield City has evolved from a predominantly rural area into a highly
urbanized landscape. The most notable changes include the substantial expansion of residential
areas and the complete redevelopment of the industrial zone, which has shifted from the
periphery to the city center.

Body Paragraph 1: In 1980, the northern part of Greenfield City was characterized by vast
stretches of agricultural land interspersed with a few rural homes. By 2020, this entire area had
been subsumed by urban sprawl, with new residential districts emerging, marked by neatly
organized streets and modern housing estates. The once dominant farmlands have vanished,
replaced by high-density residential blocks, indicating a clear shift in land use priorities.

Body Paragraph 2: Meanwhile, the southeastern quadrant of the city, which housed a small
industrial park in 1980, has undergone dramatic changes. By 2020, this area had become the
city’s industrial heartland, with several large factories and warehouses dominating the
landscape. Additionally, the construction of a new road network in this region has further
facilitated its integration with the residential zones, underscoring the city’s move towards a
more interconnected and urbanized structure.
1. Verbs for Describing Changes and Developments

General Changes

• Transform: "The area was transformed from farmland into a residential district."
• Convert: "The warehouse was converted into a shopping center."
• Alter: "The road layout was altered significantly to improve traffic flow."
• Revamp: "The old market was revamped into a modern shopping mall."
• Redesign: "The park was redesigned to include a children's playground."
• Redevelop: "The entire neighborhood was redeveloped with high-rise apartments."

Additions

• Construct: "A new bridge was constructed over the river."

• Build: "Several houses were built along the northern road."
• Develop: "A commercial district was developed in the western part of the city."
• Introduce: "A new bus service was introduced to connect the suburbs to the city
center."
• Establish: "An industrial zone was established near the eastern edge of the map."
• Install: "Streetlights were installed along the main road."

Removals

• Demolish: "The old factory was demolished to make way for new housing."
• Remove: "The playground was removed to expand the school building."
• Clear: "The forest area was cleared to create space for residential development."
• Knock down: "Several old buildings were knocked down to build a modern office
complex."
• Cut down: "Trees were cut down to widen the road."

Expansions and Extensions

• Expand: "The residential area was expanded to the north."

• Extend: "The railway line was extended to reach the new industrial zone."
• Enlarge: "The park was enlarged by incorporating adjacent land."
• Stretch: "The road now stretches further west, reaching the outskirts of the town."
• Lengthen: "The runway was lengthened to accommodate larger aircraft."

Reductions

• Shrink: "The park area shrank as new houses were built along its borders."
• Reduce: "The open space was reduced to make room for more parking."
• Narrow: "The street was narrowed to create wider sidewalks."
• Downsize: "The company downsized its premises, allowing more residential buildings
to be constructed."

Relocations

• Relocate: "The school was relocated to the southern part of the town."
• Move: "The factory was moved from the town center to the outskirts."
 • Shift: "The bus station was shifted closer to the train station for better connectivity."
• Transfer: "The hospital was transferred to a larger building on the east side."

Changes in Function/Use

• Repurpose: "The old cinema was repurposed as a community center."

• Convert: "The warehouse was converted into a shopping mall."
• Reconstruct: "The old bridge was reconstructed to handle heavier traffic."
• Modernize: "The entire district was modernized, with new infrastructure and
facilities."

2. Verbs for Static Descriptions

Describing Locations

• Lie: "The park lies to the east of the residential area."

• Sit: "The school sits in the center of the village."
• Stand: "The church stands at the northern end of the town square."
• Occupy: "The factory occupies the southwestern corner of the map."
• Positioned: "The hospital is positioned close to the city center."
• Situated: "The new housing development is situated near the lake."

Describing Presence

• Exist: "A small lake existed in the middle of the park."

• Remain: "The old church remained unchanged in the town center."
• Retain: "The town retained its original street layout despite modernization."
• Feature: "The city features several parks and recreational areas."
• Comprise: "The industrial zone comprises several large warehouses."

3. Verbs for Describing Transport and Infrastructure

• Run: "A railway line runs through the eastern part of the town."
• Connect: "The bridge connects the two sides of the river."
• Cross: "The highway crosses the city from north to south."
• Link: "The new road links the industrial area with the residential neighborhoods."
• Pass: "A footpath passes through the park, connecting the school and the residential
area."
• Intersect: "Two main roads intersect at the center of the town."

4. Verbs for Natural Features

Describing Presence

• Flow: "A river flows along the western boundary of the map."
• Stretch: "A forest stretches across the northern part of the region."
• Border: "The lake borders the eastern side of the park."
• Surround: "The village is surrounded by mountains."
• Cover: "Woodlands cover the entire northern region of the map."
Describing Changes

• Deforest: "The northern forest was deforested to make room for agriculture."
• Plant: "New trees were planted along the riverbank."
• Drain: "The marshland was drained and converted into farmland."

