IELTS Academic WritingTask 1: Map/Building Design Report Writing Layout
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9/29/20267 min read
MAP / LAYOUT QUESTIONS — BAND 8+ OUTLINE
Paragraph 1 — Introduction
Aim: Paraphrase the question in one sentence.
Use:
The maps illustrate the existing and proposed layouts of [place], showing how the area is expected to change [over the given period].
For past changes:
The maps compare the layout of [place] in [year 1] with that of [year 2], highlighting the changes that took place during this period.
For present vs future:
The two maps compare the current layout of [place] with its proposed future design.
Paragraph 2 — Overview
Aim: Identify the most significant changes without giving specific details.
Ask yourself:
· Has the area become more developed?
· Have new facilities been added?
· Have existing facilities been removed?
· Have facilities been relocated?
· Have roads or pathways been changed?
· Has the purpose of any building/area changed?
· What has remained unchanged?
Strong overview structure:
Overall, the area is expected to undergo substantial changes, with several new facilities being introduced and some existing features being removed, relocated or modified. Despite these developments, [important unchanged feature] will remain in its current position.
Important:
Do not list every change in the overview.
Think:
BIG PICTURE → details later
Paragraph 3 — Major Changes
Step 1: Additions
Look for everything that is new.
Ask:
· What has been built?
· What has been added?
· Where is it located?
Useful language:
· will be constructed
· will be added
· will be introduced
· will be developed
· will be incorporated
· a new [facility] will be built
Example framework:
The most noticeable change is the introduction of several new facilities. For example, [facility] will be constructed [location], while [facility] will be added [location].
Step 2: Removals
Look for things that disappear.
Useful language:
· will be removed
· will be demolished
· will be cleared
· will be replaced
· will no longer be present
· will make way for
Example framework:
At the same time, several existing features will be removed. For instance, [feature] will be demolished/cleared to make way for [new feature].
Step 3: Modifications
Look for features that remain but change.
These may be:
· extended
· shortened
· widened
· narrowed
· enlarged
· reduced
· converted
· redesigned
· transformed
Example framework:
Several existing features will also be modified. In particular, [feature] will be [extended/expanded/converted], while [feature] will be [modified].
Paragraph 4 — Relocations + Unchanged Features
Step 1: Relocations
Look for things that move from one place to another.
Useful language:
· will be relocated
· will be moved
· will be repositioned
· will be transferred to
· will occupy a new position
Example framework:
Another notable change is the relocation of [facility]. Although it is currently situated [location], it will be moved to [new location].
Step 2: Unchanged Features
Look carefully for things that stay exactly where they are.
Useful language:
· remain unchanged
· remain in their current position
· retain their original location
· remain unaffected
· stay in place
Example framework:
Despite these changes, some features will remain unchanged. For example, [feature] will retain its current position, while [feature] will remain largely unaffected.
QUICK PLANNING METHOD
Before writing, divide the map into five categories:
Category
Ask yourself
🟢 ADD
What is new?
🔴 REMOVE
What disappears?
🔵 MODIFY
What changes but remains?
🟠 MOVE
What changes location?
⚫ SAME
What stays unchanged?
Then decide how to group them into two body paragraphs.
BAND 8+ LANGUAGE BANK
Introducing changes
· The most noticeable change is...
· One of the major developments is...
· Another significant alteration is...
· The area will undergo substantial redevelopment.
· Considerable changes are planned for the site.
Location
· to the north/south of
· in the northern/southern part of
· in the centre of
· adjacent to
· opposite
· next to
· along
· between
· at the entrance to
· in the vicinity of
Comparing locations
· whereas
· while
· in contrast
· compared with
· unlike
· instead of
Describing change
· was replaced by
· was converted into
· was transformed into
· was relocated to
· was extended
· was demolished
· was removed
· was retained
· remained unchanged
GOLDEN RULE
Do not describe the map like a tour guide.
❌ There is a road here. Next to it, there is a car park. Behind the car park, there is a building...
Instead, organise your answer around change:
✅ The most significant development is the expansion of the car park, which will occupy the area currently used for...
That is more analytical, concise and appropriate for a Band 8+ Task 1 response.
Sample Report Wrtiting: Band 8+ Response
Cambridge IELTS 17, Academic Test 1, Task 1
The two maps illustrate the current layout of an industrial area in Norbiton and the proposed plans for its future development.
