IELTS / TOEFL: How to Solve IELTS Writing Task 1 - Maps, Before vs After, Proposed Changes

How to Solve: IELTS Writing Task 1 – Maps (Before vs After, Proposed Changes)

Introduction Scoring 7 or above in this task can help you gain 2-3 bands, as it requires a clear and concise description of changes, which is a key skill in IELTS Writing.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FIRST

1. You should already know how to paraphrase and use a variety of vocabulary.
2. Familiarity with essay structure, including introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, is essential.
3. Understanding of tenses, particularly the present perfect and past simple, is crucial for describing changes.

CORE CONTENT

Anatomy of the task: The question will typically ask you to describe the changes that have taken place on a map, comparing the 'before' and 'after' scenarios. Be aware of common traps, such as: - Not reading the question carefully, leading to a mismatch between the map and the description. - Failing to identify the main changes, resulting in a lack of focus in the essay.

Step-by-step strategy:

1. Read the question carefully and identify the main changes on the map.
2. Plan your essay by dividing it into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
3. Write the introduction, including a clear thesis statement that outlines the main changes.
4. Describe the main changes in the body paragraphs, using a variety of vocabulary and tenses.
5. Use examples and statistics to support your description, where possible.
6. Write the conclusion, summarizing the main changes and reiterating the thesis statement.
7. Check your grammar and vocabulary, ensuring that your essay is clear and concise.

Solved example:

Question: The map below shows the changes in the city's transportation system over the past 10 years. Describe the changes and explain their impact on the city.

Model answer: The map shows a significant transformation in the city's transportation system over the past 10 years. The most notable change is the expansion of the metro system, with new lines and stations added to cater to the increasing population. The number of buses has also increased, with more routes and frequencies introduced. However, the number of taxis has decreased, as people prefer to use public transport. The impact of these changes has been positive, with reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality.

Common Mistakes (3-5)

1. Mistake: Failing to identify the main changes on the map. Why it happens: Lack of attention to detail and failure to read the question carefully. How to fix it: Read the question carefully and study the map to identify the main changes.
2. Mistake: Not using a variety of vocabulary to describe the changes. Why it happens: Limited vocabulary and lack of practice in using descriptive language. How to fix it: Practice using a variety of vocabulary to describe changes, and learn new words related to transportation and urban planning.
3. Mistake: Failing to use examples and statistics to support the description. Why it happens: Lack of practice in using data and statistics to support arguments. How to fix it: Practice using examples and statistics to support your description, and learn how to present data in a clear and concise manner.
4. Mistake: Not summarizing the main changes in the conclusion. Why it happens: Lack of attention to the conclusion and failure to reiterate the thesis statement. How to fix it: Make sure to summarize the main changes in the conclusion and reiterate the thesis statement.
5. Mistake: Not checking grammar and vocabulary. Why it happens: Lack of attention to detail and failure to proofread the essay. How to fix it: Always check your grammar and vocabulary before submitting the essay.

CRAM SHEET (10 short one-liners)

1. Read the question carefully to avoid mismatch between the map and the description. ⚠️
2. Identify the main changes on the map to focus your essay.
3. Use a variety of vocabulary to describe the changes.
4. Practice using examples and statistics to support your description.
5. Summarize the main changes in the conclusion.
6. Reiterate the thesis statement in the conclusion.
7. Check your grammar and vocabulary before submitting the essay. ⚠️
8. Use the present perfect and past simple tenses to describe changes.
9. Describe the changes in a logical and chronological order.
10. Use a clear and concise writing style to make your essay easy to understand.