IELTS Map Sample with 2 Sites

Sep 10, 2024

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Below is a Writing Task 1 IELTS map. Below the map is a model answer that has been written by an IELTS instructor.

When you write about a map, you need to focus on describing where things are in location to each other. Language such as ‘to the left’, ‘next to’, ‘north of’, ‘behind’ etc will be important.

Map with 2 Sites Sample Question

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Below is a map of the city of Brandfield. City planners have decided to build a new shopping mall for the area, and two sites, S1 and S2 have been proposed.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Map of Brandfield with two proposed sites for a shopping mall

Model Answer

The map illustrates plans for two possible sites for a shopping mall in the city of Brandfield. It can be seen that the two sites under consideration are in the north and the south east of the town.

The first possible site for the shopping mall, S1, is just north of the city center, above the railway line, which runs from the south east of the city to the north west. If it is built here, it will be next to a large housing estate, thus providing easy access for those living on the estate and in the city center. It will also be next to the river that runs through the town.

The site in the south east, S2, is again just by the railway line and fairly close to the city centre, but it is near to an industrial estate rather than housing.

There is a main road that runs through the city and is close to both sites, thus providing good road access to either location. A large golf course and park in the west of the town prevent this area from being available as a site.

(190 words)

Helpful Notes

With an IELTS map you need to have a good knowledge of the language of location, and there are several examples of this:

just north of the city centre, above the railway line
runs from the south east of the city to the north west
next to
site in the south east
close to both sites
in the west of the town

You need to also make sure you have a good mix of some complex sentences to get a band 6 or over for grammar, and there are several examples of words that create these:

It can be seen that
which runs from
If it is built here
that runs through the town

Comment About The Task

Task Achievement: Band 8

The response effectively summarizes the key details from the map, highlighting the two potential sites and their locations relative to the town and surrounding features.
The description of both sites is clear and detailed, with good focus on relevant aspects such as proximity to housing, the railway line, and the city center.
Minor improvement could be made by adding more specific details from the map, such as distances or other landmarks, to enrich the analysis further.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8

The response is well-organized, with clear divisions between descriptions of S1 and S2, making it easy to follow.
Linking devices such as “thus,” “again,” and “rather than” are used effectively to maintain cohesion and guide the reader.
A slightly more sophisticated use of transitions or cohesive devices could elevate the score to a Band 9.

Lexical Resource: Band 7

A good range of vocabulary is used accurately (“under consideration,” “next to,” “providing easy access,” “fairly close”).
The word choice is appropriate but somewhat repetitive in places, such as the frequent use of “next to” and “close to.” More variation in expressions could improve the lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8

The response demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences like “If it is built here, it will be next to a large housing estate.”
There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and the structures are varied and appropriate for the task.
Slightly more variety in sentence patterns could push the score higher, but overall the grammatical range and accuracy are strong.

Overall Band: 7.5-8

This is a well-written response that clearly describes the key features of the map. It provides accurate and relevant information with good grammar and vocabulary, though slight improvements in lexical variety and sentence structure could enhance the score.