IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which word or phrase best describes that a building no longer exists on a map?
- The school has been demolished. (Correct answer)
- The school demolishes.
- The school is demolishing.
- The school was demolish.
Correct answer: The school has been demolished.
Present perfect passive ('has been demolished') is correct for a change that has occurred and whose result is visible on the current map.
Question 2: A candidate writes: 'Firstly, the grapes are picked. Secondly, they are crushed. After this, the juice is fermented. Subsequently, it is bottled.' What is the main strength of this writing?
- It uses a variety of sequencing language to link the stages clearly. (Correct answer)
- It uses personal pronouns to make the writing more engaging.
- It includes the writer's opinion on the quality of the wine.
- It uses future tenses to predict what will happen next.
Correct answer: It uses a variety of sequencing language to link the stages clearly.
Varied sequencing language (firstly, secondly, after this, subsequently) demonstrates lexical range and clearly guides the reader through the process.
Question 3: A map shows a park that has been divided to include a car park and a café. Which sentence group best describes this change?
- The park has been divided into two sections. The northern half has been converted into a car park, while a café has been built in the southern section. (Correct answer)
- The park divides into two sections. The northern half converts into a car park while a café builds in the southern section.
- The park was divided into two sections. The northern half converts into a car park while a café has been built in the south.
- The park had been divided into two sections. The northern half is converted into a car park while a café built in the south.
Correct answer: The park has been divided into two sections. The northern half has been converted into a car park, while a café has been built in the southern section.
Consistent present perfect passive throughout correctly shows changes that occurred in the past and are visible now; 'while' effectively contrasts the two halves.
Question 4: Which sentence best paraphrases the task instruction 'Describe what the maps show' in your introduction?
- The two maps illustrate the changes that took place in the town between 1980 and 2020. (Correct answer)
- The two maps show what happened.
- I am going to describe the two maps below.
- The maps are about a town.
Correct answer: The two maps illustrate the changes that took place in the town between 1980 and 2020.
A good introduction paraphrases the task using varied vocabulary ('illustrate', 'changes that took place') and includes the specific time frame.
Question 5: When should you use 'whereas' in a map description?
- To contrast a feature's past state with its current state (Correct answer)
- To sequence one stage of a process after another
- To introduce the overview of the map
- To conclude the response with a summary
Correct answer: To contrast a feature's past state with its current state
'Whereas' signals a contrast, making it ideal for comparing what a location looked like before and after in a map description.
Question 6: A process has three main phases: raw material preparation, manufacturing, and packaging. How should you organise your body paragraphs?
- One paragraph per phase, grouping related stages together (Correct answer)
- One sentence per stage across a single long paragraph
- Three paragraphs, each starting with the same sequencing word
- Describe the stages in reverse order to create variety
Correct answer: One paragraph per phase, grouping related stages together
Grouping related stages into clearly defined paragraphs demonstrates organisation and coherence, which directly affects the Coherence and Cohesion score.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT appropriate in a Task 1 map or process answer?
- A concluding paragraph recommending future improvements to the process (Correct answer)
- An overview identifying the main change or number of stages
- Passive constructions to describe what happens to materials
- Location vocabulary such as 'to the east of' and 'adjacent to'
Correct answer: A concluding paragraph recommending future improvements to the process
Task 1 does not require or reward recommendations or opinions; including them wastes words and moves outside the task requirements.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams 3
Which word or phrase best describes that a building no longer exists on a map?