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IELTS Academic Writing

In this book, we recommend that you structure your map writing task as follows:

Paragraph Function
Introduction: A summary of what is shown in the maps is given in the question. Paraphrase this summary in
1
your own words to say what the maps illustrate.
2 State general trend: Make a general comment about the changes that have taken place in the area overall.

3 Describe a specific change that is significant.
4 Describe another significant specific change.
5 Describe a third significant change.

Note: If there are a lot of important changes, consider stating more than one in each of the paragraphs 3-5.
Use sequencers to link your statements.

For example: One notable development is … Another striking change is …
A final interesting development is … A further change is …

Now, let’s look at an answer for the example question:

In paragraph 1, notice how the
The two maps illustrate the main developments which have taken place in
information in the question is
the Borrowmeade area between 1990 and today.
restated in the student’s own
In general, it seems that Borrowmeade has been modernised, with improved words. Instead of using the verb
transport, shopping, entertainment, accommodation, communication and ‘show’, the student uses ‘illustrate’
sports facilities. There appears also to have been significant population instead. Similarly, ‘developments’ is
growth in the area as Borrowmeade is now a town rather than a village. used instead of ‘changes’. It is
important to paraphrase here.
One significant change is that Fickledore Forest has been cleared and
replaced by a new climbing centre. Furthermore, the area to the north of the
town centre, which was a picnic and play area in 1990, has been developed
into a holiday park. In paragraph 2, comment on the
general trend using a suitable
Another interesting change is that the transport links have been upgraded. linking phrase, e.g. in general, or
In 1990, Borrowmeade had a bus stop. Today, it has a bus and rail service. as a general trend, or similar
A further transport development is that Village Road has been turned into a phrases.
Explain your comment with
motorway. To the south of the motorway, the Borrowmeade Ski Centre has
examples if necessary.
been redeveloped into a large winter sports facility.
Notably, a phone tower has been erected to the south-east of the town to
provide a better communication infrastructure. There has also been redevelop-
In paragraphs 3 to 5, significant
ment to the west of the town centre, where Prichard’s Farmhouse has been developments are outlined.
knocked down and replaced by a modern cinema. Finally, the cornershop to There are a lot of developments
the north-east of the town centre has been transformed into a department to Borrowmeade.
store. Notice how the student links
the points together using
sequencing phrases and linking
words like also.

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