Essential IELTS Map Vocabulary: Master Directions, Changes & Location

Unlock Your IELTS Writing Band with Perfect Map Vocabulary

Are you a Bangladeshi student aiming for a high band score in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1? When you encounter a map or plan question, having the right ielts map vocabulary is crucial. This specialised language allows you to precisely describe locations, directions, and the often-complex changes between maps. At Banglay IELTS, founded by Rashed Hossain, we provide the practical strategies and expert guidance to help you master this key skill. Read on for the essential words and phrases that will elevate your writing and impress the examiner.

What are the best verbs for describing map changes in IELTS Writing Task 1? 

 

The best verbs for describing map changes fall into categories like construction, removal, and modification. For construction, use active verbs like constructed, built, erected, or developed. For removal, effective verbs are demolished, cleared, removed, or pulled down. To describe modifications, use expanded, extended, converted, renovated, or modernised. Remember to use the passive voice (e.g., A new road was constructed) or the Present Perfect Passive (The area has been developed) when the agent of change is not mentioned.

How do I use prepositions of location and direction effectively?

 

Using precise prepositions is vital for high-scoring ielts writing task 1 map descriptions.

  • For Location (Static Position): Use words like situated in, located at, to the north of, adjacent to, opposite, on the eastern side, in the centre/middle of, along the perimeter of, or on the coast/bank of.
  • For Direction/Movement: Use phrases involving the cardinal points: stretching from east to west, running from north to south, or radiating outwards from the city centre.

What specific vocabulary should I use to describe different types of map features?

 

To get a Band 7 or higher, your describe map changes ielts report needs sophisticated nouns and phrases for common map features, avoiding simple words like ‘house’ or ‘shop.’

  • Buildings/Areas: Use residential area (for housing), industrial complex, commercial centre, pedestrianised zone, leisure facilities (e.g., a new swimming pool), educational establishment, or green belt.
  • Transport/Infrastructure: Employ terms like motorway, dual carriageway, intersection/junction, roundabout, footpath/cycle path, railway line, or reclaimed land.
  • Nature/Geography: Use woodland/forest, agricultural land, river bank/coastline, or open countryside.

Which tenses are most important when describing maps with time periods? 

 

When comparing two maps from different years, the most important tenses are the Past Simple (for the earlier map), the Present Perfect (to describe changes that have occurred up to the present day), and the Passive Voice for all changes.

  • Earlier Map (e.g., 1980): Use Past Simple Active/Passive. Example: A large forest was located in the north-east.
  • Changes Over Time (e.g., 1980 to Present): Use Present Perfect Passive. Example: The forest has been cleared and has been replaced by a housing estate.
  • Future Plans: Use the Future Passive. Example: A new rail line is planned to be constructed next year.

Ready to Transform Your IELTS Prep?

Mastering ielts map prepositions and a wide range of topic-specific vocabulary is essential, but it’s just one part of your high-score journey. At Banglay IELTS, we offer a personalised, practical approach that has helped countless students from Bangladesh secure their dream scores.

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