What tense should I use for a future development map?

Use the present passive or future forms for the planned changes ("the factories are demolished", "housing will be built"), and the present tense for the current map ("the area is dominated by factories"). Keep the two time frames clearly distinct.

How do I describe locations clearly?

Anchor everything to fixed reference points — the river, the roundabout, the town, and the compass directions ("to the north", "to the east"). Because the examiner cannot assume you both see the map the same way, precise location language is essential for a map task.

Should I use the passive voice?

Yes — for changes done to a place, the passive is ideal ("the factories are removed", "a bridge is built"), because the focus is on what changes, not who does it. A map-comparison answer that never uses the passive usually reads awkwardly.

How long should a Task 1 answer be?

At least 150 words; a band-9 answer is usually 170–200. This model is 186 words, enough to give an overview and report the main changes without listing every detail. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1.

Academic Task 1

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Industrial Area Map (Band 9 Sample)

This Academic Task 1 asks you to describe two maps: an industrial area now and a planned future redevelopment of the same site. A band-9 response gives an overview of the overall transformation, then reports the specific changes, using accurate location and direction language. Below is a model answer of roughly 185 words, followed by why it scores 9 on all four criteria.

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01 · The task

The maps below show an industrial area in the town of Norbiton as it is now, and a plan for its future development. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Two maps of an industrial area in Norbiton. The first shows the current site, dominated by factories around a central roundabout, with a river to the north and the town to the west. The second shows the planned development, replacing the factories with housing, shops, a school, a medical centre and a playground.

02 · Band 9 sample answer

186 words · Band 9

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Industrial Area Map (Band 9 Sample)

01 · The task

02 · Band 9 sample answer

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Industrial Area Map (Band 9 Sample)

01 · The task

02 · Band 9 sample answer

03 · Why this scores Band 9

04 · Useful collocations for this task

05 · Frequently asked questions