Model Graph

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The table illustrates the proportion of monthly household income five

European countries spend on food and drink, housing, clothing and
entertainment.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and
make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Proportion of household income five European countries spend on

food and drink, housing, clothing and entertainment
Food
and Housing Clothing Entertainment
drink

France 25% 31% 7% 13%

Germany 22% 33% 15% 19%

UK 27% 37% 11% 11%

Turkey 36% 20% 12% 10%

Spain 31% 18% 8% 15%

IELTS Tables - Model Answer

The table shows the amount of household income that five countries in Europe
spend per month on four items.

Overall, it is evident that all five countries spend the majority of their income on food
and drink and housing, but much less on clothing and entertainment.

Housing is the largest expenditure item for France, Germany and the UK, with all of
them spending around one third of their income on this, at 31%, 33% and 37%,
respectively. In contrast, they spend around a quarter on food and drink. However,
this pattern is reversed for Turkey and Spain, who spend around a fifth of their
income on housing, but approximately one third on food and drink.
All five countries spend much less on the remaining two items. For clothing, France
and Spain spend the least, at less than 10%, while the other three countries spend
around the same amount, ranging between 11% and 15%. At 19%, Germany
spends the most on entertainment, whereas UK and Turkey spend approximately
half this amount, with France and Spain's spending between those other three
nations.

(180 Words)

IELTS Process Diagram

It is less common in the writing test, but sometimes you will get an IELTS process
diagram to describe.

This should follow the same format as any task 1:

1. Introduce the diagram

2. Give an overview of the main point/s
3. Give the detail

Follow this link about how to write a task 1.

However, there are different types of task 1 (line graphs, pie charts, maps etc) and
each requires knowledge of a certain type of language.

This lesson will look at how to write an IELTS process diagram for task 1.

We also have a video lesson on writing an IELTS Process.

What is an IELTS Process Diagram?

To begin, look at this question:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the
building industry.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and
make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

IELTS

Process Diagram - Brick Making

10Save

A process will have a number of stages that are in time order. So you should start
at the beginning, and describe each stage through to the last one.

In the example above, this is fairly clear. It begins with the digging of the clay, and
ends with delivery.

Processes are not always this clear, and you may have to look more carefully to spot
the beginning, and there may also be two things happening at the same time.

So it is important that you look at other sample processes to get a good

understanding of how they can vary.
Introduce the Diagram
As with any task 1, you can begin by paraphrasing the rubric:

The diagram explains the way in which bricks are made for the building industry.

As you can see, this has been taken from the question, but it has not been copied.
You need to write it in your own words.

Highlight the Main Points

An IELTS process diagram is different to a line, bar, pie chart or table in that there
are not usually key changes or trends to identify. However, you should still give an
overview of what is taking place.

The ‘public band descriptors’ state that to achieve a band 6 or more for ‘task
response’ the student must provide an overview in a task 1.

As there are no trends to comment on, you can make a comment on, for example,
the number of stages in the process and how it begins and ends:

Overall, there are eight stages in the process, beginning with the digging up of clay
and culminating in delivery.

Give the Detail

Now you need to explain the IELTS process diagram, and there are two key aspects
of language associated with this:
1) Time Connectors

A process is a series of events, one taking place after the other. Therefore, to
connect your stages, you should use ‘time connectors’.

Here is the rest of the answer with the time connectors highlighted (notice that you
simply go from the beginning to the end of the process):

To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is dug up from the ground by a large
digger. This clay is then placed onto a metal grid, which is used to break up the clay
into smaller pieces. A roller assists in this process.

Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this mixture is turned into
two differing types of brick by either placing it into a mould or using a wire
cutter. Next, these bricks are placed in an oven to dry for 24 – 48 hours.

In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process.
They are heated in a kiln at a moderate and then a high temperature (ranging from
200c to 1300c), followed by a cooling process in a chamber for 2 – 3
days. Finally, the bricks are packed and delivered to their destinations.

These connectors are the same you would use to write a graph over time when you
explain a series of changes.

These are some common IELTS process diagram connectors:

To begin
Following this
Next
Then
After
After that
Before**
Subsequently
Finally

** If you use before, this means that you will be mentioning a later stage before an
earlier stage, so you need to use it carefully. If you can use it properly though, it will
get noticed.
Here is an example using stages four and five:

Before being dried in the oven, the mixture is turned into bricks by either placing it
into a mould or using a wire cutter.

2) The Passive

When we describe an IELTS process that involves humans (a man-made process as

opposed to a natural one), the focus is on the activities, NOT the person doing
them.

When this is the case, we use the passive voice, not the active. For a natural
process, such as the life-cycle of a frog, we use active as there is not a person doing
the activity in the diagram.

This is a brief explanation of how to use the passive voice, but if you are new or
unsure about using it, you should do some further study and practice.

Most sentences use this structure:

 Subject + Verb + Object

 A large digger digs up the clay in the ground.

In the active voice (as above), the digger is doing the verb i.e. the digger is doing the
digging.

