A map task usually asks you to describe how a place changed over time, or to compare two locations. The examiner wants clear description of what was added, removed, or relocated, using compass directions and location language. Each question below includes the map(s) to describe.
The one rule
The story is what was added, removed, or relocated — anchored with compass directions.
On test day
It's one of the recognised Task 1 formats, so it's fair game on test day — but you can't reliably predict which one you'll be given. Treat every format as likely and practise across all of them rather than betting on a single type.
Templates
Learn the shape, not a script. A reliable structure for map questions saves planning time, but a memorised answer bolted onto the wrong prompt is penalised. Adapt the structure to the exact question in front of you.
Marking
Against the four official IELTS Writing criteria — task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy. Getting the format right mainly protects your task achievement score; the other three come down to your language.
Practice volume
Enough to make the format automatic, then stop drilling it in isolation. Once you can structure a map response without thinking, your time is better spent on the language criteria that actually move your band.
More Task 1 Academic types
Attempt any map question in the exam workspace — 20 minutes on the clock, then a band for all four criteria in about 60 seconds. Starts with a 3-day free trial.
“The maps show two possible locations for a new airport terminal.”