Overall, the area is set to undergo a substantial transformation, changing from an industrial zone dominated by factories into a predominantly residential neighbourhood. In addition to numerous houses, several community facilities, including shops, a school, a playground and a medical centre, are planned. The road network will also be expanded, while the river will remain in place.
At present, the area contains a central roundabout surrounded by factories, with a road extending eastwards and another leading south to the main road. To the north, a river runs from west to east, with farmland occupying the area beyond it. The industrial zone is largely undeveloped apart from the factories and existing roads.
Under the proposed development, most of the factories will be removed and replaced by housing. Furthermore, new roads will branch off from the existing roundabout to provide access to the residential areas. In the west, shops and additional housing will be introduced, while a school and playground will be constructed further east. A medical centre will also be added in the south-western part of the development. In addition, a bridge will cross the river, providing access to new housing built on part of the existing farmland. Finally, a smaller roundabout will be added to the southern road network.
Cambridge IELTS 18, Academic Test 3, Task 1
The two floor plans compare the layout of the Central Library 20 years ago with its present-day arrangement.
Overall, the library has undergone considerable changes, with most of its internal areas being redesigned or given new functions. The former emphasis on books, reading materials and seating has been replaced by a more varied arrangement incorporating technology, children's activities, self-service facilities and a café. The entrance, however, has remained in the same position.
Twenty years ago, the library contained separate sections for CDs, videos and computer games in the north-west corner, adult fiction books in the western central area and a reading room for newspapers and magazines in the south-west. On the eastern side, there were children's books in the north and adult non-fiction books in the central section. An enquiry desk was located near the entrance, while two sets of tables and chairs occupied the central area.
Today, the former CDs, videos and computer games section has been replaced by an area for children's fiction and storytelling events, with sofas provided for visitors. The old reading room has become a computer room, while the former adult fiction section now contains reference books. On the eastern side, the children's books area has been converted into a lecture room, and the adult non-fiction section has been replaced by adult fiction books together with an information desk and self-service machines. Finally, the former enquiry desk has been replaced by a café, while the central tables and chairs have been removed. The entrance itself remains unchanged.
Cambridge IELTS 19 Academic, Test 2, Task 1
The plans compare the layout of Porth Harbour in 2000 with its present-day arrangement, highlighting the changes that have taken place over the intervening period.
Overall, the harbour has undergone considerable redevelopment, with several new facilities being added and a number of existing features being removed, replaced or modified. In addition, the areas designated for private yachts and fishing boats have exchanged positions. Despite these changes, several facilities, including the main road and some northern amenities, have remained unchanged.
In terms of additions, a second dock for passenger ferries has been constructed to the west of the original dock. Furthermore, a new showers-and-toilets facility has been installed beside the southern car park, while cafés and shops have been added near the lifeboat station. A new road has also been introduced to provide access to the hotel. At the same time, several existing features have been removed or replaced. Most notably, the disused castle in the south-east has been replaced by a hotel, and the public beach immediately south of it has been converted into a private beach for hotel users.
Another significant modification concerns the western part of the harbour. The areas allocated to the marina for private yachts and fishing boats have swapped positions, meaning that each now occupies the other's former location. In addition, the access road to the southern car park has been altered. Despite this extensive redevelopment, several features have been retained. The main north-south road remains in place, as do the northern car park and its showers-and-toilets facility. The northern public beach and the original passenger-ferry dock have also been retained.
Cambridge IELTS 20 Academic, Test 2, Task 1
The given maps compare the layout of Beechwood Farm in 1950 with its present-day arrangement, showing the changes that have taken place over the intervening period.
Overall, the farm has undergone substantial redevelopment. While a number of its original features have been retained, several agricultural areas have been removed or converted to accommodate new facilities. In addition, various new features have been introduced, making the farm considerably more developed and diverse than it was in 1950.
In 1950, the farm was predominantly agricultural, with a farmhouse located near the centre and farmland occupying much of the surrounding area. A large orchard was situated to the north of the farmhouse, while a road ran along the southern side of the farm. There was also a small area of woodland in the south-western corner. Since then, however, several additions have been made to the site. In particular, new facilities have been introduced on land that was previously used for agricultural purposes, while additional trees and recreational features have also been incorporated into the layout.
At the same time, a number of existing features have either been removed or modified. The former agricultural areas have been converted to accommodate the new developments, and the orchard has been replaced by a different land use. Despite these changes, several original features have been retained. Most notably, the farmhouse has remained in its original position, while the road along the southern boundary has also been preserved. Thus, although the basic framework of the farm remains recognisable, its overall function and appearance have changed considerably since 1950.
