IELTS Writing Task 1:
Map Comparison Band 9 Template (2026)

How Do I Write a Band 9 IELTS Map Task?

Describe the changes between two maps (usually "before" and "after") using past-to-present-perfect passive structures. Group changes logically: additions, removals, relocations, expansions. 4-paragraph structure: intro, overview of main changes, body 1 (first half of changes), body 2 (second half). 170-190 words, 20 minutes.

Map Comparison Structure

``` ¶1 INTRO (30-40 words)

• Paraphrase what the maps show
• Time periods + location

¶2 OVERVIEW (40-50 words)

• Main trend: urbanisation, redevelopment, expansion?
• NO specific changes yet

¶3 BODY 1 (50-60 words)

• First cluster of changes (usually additions/constructions)

¶4 BODY 2 (50-60 words)

• Second cluster (usually removals/relocations)

```

Essential Map Vocabulary

Change verbs (past passive)

• Added/constructed: "a car park was built," "a gym was constructed"
• Removed/demolished: "the factory was demolished," "the pond was filled in"
• Expanded: "the school was expanded," "the road was widened"
• Replaced: "the shops were replaced with apartments"
• Converted: "the warehouse was converted into offices"
• Relocated: "the bus stop was moved to..."

Location

• "In the northwest corner..."
• "To the south of..."
• "Adjacent to the river..."
• "Along the main road..."
• "Directly opposite..."
• "Between the school and the park..."

Overall change

• Undergone significant development
• Transformed from rural to urban
• Experienced considerable redevelopment
• Seen extensive expansion

Full Band 9 Sample — Map Comparison

Prompt: "The maps show the development of a town called Weston from 1990 to 2020."

Sample Answer (181 words)

The two maps illustrate the significant transformation of Weston, a small coastal town, over a thirty-year period from 1990 to 2020.

Overall, Weston has evolved from a predominantly residential settlement with limited commercial activity into a larger urbanised area featuring improved infrastructure, expanded amenities, and modernised housing. The town''s population density has evidently increased substantially.

In 1990, Weston was characterised by a small grid of houses clustered around a central road, with a farm occupying the northeast corner and a small primary school in the southwest. A modest beach boardwalk ran along the coastline, providing the town''s only leisure facility. By 2020, the farm had been replaced by a supermarket and an adjoining car park, and the primary school had been expanded to accommodate higher student numbers.

Furthermore, several significant additions transformed the town''s character. A hotel complex with a swimming pool had been constructed near the beach, while the original single main road had been widened into a two-way road with a roundabout. A new residential area of modern housing had also been added to the southwest, tripling the town''s housing capacity.

Why This Gets Band 9

1. TA: Paraphrased intro, overview identifies main trend, all significant changes described
2. CC: Logical grouping (then 1990, then 2020), clear transitions, balanced coverage of both maps
3. LR: Less-common vocabulary (transformation, predominantly, amenities, clustered, evidently, adjoining, roundabout, housing capacity)
4. GRA: Past simple + past perfect + passive voice, complex sentences with relative clauses

5 Map Task Mistakes

1. Writing like a checklist — "In 1990, there was X. Now there is Y." = Band 5
2. Missing the overview — instant -1 band
3. Active voice throughout — maps need passive ("was built" not "they built")
4. Wrong tense mix — picking appropriate past/present perfect
5. Skipping cardinal directions — use north/south/east/west or landmark references

Single Map Task (Current Only)

Sometimes Task 1 gives ONE current map. Structure:

• Intro
• Overview (main features/layout)
• Body 1: key geographical/landmark features
• Body 2: remaining features

Use present simple + passive ("is situated," "is located").

2 Maps — Key Grammar Patterns

1. Replace / was replaced by

> "The old cinema was replaced by a modern theatre."

2. Convert / was converted into

> "The abandoned warehouse was converted into loft apartments."

3. Demolish / was demolished

> "The cottage was demolished to make way for a new road."

4. Relocate / was relocated to

> "The bus stop was relocated to a safer position."

5. Expand / was expanded

> "The school was expanded to include a third building."

20-Minute Time Budget

• 0-4: Compare both maps, list 6-8 changes
• 4-7: Intro
• 7-10: Overview
• 10-15: Body 1 (half of changes)
• 15-19: Body 2 (remaining changes)
• 19-20: Proofread verbs, plurals, articles

FAQ

Q: Do I need both past simple AND past perfect? A: Yes for maximum grammar range. Past perfect ("had been replaced") shows sequence.

Q: How many changes should I mention? A: All major ones (6-8 typical). Don''t list tiny details.

Q: What if the map has no compass? A: Use landmark references: "opposite the church," "alongside the river."

Q: Do I need a conclusion? A: No — Task 1 never needs a conclusion.

Q: What tense for maps describing TODAY (one map)? A: Present simple passive: "is located," "is situated."

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