When we use the passive voice, we make the object (the clay) the subject, and
make the subject (the digger) the object. We also add in the verb ‘to be’ and the past
participle (or Verb 3).

 (S) The clay in the ground (V) is dug up (O) by the digger.

So throughout most of your description for your IELTS process diagram, you should
be using the passive voice.

This is difficult as some verbs cannot take the passive. For example, 'to go' cannot
be passive, so it is kept in the active voice:

 ...the bricks go through a heating and cooling process.

This is why you need to make sure you practice the passive so you know exactly
how to use it.
Also, as you will see from the description, it is more usual to comment on who or
what is doing the action so the 'by...." phrase is excluded.

Here is the same example description with uses of the passive highlighted:

To begin, the clay (which) is used to make the bricks is dug up from the ground by
a large digger. This clay is then placed onto a metal grid, onto a metal grid,
which is used to break up the clay into smaller pieces. A roller assists in this
process.

Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this mixture is
turned into bricks by either placing it into a mould or using a wire cutter. Next, these
bricks are placed in an oven to dry for 24 – 48 hours.

In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process.
They are heated in a kiln at a moderate and then a high temperature (ranging from
200c to 1300c), followed by a cooling process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally,
the bricks are packed and delivered to their destinations.

Varying your Language

Sometimes it may be appropriate just to use the same language that you are given in
the IELTS process diagram to describe it, but you should try to vary it.

You may be able to use nouns from the diagram as your verbs. For example, the
noun packaging in stage seven becomes:

Finally, the bricks are packed…

Follow this link from the model task 1 pages to see a full IELTS process diagram
model answer for this process.
 IELTS Writing Task 1 Maps
Lesson

Introduction
This guide on IELTS Writing Task 1 maps questions will cover:

o Different kinds of map question

o Structure

o Describing specific changes

o Describing general changes

o Describing locations

o Sample answer

You will also be able to learn some new vocabulary that will help you deal
with any Task 1 maps question.

In the IELTS writing test you might be asked to describe a map in task 1.
This type of question is becoming increasingly popular- in fact it was on
the exam last weekend here in Vietnam- and in my opinion, the easiest
one to score high marks in, if you’re prepared.

Many students, books and teachers overlook this type of question and it is
therefore a bit of a shock when one comes up. Therefore, if you are
prepared you will probably do better than most of the other students.

Different Kinds of Map Question

There are three main types of map question:
 1. Describe one map in the present day.

2. Describe two maps- one in the present and one in the future.

3. Describe two maps- one in the past and one in the present.

The first kind is very rare, as it only requires you to use the present
simple and it is impossible for any comparisons to be made.

The second kind does come up occasionally and would require you to use
present and future tenses. This kind of question is normally about the
future development of a town or city. It requires the same vocabulary as
the other two.

The third is the most common and will be the main focus of this post.

You will normally be shown two maps, as above and asked to select and
report the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You will
obviously be using both present and past tenses to describe the maps and
how the town has developed.

Also, as this is a man-made process we will use the passive.

Source: Cambridge English Practice Papers.

Structure
To describe two maps I advise my students to follow a four paragraph
structure.

Paragraph 1- Paraphrase Sentence

Paraphrase question using synonyms.

Paragraph 2- Overview

Make two general statements about the map. You should describe the
maps generally and write about the most noticeable differences
between the two maps. You could ask yourself the following questions
to identify general changes. Is the map more or less residential? Is there
more or less countryside? Are there more or less trees? Were the changes
dramatic or negligible? Were there any major improvements in
infrastructure? How have the buildings and leisure facilities changed?

Paragraph 3- Main Body 1

Three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.

Paragraph 4- Main Body 2

Further three to four sentences about specific changes that have

occurred.

You can group information together in paragraph 3 and 4 by time or

location, depending on the question asked.

Look at the sample answer below to see how I have used this structure.

How to Describe Specific Changes

The ability to describe change is crucial to answering these questions. The
various buildings and features will normally be labelled for you. What you
need to work on is how to write about how they have changed from the
past up until the present day.

Tip: You may be asked to describe your hometown in the speaking test.
The vocabulary and grammar in this post should come in very useful.

Below I will list various buildings and features and verbs we could describe
their change.
Buildings– demolished, knocked-down, flattened, replaced, renovated,
built, constructed, reconstructed, developed, extended, expanded,
relocated, converted and modernized.

Examples:

The government demolished the industrial estate and developed a

sports ground.

They removed the shops and replaced it with a skyscraper.

A port was constructed at the edge of the river.

The factory in the city centre was demolished and relocated to the
north of the city.

The old warehouses were replaced with new hotels.

The factory was converted into apartments.

Trees and Forests- cleared, cut-down, chopped-down, removed,

planted.

Examples:

The forest was cut-down and replaced with a shopping centre.

The trees were cleared to make way for houses.

Roads, bridges and railways lines- constructed, built, extended,

expanded and removed.

The main road was extended and a new bridge built over the river.

Leisure facilities- opened, set up, developed.

Examples:

A skate park was set up next to the swimming pool.

A park was developed beside the forest.

