IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A map shows a bridge that was not present in 1990 but appears in 2020. Which sentence is best?
- A bridge has been constructed across the river since 1990. (Correct answer)
- A bridge constructs across the river since 1990.
- A bridge was constructing across the river since 1990.
- A bridge will be constructed across the river since 1990.
Correct answer: A bridge has been constructed across the river since 1990.
Present perfect passive ('has been constructed') correctly describes a change from a past point to the present, matching the map comparison.
Question 2: Which sentence accurately uses 'while' to compare two simultaneous stages in a process?
- While the mixture is heated, the moulds are being prepared. (Correct answer)
- While the mixture heated, the moulds are being prepared.
- While the mixture is heated, the moulds prepared.
- While the mixture has heated, the moulds are preparing.
Correct answer: While the mixture is heated, the moulds are being prepared.
'While' with two concurrent present passive/progressive forms correctly shows two simultaneous stages in the same process.
Question 3: Which spatial phrase is most accurate for describing a feature to the left of the centre on a map?
- To the west of the town centre (Correct answer)
- In the south of the town centre
- Beyond the town centre to the east
- Above the town centre
Correct answer: To the west of the town centre
Standard map orientation places west to the left; 'to the west of' is the correct geographical description for a feature to the left of centre.
Question 4: A process description says 'At this point, the liquid cools down and solidifies.' This sentence is an example of:
- A cause-and-effect relationship described in present active voice (Correct answer)
- A passive construction describing a manufacturing step
- An overview summarising the whole process
- A contrast between two different stages
Correct answer: A cause-and-effect relationship described in present active voice
The sentence shows a sequence with cause and effect (cooling causes solidification) in present active voice, which is acceptable for natural scientific processes.
Question 5: How should you handle a process diagram that shows a cyclical process (e.g., the water cycle)?
- Note in the overview that the process is cyclical, then describe the stages from an identifiable starting point (Correct answer)
- Begin at the final stage and describe the process in reverse
- Describe only the most important stage and mention the rest briefly
- Ignore the cyclical nature and treat it as a linear process
Correct answer: Note in the overview that the process is cyclical, then describe the stages from an identifiable starting point
Acknowledging the cyclical nature in the overview shows understanding of the diagram; choosing a logical start point ensures a coherent body paragraph.
Question 6: The word 'subsequently' is best used to:
- Show that one stage follows another in a process (Correct answer)
- Contrast two different outcomes in a map comparison
- Introduce the overview of a process diagram
- Indicate a simultaneous action
Correct answer: Show that one stage follows another in a process
'Subsequently' means 'afterwards' and is a formal sequencing linker, correctly used to show that one stage follows another.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes what to include in a Task 1 map body paragraph?
- Specific changes to named locations, using precise spatial and change vocabulary (Correct answer)
- A general statement about whether you prefer the old or new layout
- A list of all the features visible in the map without noting any changes
- A prediction about what the area will look like in the future
Correct answer: Specific changes to named locations, using precise spatial and change vocabulary
Body paragraphs should describe specific changes using precise vocabulary; opinions, predictions, or mere lists of features are not appropriate.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams 5
A map shows a bridge that was not present in 1990 but appears in 2020.
Which sentence is best?