To achieve a C2 level in your IELTS Writing Task 1 map descriptions, it's important to use
advanced verbs in complex structures that showcase your ability to write with sophistication
and precision. Below, I’ve provided a variety of complex sentence structures using advanced
verbs that can be applied to different situations and objects in map descriptions.

1. Complex Structures for Describing Changes and Developments

General Changes

• Transform:
o "The northern part of the town, which once was a sprawling field, has been
completely transformed into a densely populated residential area, illustrating a
significant shift in land use."
• Convert:
o "What was previously an industrial area has been meticulously converted into a
vibrant commercial district, demonstrating a clear focus on urban
revitalization."
• Redevelop:
o "The entire southern section of the city, having been neglected for years, has
been thoroughly redeveloped, now featuring modern housing complexes and
green spaces."

Additions

• Construct:
o "A state-of-the-art sports complex was constructed on the site where a small
playground once stood, indicating a prioritization of recreational facilities."
• Establish:
o "A new business park was established in the eastern part of the map, reflecting
the area's shift towards commercial development."
• Install:
o "Along the main boulevard, solar-powered streetlights were installed,
underscoring the city’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure."

Removals

• Demolish:
o "The old warehouse, which had long been an eyesore, was finally demolished
to make way for a modern shopping center."
• Clear:
o "The vast woodland that dominated the northern region was cleared, paving the
way for new residential developments."

Expansions and Extensions

 • Expand:
o "The industrial zone, originally confined to the southwestern corner, was
expanded significantly, now encompassing nearly half of the area."
• Extend:
o "The main road was extended to reach the newly developed residential suburbs,
facilitating easier access for residents."

Relocations

• Relocate:
o "The hospital, which had been centrally located, was relocated to the outskirts,
allowing the city center to be repurposed for commercial use."
• Shift:
o "The bus terminal was shifted closer to the railway station, thereby improving
public transportation connectivity."

2. Complex Structures for Static Descriptions

Describing Locations

• Positioned/Situated:
o "The ancient cathedral, situated at the heart of the old town, serves as a focal
point around which the town’s layout is centered."
• Occupy:
o "The residential district occupies the entire eastern section, with neatly arranged
streets radiating out from a central park."

Describing Presence

• Remain:
o "Despite extensive development around it, the historic castle remains untouched,
preserving a link to the city’s past amidst the modern landscape."
• Retain:
o "The original street grid was largely retained, with modern buildings being
integrated seamlessly into the existing layout."

3. Complex Structures for Transport and Infrastructure

• Run:
o "A new highway runs parallel to the river, connecting the industrial zone in the
south to the commercial district in the north, thereby improving the flow of
goods and services across the city."
• Connect:
o "Two bridges were constructed to connect the residential area on the east bank
of the river with the commercial zone on the west, ensuring efficient
transportation links."
• Link:
o "A network of footpaths was created to link the various green spaces across the
city, promoting pedestrian movement and enhancing the urban experience."
4. Complex Structures for Natural Features

Describing Changes

• Deforest:
o "The dense forest that once covered the western hills was extensively deforested,
making room for agricultural expansion and new settlements."
• Plant:
o "Rows of trees were strategically planted along the new roadways, not only to
enhance aesthetic appeal but also to provide shade and reduce urban heat."

Describing Presence

• Flow:
o "A river flows through the city from north to south, bisecting the urban
landscape and serving as a natural boundary between the residential and
commercial zones."

5. Emphasizing Significant Changes

• Repurpose:
o "The old industrial warehouses, which had fallen into disuse, were repurposed
into trendy loft apartments, contributing to the gentrification of the area."
• Modernize:
o "The entire town center was modernized, with sleek new buildings and
advanced infrastructure replacing the outdated and dilapidated structures of the
past."

6. Advanced Comparative and Contrastive Structures

• Whereas:
o "Whereas the eastern part of the town was predominantly agricultural in 1980,
by 2020 it had been transformed into a sprawling residential suburb."
• While/Although:
o "Although the northern region has seen extensive industrial development, the
southern part remains largely rural, preserving its natural landscape."

7. Inversion for Emphasis

• Inversion with Negative Adverbs:

o "Never before has the city seen such rapid development, with entire districts
being redeveloped in a matter of years."
• Inversion with Comparative Structures:
o "No sooner had the old factory been demolished than construction began on a
new residential complex, indicating the city's urgent need for more housing."
 Task 1: The map below shows the plan of a proposed new town.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

• Task 2: Many countries have the same shops and products. Some consider it a positive
development, whereas others consider it negative.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
 • The maps below show a town centre in 1990 and the same town centre today.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

• Task 2: Some people say that when deciding how taxes should be spent, governments
should prioritise health care. Other people believe that there are more important
priorities for taxpayers' money. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.