In this tutorial, ex-examiner Robert looks at IELTS Task 1 writing tips for describing two maps or plans.

In this specific type of Task 1 essay, you’re asked to compare two maps or plans or a kind of “Before” and “After” task. 

This type of essay has a lot in common with the statistical elements we see in pie charts and graphs. But, instead of looking for trends by comparing numbers, we are comparing two-dimensional plans.   

We discuss:

Four important tips for writing essays describing plans

Sample IELTS Task 1 Question about describing two maps or plans

Sample Answer to IELTS Task 1 Question with ex-examiner’s review

Four important tips for writing essays describing plans in IELTS Task 1

The most important thing to mention is the most striking changes. Take a minute or so to look carefully at the information presented to you. Take note of the major differences or changes you see between the two plans

Know the right verb tenses to use. Some questions may have a futuristic element to them, for example: What will the downtown area look like in 10 years’ time? You should be very sure of which verb tenses you need to use because there’s a possible mix between present and future tenses. 

In your answer, make sure to not only describe the changes but also explain why.

Remember the overview. It’s a great idea to mention something important right at the end.

Sample IELTS Task 1 Question about describing two maps or plans

Here’s the task question. It’s taken from Cambridge IELTS 16, Test 3.

Here are the plans

 

Sample Answer to IELTS Task 1 Question with ex-examiner’s review

There are 4 paragraphs. 

Paragraph 1: Introduction

The plans provide details of proposals for the renovation of Southwest Airport which compare the current layout of the departure and arrivals areas to what they will look like when the work is completed next year.

Ex-IELTS Examiner Review

The first sentence paraphrases the question. Here the examiner will be on the lookout for your ability to paraphrase using appropriate synonyms. So, we have 

* “provide details of proposals” for the original “show the…”, 

* “the current layout of the departure and arrival areas” for the original “the site of an airport now”

* Using information in the question and in the diagram,  “what they will look like when the work is completed” for “how it will look after redevelopment”. 

Notice also how we can use the present tense ….

”when the work is completed” ….to refer to future events. 

Paragraph 2

In general terms, the main new features will be an expansion to the number of gates together with a range of new facilities such as shops, an ATM and a car hire service.

Ex-IELTS Examiner Review

The second paragraph provides a general overview of the information. 

Make sure you show the examiner that you have clearly identified the most important features

Write the most important features you identified in very simple, clear terms. 

Paragraph 3

Entrance to the departure and arrivals sections will largely go unaltered although additional doors will be installed in both. At present, departures has just a check-in desk and a café but the proposal is to move the check-in from the left to the right to accommodate a bag drop area and to re-locate the café to the left of the main entrance.  Arrivals will also see a café added as well as an ATM and a car hire business, the last of which means building an extension to provide adequate space.

Ex-IELTS Examiner Review

Three sentences offering details on the changes to the departure and arrival sec...