How to Describe General Changes
As this is an IELTS writing task 1 question we must write an overview and
this is where we talk generally about the main changes that have
occurred between the two maps.

Below are some examples of general statements we could use to describe

change in towns and cities.

1. Over the period, the area witnessed dramatic changes.

2. From 1995 to 2005, the city centre saw spectacular developments.

3. The village changed considerably over the time period.

4. During the 10-year period, the industrial area was totally transformed.

5. Over the past 20 years, the residential area was totally reconstructed.

6. Over the time period, the old docks were totally redeveloped.

7. Between 1995 and 2005, the old houses were rebuilt.

8. The central business district was completely modernised during the time

period.

Pick two or three of the most noticeable differences in the map and write
a general statement for each. This will be your overview paragraph.

The more specific changes should be included in your main body

paragraphs.

How to Describe Locations

You will also be expected to describe where things are maps and describe
where changes have occurred.

You can use ‘to the left’ and ‘to the right’, but a better way is to use
‘north’, ‘south’, ‘east’ and ‘west’. I normally advise my students to draw
the symbols on the question paper if they are not already there.

Examples:
The forest to the south of the river was cut down.

A golf course was constructed to the north of the airport.

The houses in the south-west of the town were demolished.

The green fields to the north-west of the city were redeveloped as a

park.

The airport in the centre of the city was relocated to the north-east of
the river.

The school to the south-east was knocked down and a new one built to
the east of the forest.

Finally, you will also be expected to use prepositions of place, e.g.

at/in/on/by/beside/to/off/from, to describe where things are.

Examples:

Dramatic changes took place in the city centre.

To the south of the town, there is a golf course surrounded by trees.

A new school was built next to the swimming pool.

The old road running from north to south was replaced by a new
motorway.

A marina was built on the banks of the river.

2.

In your IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 preparation, you'll need to practice a

total of 7 IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 data types. In this post, we'll look at
the Map questions in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 questions in detail and
provide you 5 map practice questions.

How to Tackle Maps in IELTS Writing Task 1 Questions?

Maps occasionally show up in IELTS academic writing task 1 and when they
do, you will see two maps. Often one map is in the past map, while the other
is in the present. You’ll also encounter scenarios where both maps are in the
past. You might also get maps which show proposals for the future such as a
redevelopment scheme. Therefore, it is important to use the proper tenses to
describe the changes.

Since there are 2 maps, the essay structure for this question is simple:

1. Introduction: Paraphrase the question

2. Overview: Describe what you consider to be the major changes over
time.
3. Body paragraph 1: Describe the first map in detail
4. Body paragraph 2: Describe the second map in detail

We will use this essay structure for all map questions. Now, let’s join IELTS
Instructor Tina below to learn how to approach IELTS Writing Task 1 Map
questions.

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Maps Lesson

The diagrams below show the coastal village of Seaville in 1980 and 2010.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and
make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
 Model Essay
Important functional words are highlighted in red
Useful vocabulary and phrases are highlighted in green
Synonyms and topic vocabulary are highlighted in blue

The maps illustrate significant changes in the seaside town of Seaville, over a
thirty-year period, from 1980 to 2010.

Overall, the village developed substantially from a holiday settlement to a

permanent town over the 30-year period.

Similarly, infrastructure and amenities increased, along with the town’s

capacity to provide for tourists.

In 1980, Seaville was tiny, attracting only a few tourists, who were
accommodated in cottages or a small hotel. In contrast, East Bank
was unspoilt. To the east of the cottages, was a marsh, and there was
woodland to the north. Regarding recreation, besides the beach, the town
only offered a tea room.
However, the village had grown dramatically by 2010. Retirement villages
had been built to the west of the main road. The marsh had been drained
and the cottages demolished in order to construct houses. To cater for
tourists, both a new high-rise hotel and holiday cottages on East Bank had
been constructed. The woodlands had been cleared and supplanted by a golf
course. Similarly, a boat club had been built on the west bank of the river.
New infrastructure was created to access East Bank. On the other hand, the
town had preserved the original hotel.

Vocabulary for IELTS Academic Writing Map Questions

When describing the location of something on a map, you can use the
following phrases and vocabulary:
Now that you're familiar with the IELTS Writing Task 1 Map questions, it's time
to practice. Check out the practice questions below.

Sample Answer

Source: Cambridge English Practice Papers.

Both maps display an island, before and after it was developed for
tourism.
The island is approximately 250 metres long, has palm trees dotted
around it, is surrounded by ocean and has a beach to the west. Over the
period, the island was completely transformed with the addition of a hotel
and a pier; however, the eastern part of the island appears to have been
left undeveloped.

The most noticeable additions are the hotel rooms. 6 buildings,

surrounding some trees, have been built in the west of the island and 9
buildings have been constructed in the centre of the island. Between the
two accommodation areas, a reception building and a restaurant have
been developed.

A pier has also been built on the south coast of the island, allowing yachts
access to the resort. Apart from the trees, the beach remains the only
natural feature to remain relatively untouched; however, it does appear
that it is now used for swimming.

(160 words)