Map questions are the most distinctive Task 1 question type: instead of numerical data, you describe physical changes to a location over time or compare two versions of a plan or area. Many candidates find maps challenging because they require completely different vocabulary — not numbers and percentages, but location language, construction verbs, and change description. This guide gives you the exact system you need.
1Understanding Map Task Types
There are two main map question types. Type 1: Two maps of the same place at different times (e.g., a town in 1990 and 2020). Your job is to describe what changed, what was added, what was removed, and what remained the same. Type 2: A plan of a proposed development (e.g., two plans for a park redesign). Your job is to compare the two designs. In both cases, you are describing change and location — never just listing what exists at a single point in time. Many candidates make the error of simply describing what is in each map without explicitly stating what changed — this limits their Task Achievement score.
2Essential Location Vocabulary for Maps
You need two types of location language: static position and relative position. Static: in the north/south/east/west of, in the centre/middle of, in the northern corner, along the eastern edge, on the outskirts. Relative: to the north of, next to, adjacent to, opposite, between, to the left/right of, near, close to, far from, beyond. For indicating what replaced something: 'The forest that once occupied the northern section was cleared to make way for a residential area.' For what remained: 'The town hall in the centre remained unchanged throughout the period.' These structures demonstrate the language range that earns Band 7+ Lexical Resource scores.
3Verbs for Describing Change on Maps
Map descriptions require a rich set of change verbs. For construction: was built, was constructed, was developed, was established. For removal: was demolished, was knocked down, was cleared, was removed. For replacement: was replaced by, gave way to, was converted into, was transformed into. For movement/expansion: was extended, was widened, was relocated, was moved to. For remaining: remained unchanged, was retained, was kept, stayed in place, continued to exist. Using passive voice naturally here is correct — 'a new road was constructed' rather than 'they built a new road', as the subject (who built it) is irrelevant.
4Writing a Map Overview and Body Paragraphs
Your overview should state the scale and direction of change: 'Overall, the town underwent extensive development between 1990 and 2020, with the most significant changes occurring in the southern and eastern zones. The previously rural outskirts became heavily urbanised while the historic town centre was largely preserved.' For body paragraphs, organise by area of the map (north in one paragraph, south in another) or by type of change (new construction in one, demolition/replacement in another). Aim for two well-developed body paragraphs rather than four short ones.
🎯 Key Takeaway
Map questions reward preparation because the vocabulary is specific and learnable. Spend time before the exam practising location language and change verbs until they feel natural. In the exam, resist describing what you see — instead, always frame your sentences around what changed.