IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps Guide

Location Vocabulary for Maps

Precise location language is essential. Use compass directions, relative position, and landmark references.

• Compass: in the north, to the south-east, along the eastern edge
• Relative: adjacent to, opposite, to the left of, beside, between X and Y
• Area references: in the centre, on the outskirts, along the main road

Describing Change in Before/After Maps

Most map tasks show how a place changed between two time periods. You need change vocabulary: what was demolished, built, extended, or relocated.

• Construction: was built, was constructed, was added, appeared
• Demolition: was knocked down, was removed, was replaced by
• Modification: was extended, was converted into, was expanded, was renamed
• No change: remained unchanged, stayed the same, still existed

Example: The car park in the north of the site was demolished and replaced by a new sports centre, while the library to the south remained unchanged.

Overview for Map Tasks

Summarise the most significant overall change (e.g., major expansion, shift from residential to commercial, redevelopment of the town centre). Do not list individual changes in the overview.