IELTS Writing Task 1 map vocabulary: describing changes and locations
Essential IELTS Writing Task 1 map vocabulary—location phrases, change verbs and an example overview for before-and-after maps.
By English Grader study guides · AI-assisted educational content · Official sources linked below
The short answer
Use location phrases (to the north of, adjacent to) and change verbs (was demolished, was replaced by) together.
Location phrases
Be precise about position.
- in the north-east corner
- to the south of, adjacent to, opposite
- along the river, on the outskirts
Related guide: Full map guide
Change verbs
Most use the past passive.
- was demolished / was knocked down
- was replaced by / was converted into
- was extended / was relocated
- a new car park was constructed
Sample overview
Summarise the overall change.
Overview
Overall, the village became far more developed, with farmland giving way to housing and new transport links.
Practise
Write a map report and compare your feedback.
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Official sources and further reading
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