Task 1 Academic — Map
Past vs. present tense · spatial prepositions · directional verbs
Topic & Why It Matters
A map question asks you to describe how a place changes over time or how two versions of a place differ. The task looks visual, but the writing skill is controlled comparison: you must turn positions, directions, removals, and replacements into a clear report.
Candidates often lose marks by giving a walking tour of the map, mixing tenses, or using vague location phrases such as "over there" and "beside it" without a clear reference. Strong answers identify the overall redevelopment first, then describe selected areas using precise spatial language and passive grammar.
Knowledge Points
Structure Template
Four paragraphs, about 155-175 words total. Decide your grouping before you write.
| Paragraph | Target | What to Write |
|---|---|---|
| Paragraph 1 — Introduction | 20–30 words | Paraphrase the prompt. Name the place and the two time points or versions being compared. |
| Paragraph 2 — Overview | 35–45 words | State the dominant transformation and one or two major layout changes. Do not include tiny labels or exact positions here. |
| Paragraph 3 — Body A | 45–60 words | Describe the earlier map or one main area of change. Use past simple and accurate spatial prepositions. |
| Paragraph 4 — Body B | 50–65 words | Describe the present map and the remaining changes. Use present perfect passive for redevelopment and present simple for current layout. |
Vocabulary & Grammar Toolkit
| Expression | Usage Note |
|---|---|
| was located / was situated | Safe past-tense location phrase for the earlier map |
| is located / is situated | Present-tense location phrase for the current map |
| stood / occupied | Natural alternatives to 'there was' for past features |
| has been built / constructed | Use for a new feature on the current map |
| has been demolished | Use when an old building no longer exists |
| has been converted into | Use when a feature changes function but keeps a similar site |
| has been replaced by | Use when one feature is removed and another occupies its place |
| has been extended / expanded | Use when a feature is larger than before |
| has been reduced in size | Use when a park, field, or open area becomes smaller |
| has been relocated | Use when a feature moves to a different position |
| to the north/south/east/west of | Precise position relative to another feature |
| in the north-east corner | Use for features placed in a corner of the map |
| along the eastern edge | Use for roads, paths, rivers, or buildings on a boundary |
| opposite / adjacent to | Compare two features across a road or side by side |
| between [X] and [Y] | Useful for features placed in the middle of two landmarks |
| the former [feature] | Refers to an old feature after it changes: 'the former market square' |
| the original [feature] | Refers back to the earlier map without repeating a long noun phrase |
| a pedestrian zone | Useful when roads are closed to vehicles |
| a through road | A road that traffic can pass along from one side to another |
| a new access road | A road added to connect to a facility |
| commercial facilities | A concise phrase for shops, malls, restaurants, and similar services |
| residential area | A more formal phrase for houses or housing |
| green space | A concise phrase for parks, fields, or undeveloped land |
| while / whereas | Useful for contrasting old and new locations in one sentence |
| although | Complex grammar for partial contrast: 'Although the park remains, it is smaller' |
Common Pitfalls
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Listing labels with no overview | Begin with the biggest transformation, such as 'the town centre became more commercial'. Labels belong in the body paragraphs, not the overview. |
| Using one tense throughout | Earlier map: past simple. Current map: present simple or present perfect. Write 'houses stood there in 1995' and 'they have been replaced by a car park'. |
| Weak spatial language | Replace vague phrases like 'near there' with precise language: 'to the south of the main road' or 'in the north-east corner'. |
| Describing the maps separately with no comparison | Show change directly: 'The market square has been converted into a shopping mall' is stronger than two disconnected sentences. |
| Inventing reasons for redevelopment | Do not write 'because more tourists came' unless the map says so. Task 1 maps require description, not explanation. |
Practice Prompt
Set a 20-minute timer. Write your response before reading the model answer.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The maps below show the centre of Riverside town in 1995 and at present.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
| Area | 1995 | Present |
|---|---|---|
| Centre | Market square north of the main road | Shopping mall on the former market-square site |
| South | Row of houses opposite the square | Car park and cinema |
| Roads | Main road ran west-east through the centre | Roundabout added; new road leads south; central section restricted to pedestrians |
| North-east | Large park | Smaller park with a pedestrian path beside it |
| East | Bus stop near the eastern end of the road | Bus stop moved closer to the shopping mall |
| West | Several small shops near the western entrance | Western shops retained |
Model AnswerBand 7.5+ · 166 words
The maps compare the layout of Riverside town centre in 1995 and today.
Overall, the area has become more commercial and pedestrian-friendly, with houses and open land replaced by retail, leisure and parking facilities. The road layout has also changed through the addition of a roundabout and a restricted pedestrian zone.
In 1995, the main road ran west-east through the centre, with a market square to the north and a row of houses opposite it. Several small shops stood near the western entrance, while the bus stop was at the eastern end and a large park occupied the north-east corner.
At present, the market square has been converted into a shopping mall, and the old houses have been demolished for a car park and cinema. The former through road now ends at a roundabout, from which a new road leads south. Meanwhile, the park is smaller, but a pedestrian path has been added beside it and the bus stop has been moved closer to the mall.
Annotated Commentary
Each paragraph is quoted, then broken down by examiner criteria. Notice how the answer balances old-map description with current-map changes instead of listing every label.
Self-Check
Answer these from memory before looking back. If you cannot answer all, re-read the relevant section.
- Which tense should you use for the earlier map, and which forms should you use for current changes?
- What should a map overview normally state before you describe exact positions?
- Rewrite this change in one sentence: 'There was a market square in 1995. Now there is a shopping mall there.'