IELTS Task 1 Maps – Learn About the X Dos & Don’ts

Want to ace the IELTS exam with 7+ Band! It is possible but for the same, you will have to give all four modules equal importance. You need to make yourself familiar with the varied type of questions asked in different modules.

In this post, we have covered IELTS Task 1 maps – X dos and don’ts. If you wish to perform well in it, you need to be familiar with both dos and don’ts. You will also come across some crucial information that will aid in enhancing your knowledge. If you give due importance to all the sections in the four modules, nothing can stop you from acing the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test in the first attempt itself.

Read the post to expand your knowledge and do well in the test.

IELTS Task 1 Map – Introduction

IELTS Task 1 map questions are the easiest to answer. Though there are no numbers to analyse, there will be 2- 3 maps to compare. The maps included in the IELTS exam could be of the exact location at different times. It could be of the past, the present time, or a plan for a proposed development in the future. You should spend 20 minutes writing an essay or a report of not less than 150 words.

You are supposed to write about the changes or features that have remained the same in or between the maps.

How to Manage IELTS Task 1 Maps Questions

Many times in the IELTS academic writing task 1, two different maps are shown. Sometimes, you may come across three maps of varied time duration. Often one map talks about the past, while the other one is about the present. You might encounter cases where both maps are of the past. In several cases, maps come which mention proposals for the future like any sort of development scheme, etc. You are required to figure out, and describe the changes, amendments, locations, and so on. Make sure you use proper tenses to mention the changes. Also, ensure you cover the relevant change and information useful in an easy-to-understand language.

Having a basic understanding of Task 1 maps can help boost your confidence. You can consider doing practice to increase your speed, skills in map comparison, explanation, use of the right language and tenses, and following the essential instructions. Your familiarity with the task 1 map types will ease your preparation and so prefer doing frequent practice. The task 1 map can be completed in a few minutes provided you follow the Dos and Don’ts strictly. The essay structure for a map question is quite simple but it should have a proper structure.

Below is the Essay Structure that can be used to compare maps effectively: 

• Introduction: Paraphrase the questions
• Overview: Describe what you think are the significant changes over time in maps
• Body paragraph 1: Describe the first map in a straightforward way
• Body paragraph 2: Describe the second map in a straightforward way
• Conclusion

THE IELTS TASK 1 MAP - DO’S

Unlike the don’ts there is a vital importance of the Dos. Your knowledge of the IELTS task 1 map Dos can help you attempt the related questions without much effort. Just devote some time to the practice and the result will be all yours. You can have a look at the 10 Dos discussed here:

1. Read the question and instructions carefully 
2. Paraphrase/Analyse the question for a better understanding 
3. Begin with the oldest map followed by others
4. Identify the key features in the given maps
5. Make a note of the key feature change in the later maps
6. Include features that have changed and also that have remained the same 
7. Divide your essay into a short/good introduction, body & conclusion
8. Use passive voice to make your essay sound more academic
9. Make it a short essay of a minimum of 150 words
10. Complete your essay within 20 minutes

More About the IELTS Task 1 Map DOS

Analyse the question<

The format of all the Academic Task 1 questions is the same. Each of the questions consists of Sentence 1 – A short description of the graphic; Sentence 2 – The instructions; and The graphic – graph, map, chart, or  table, to name a few. Analysing the given questions can ease your task.

Identify the Important Features

While looking for the main features, begin with the earliest map. Identify the main features and check out how they have changed in the later map. You are supposed to choose the main features, pen down the main features and do a comparison of the main features. There is no need to write about everything, simply pick any relevant 2-3 main features to write about since there is a limitation on the word count (150 words).

Some of the questions to look at include:

What time periods are mentioned? What are the main differences among the maps? What are the main features which have remained the same over the time period? Also, pay attention to the directional language you plan to use like north, south, east, west, northeast, north-west, etc. Follow the right short essay structure

In the introduction section, you just have to paraphrase the question, saying the same thing in a different way. It is important to use different synonyms and change the sentence structure.

For instance,

Question: Consider/Assume 2 maps displaying the village of Nepal in 1940 and 2020:

Introduction (Paragraph 1):

The two maps illustrate how the small places of Nepal, located on the east side of the country, changed in the last 80 years, from 1940 to 2020.

Write a concise overview (Para 2)

In the second paragraph, the test takers have to describe the general changes that have occurred at different places. The detail comes later in the essay. Mention the information in a simple way. There is no need to elaborate vocabulary or structure of the grammar, simply use the right words, verbs, and tenses.

Write the First Detailed Paragraph

Your IELTS map essay is the one where one needs to add more detailed facts. One must give enough evidence supporting the first 1 or 2 key features. Make sure you cover only the relevant things. There is no need to include things you feel are not very much relevant to you.

Write a second Detailed Paragraph

If you have a scope, try to cover a few more features.

The Don’ts of IELTS Task 1 Maps

Since the Do’s and Don’ts have equal importance, it is vital to remember both while attempting a question. Though there is no negative marking, your good understanding of the Don’ts of the IELTS Task 1 maps can prevent you from making silly mistakes. Many times the mistakes arising out of a little carelessness leave an applicant disappointed. 

Let us have a look at the vital Don’ts of IELTS Task 1 maps below:

• Begin writing without understanding the question correctly
• Not writing an effective introduction
• Trying to include all the identified features in the maps
• Unorganised ideas and essay structure
• Including incorrect data
• Missing the use of IELTS Map Vocabulary
• Writing detailed essay 
• Not cross checking the written essay

Know about the IELTS Map Vocabulary

Describing a location in an interesting manner is an art. It comes after you devote your time to practise. There are some phrases and vocabulary suitable for maps. The map-related question can be best explained using map IELTS vocabulary, phrases, grammar, and prepositions.

The IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 also demands serious preparation. It also needs you to focus on IELTS maps vocabulary. Our expert trainers at Study Smart Overseas Education are very good at coaching. They teach you the correct usage of IELTS maps vocabulary and practice questions.

When describing the location of something on a map, you can use the following phrases and map IELTS vocabulary:

Phrases and Vocabulary Sample Sentences

to the north of/north of The furniture store is north of the hall = The store is to the north of the hall.

to the south of/ south of The hotel is located to the south of the mall = The hotel is on the south of the mall.

to the west of/ west of The forest to the west of the road was completely cut down. = The forest west of the river road was completely cut down.

to the west of/ west of The office located to the west of the mall was flattened and relocated. = The office west of the mall was flattened and relocated.

in the west

in the east

in the north

in the south

Most of the city’s offices are located in the north.

There were many schools in the east.

on the south side of

on the north side of

on the east side of

on the west side of

Buildings on the south side of the current main road will be taken care of in the future.

The trees on the east side of the road were cut down and a new office building was built.

About Sample Questions

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 – Questions Related to Maps

This section mentions data related to IELTS Task 1 Map questions. The candidates preparing for the IELTS test writing part must know map IELTS vocabulary better as those questions are a must study. 

The below questions will give you an understanding of the type of question asked:

Question 1

Summarise the info by choosing and mentioning the important features, and compare where relevant.

Include at least 150 words

Question 2

Summarise the information by choosing and mentioning the important features, and do comparisons wherever necessary.

Write a minimum of 150 words

Summarise the info by choosing and highlighting the primary features.

Final Thought

We have provided brief information about the map questions in the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 questions. If you wish to know more about IELTS Task 1 Maps, get in touch with our expert trainers at Study Smart study centres available at your service in Delhi, Pune, Mumbai and other cities. 

Achieve your desired BAND in the IELTS test and get ready to fly to your preferred study destination. Enrol with us for the professional IELTS training today!