Changes that took place in Youngsville in New Zealand over a 25 year period from 1980 to 2005.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Map

IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
Changes that took place in Youngsville in New Zealand over a 25 year period from 1980 to 2005.

Common Questions for the Map
1. Diagram Type: Maps
2. Title: Changes in Youngsville, New Zealand (1980-2005)
3. What are the units of measurement? Not specified, but the changes are measured spatially on the maps
4. Who: Local authorities, urban planners, residents, tourists
5. When: 1980 and 2005
6. Where: Youngsville, New Zealand
7. Topic: Urban development and transformation of Youngsville over 25 years
Detailed Process and Observations
Summary of Data : The maps show the significant transformations in Youngsville over a 25-year period, from a rural residential area in 1980 to a more urbanized town by 2005.
- Changes to the South of the River Alanah:
- In 1980, the area to the south of the river was characterized by a large number of trees and residential houses.
- By 2005, the trees had been cleared, and the residential houses along the railway line had been demolished. This area was redeveloped with skyscrapers and industrial zones, including warehouses and factories near the school and airport.
- Changes to the North of the River Alanah:
- Few trees remained, and the area was transformed into a golf course, park, and car parking facilities.
- The stadium was built next to the northeast corner of the lake.
- The railway line was extended from the river to the north, and a marina was created at the mouth of the river.
- Key Developments:
- The once green and residential area has been transformed into a predominantly urban area with industrial, recreational, and commercial facilities.
- These changes reflect a shift from a rural to an urban setting, with more infrastructure, entertainment spaces, and residential buildings.
Sample Answer
The maps show the dramatic transformation of Youngsville in New Zealand from 1980 to 2005. In 1980, the town was largely rural, with numerous trees, individual houses, and green spaces. However, over the next 25 years, extensive urban development reshaped the area.
In the southern part of the town, the large residential area and trees were replaced by skyscrapers and an industrial zone, including warehouses and factories around the school and airport. In contrast, the northern area saw the conversion of the woodland into a golf course, park, and car parking facilities. Additionally, a stadium was built by the northeast corner of the lake, and the railway line was extended northward. The marina at the mouth of the river became another new feature.
Overall, these changes illustrate a transition from a rural to an urban landscape, with more infrastructure, residential buildings, and recreational spaces. The town has clearly undergone substantial development, making it more urbanized and industrial.
Top 27 Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Transformation | A thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance | Change, alteration | The town underwent a complete transformation from rural to urban. | Noun |
Redeveloped | To develop something again or make it better | Renovated, reconstructed | The area was redeveloped with skyscrapers and industrial zones. | Verb (Past Tense) |
Industrial Zone | An area designated for factories, warehouses, and industries | Factory area, manufacturing hub | An industrial zone with warehouses and factories was built near the airport. | Noun (Phrase) |
Marina | A dock or basin with moorings and facilities for boats | Dock, harbor | A new marina was constructed at the mouth of the river. | Noun |
Infrastructure | The basic physical systems of a country or city (e.g., roads, bridges, railways) | Facilities, amenities | The extension of the railway line was one of the key infrastructure projects. | Noun |
Reshape | To change or alter the form or structure of something | Reform, remodel | “The urban development reshaped the southern part of the town.” | Verb |
Rural | Relating to the countryside rather than the city | Countryside, agricultural | “In 1980, the town had a rural character with many green spaces.” | Adjective |
Development | The process of improving or making something more advanced | Growth, expansion | “There was extensive development in the town over 25 years.” | Noun |
Skyscrapers | Very tall buildings typically used for office or residential purposes | High-rise buildings, towers | “Skyscrapers replaced the residential area in the south.” | Noun |
Conversion | The process of changing something into a different form | Transformation, change | “Woodland was converted into a golf course and park.” | Noun |
Recreational | Relating to activities done for enjoyment or leisure | Leisure, entertainment | “New recreational spaces were created for the community.” | Adjective |
Residential | Relating to where people live | Housing, living | “A large residential area was built in the southern part.” | Adjective |
Substantial | Of considerable importance, size, or worth | Significant, considerable | “The town has undergone substantial development over 25 years.” | Adjective |
Urbanized | Made more characteristic of a city | City-fied, developed | “The rural town has been urbanized over the years.” | Adjective |
Industrial | Relating to industry or manufacturing | Manufacturing, factory | “The area was transformed into an industrial zone with factories.” | Adjective |
Extension | The process of making something longer or larger | Expansion, enlargement | “The railway line was extended northward.” | Noun |
Infrastructure | The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of society | Facilities, systems | “The town’s infrastructure grew with the addition of the railway.” | Noun |
Warehouse | A large building used for storing goods | Storage, depot | “Warehouses were built near the new industrial zone.” | Noun |
Factory | A building or group of buildings where goods are manufactured | Plant, workshop | “Factories were set up around the airport area.” | Noun |
Park | A large public green space for recreation or enjoyment | Green space, open space | “A new park was built in the northern area of the town.” | Noun |
Marina | A place where boats are stored or docked | Dock, harbor | “A marina was created at the mouth of the river.” | Noun |
Suburb | An outlying district of a city, typically residential | Residential area, outskirts | “The suburb was transformed into an urban space with new buildings.” | Noun |
Lake | A large body of water surrounded by land | Waterbody, pond | “A stadium was constructed by the northeast corner of the lake.” | Noun |
Southern | Relating to the direction or region to the south | South, lower | “The southern part of the town underwent significant changes.” | Adjective |
Northeast | The direction between north and east | North-east, NE | “A stadium was built in the northeast corner of the town.” | Noun/Adjective |
Surge | A sudden increase in something | Rise, increase | “Car use surged as the dominant mode of transport by 2000.” | Verb |
Green Space | An area of grass, trees, or other vegetation set aside for recreational use | Park, garden | “The town lost many green spaces due to urban development.” | Noun |

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