By English Test Coach · Updated
Academic Task 1 · Maps and plans
Library redevelopment
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. Suggested practice level: advanced, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
The maps show a public library before and after redevelopment. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Open full-size diagram (new tab)How to approach this question
Summarise the main changes, group features by location and distinguish what changed from what stayed the same.
Maps and plans: compare completed changes and proposals →
Overview selection: identify the main change in the library's use of space. Check which features were added, removed, relocated or left unchanged.
Detail grouping: describe related areas together, using clear location words. Do not claim that a change improved the library unless the visual supplies that information.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify what is shown, including the time period or stages where relevant.
- Overview: select the largest changes, main contrasts or overall process without inventing causes.
- Details 1: group related features and support them with accurate data, locations or stages.
- Details 2: cover the remaining main features and make relevant comparisons. Check units, dates and direction of change.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- was converted into
- Was changed so that it served a different purpose.
Use 'was converted into' only where an existing area acquired a new use.
- remained unchanged
- Stayed the same across the two plans.
Identify a feature that remained unchanged only after checking both maps.
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