IELTS Writing Task 1: Mastering Map Reports with Key Vocabulary & Structure

Maps are not the most common type of question in IELTS Writing Task 1, but they are definitely one of the easiest if you have strong vocabulary.

In this guide, we will write a map report together and conclude the lesson with another sample answer.

📝 Writing a Map Report in 4 Steps:

1️⃣ Analyze the Maps
2️⃣ Write an Introduction
3️⃣ Write an Overview
4️⃣ Write the Body Paragraphs

📌 Model Structure for IELTS Writing Task 1 (Maps):

📄 Paragraph 1 – Introduction
📄 Paragraph 2 – Overview
📄 Paragraph 3 – Description of one area / one area of change
📄 Paragraph 4 – Description of another area / another area of change

Mostly, you will be provided with two maps and will be asked to report changes that have happened or changes that will happen.

📚 Key Vocabulary for Maps:

📍 Describing Location:

• To the north/south/east/west of

• In the center

• On the outskirts

• Adjacent to / Next to

• Opposite / Across from

• In proximity to / Near

• Along the coastline / Beside the river

🔄 Describing Changes:

• Replaced by / Converted into / Transformed into

• Removed / Demolished / Relocated

• Expanded / Extended / Developed

• Constructed / Built / Introduced

• Upgraded / Modernized / Renovated

📌 Sample Question:

The plans below show a harbour in 2000 and how it looks today. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and making comparisons where relevant.

Step 1: Analyzing the Map

When analyzing maps, we need to identify all the changes that have occurred or will occur. In this case, we notice renovations and the introduction of new services and shops. This is exactly what we will focus on in our report.

Step 2: Writing an Introduction

In the introduction, paraphrase the prompt and add any relevant details from the map.

✅ Prompt: The plans below show a harbour in 2000 and how it looks today.

✅ Introduction: The map presents detailed information about Porth Harbor in 2020 and the changes made in the present.

We have simply paraphrased the given data and included Porth Harbor, which was obtained from the map. Adding specific details makes the introduction more distinct from the prompt.

Step 3: Writing an Overview

The overview should summarize the main changes without giving too many details. A well-written overview is essential for a high Task Achievement score.

✅ Overview: Overall, the harbor has undergone significant transformations, including the renovation of several facilities and the introduction of new ones.

🚀 Tip: Start your overview with “Overall”—this signals to the examiner that this paragraph summarizes the entire report. Avoid unnecessary fillers like “It is evident that…” as they do not add value.

Step 4: Writing the Body Paragraphs

We need to divide our descriptions into two logical sections. You can:

· Describe one part of the map in Paragraph 3 and the other part in Paragraph 4.

· Group changes into categories, such as infrastructure changes vs. newly introduced facilities.

✅ Paragraph 3 – First Set of Changes
Previously, the harbor had a single dock in its northern section, located to the south of the public beach. While the beach remains unchanged, an additional dock has been constructed to accommodate passenger ferries. On the western side of the map, a new rest area has been introduced. The car park on the southern side, which was previously connected to a road leading from the main road to the ocean, has now been directly linked to the main road.

✅ Paragraph 4 – Second Set of Changes
Another notable change is the relocation of Marina facilities, where private yachts and fishing boats have swapped places. Additionally, cafés and shops have been introduced to the east of the Marina. Finally, on the far southeastern side of the harbor, the former unused castle has been repurposed into a hotel.

Final Notes

· Maps are easy if you use the right structure and vocabulary.

· Always include an overview—without it, achieving a Band 7+ is difficult.

· Use clear spatial language to describe locations and changes.

· Practice grouping changes logically for better coherence.

Have a look at the prompt and full essay again, along with another sample:

The plans below show a harbour in 2000 and how it looks today. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

“The map presents detailed information about Porth Harbor in 2020 and the changes made in the present.

Overall, the harbor has undergone significant transformations, including the renovation of several facilities and the introduction of new ones.

Previously, the harbor had a single dock in its northern section, located to the south of the public beach. While the beach remains unchanged, an additional dock has been constructed to accommodate passenger ferries. On the western side of the map, a new rest area has been introduced. The car park on the southern side, which was previously connected to a road leading from the main road to the ocean, has now been directly linked to the main road.

Another notable change is the relocation of Marina facilities, where private yachts and fishing boats have swapped places. Additionally, cafés and shops have been introduced to the east of the Marina. Finally, on the far southeastern side of the harbor, the former unused castle has been repurposed into a hotel.”

The plans below show the site of an airport now and how it will look after redevelopment next year. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

“The map illustrate the current layout of the southwest airport and its planned development for the coming year.

Overall, the most notable changes include the expansion of gates and the introduction of new facilities such as shops, additional cafés, and a sky train.

Upon entering the airport, passengers will find the passport control and security area, which will remain unchanged. To the immediate right of the entrance, an automated transaction machine (ATM) and a car rental facility will be added. Currently, the airport has only one café, but under the new development plan, an additional café will be introduced near the ATM, while the existing one will be relocated from its position near passport control to the left side of the exit gates. The check-in area will replace the current café's location.

Beyond the security checkpoint, passengers will have immediate access to shops, which are currently absent. Additionally, the airport’s concourse, which presently houses eight gates, will be expanded to accommodate 18 gates. A sky train service will also be introduced to facilitate movement within the airport.