TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

In IELTS Writing Task 1, when you are asked to describe a map or series of maps, it is essential to follow a structured approach to produce a well-organized and clear response. A typical task might ask you to compare two maps that show the changes in a location over time or to describe the layout of a particular area.

Here are some useful tips and strategies for writing a 600-word map description that will impress the examiner.

1. Understand the Maps Thoroughly

Before you begin writing, make sure you understand the changes or features presented in the maps. Look for:

Key landmarks or features (e.g., roads, buildings, parks, rivers).

Changes over time (e.g., constructions, demolitions, reconfigurations).

Direction (Is north indicated? Use it to help orient your description).

Scale and size differences (Is the map zoomed out or zoomed in?).

Spend a few minutes analyzing the maps so that you have a clear understanding of what is being asked.

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

2. Start with a General Overview

Begin your response by giving a general overview of the changes or the main features of the map. This should be a summary that outlines the most significant developments.

Example:

“The two maps illustrate the changes in the town center between 2000 and 2020, showing a substantial increase in commercial areas and green spaces.”

This statement will give your reader an immediate understanding of what the maps depict.

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

3. Use Appropriate Vocabulary

When describing maps, a wide range of vocabulary is essential. For example, you can use words that describe:

Direction and Position: North, South, East, West, to the left/right, adjacent to, opposite, at the top/bottom.

Changes: Built, constructed, demolished, replaced, expanded, transformed, converted, removed.

Land Features: Park, road, building, shopping mall, house, garden, square, pond, footpath, lake, etc.

Movement and Connections: Access, linked, connected, road network, pathways, junction, interchange.

Make sure you use precise terms, especially when referring to changes in the maps.

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

4. Organize Your Description in Logical Stages

When describing the maps, it is important to follow a logical order. The most common approaches are:

Start from a central point and describe outwards: This is helpful when the map layout involves a central feature (e.g., a town center or main road).

Divide the map into sections: This works well if the map shows a larger area with distinct sections (e.g., northern, southern, eastern, and western parts).

Chronological order: If the task involves comparing maps from different time periods, follow a before-and-after structure, describing the earlier state first and the later state next.

You may also use subheadings like “North Side” or “Town Center” to break down the areas you’re describing.

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

5. Focus on Key Changes

In map descriptions, it is important to highlight key changes over time (if the task asks for a comparison). Focus on:

Developments: New buildings or features that were added (e.g., a shopping mall, residential area, new road).

Demolitions: Structures or features that were removed or replaced (e.g., a park turned into a housing complex).

Extensions or expansions: Any enlargement or extension of existing features (e.g., a park was expanded, a road network was added).

Alterations: Changes that modified the appearance or function of a feature (e.g., a road became wider, a house turned into a commercial building).

For example, if a park becomes a shopping mall, you should clearly state the transformation. Additionally, highlight any connections made between various features (e.g., new roads connecting the residential area to a mall).

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

6. Use Linking Words and Complex Sentences

To make your writing clear and cohesive, use linking words to connect ideas and show relationships between features:

For addition: Furthermore, additionally, besides, in addition, moreover.

For contrast: However, on the other hand, whereas, in contrast.

For time or sequence: Initially, later, eventually, meanwhile, at the same time.

For cause/effect: As a result, consequently, thus, due to.

Example of complex sentence structure:

“While the area to the north remained largely unchanged, the southern part of the town was completely transformed, with the addition of a large shopping mall, parking facilities, and several commercial buildings.”

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

7. Avoid Repetition

Instead of repeating the same words or phrases, use synonyms and varied sentence structures. For example, don’t keep saying “a house” — instead, refer to it as “a building,” “a residence,” or “a structure.” This will make your writing sound more sophisticated.

8. Conclude with a Summary (if needed)

If the task asks for a description of a long period of time or major changes, it can be useful to conclude with a summary of the overall trend or outcome.

Example:

“In conclusion, the town center has seen substantial urbanization over the past two decades, with commercial developments overtaking residential areas and green spaces being expanded to provide better amenities for the growing population.”

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

9. Be Accurate with Details

In map descriptions, accuracy is key. Double-check details such as locations, directions, sizes, and the exact features of the map. Don’t invent details — you should only describe what’s shown on the map. For example, if the map doesn’t show a park, don’t mention it.

10. Keep Your Writing Clear and Concise

Even though you are aiming for a 600-word answer, make sure that your writing remains clear, logical, and concise. Avoid over-complicating sentences. Focus on describing the most important changes and avoid irrelevant details.

TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

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TIPS FOR DESCRIBING A MAP

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