The center of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Map

IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The center of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development.

Common Questions for the Map
1. Diagram Type: Map
2. Title: Plans for Development of Islip Town Centre
3. What are the units of measurement? N/A (Spatial changes within the town)
4. Who: City planners, local residents, and potential investors
5. When: Present (current map) vs future (predicted development)
6. Where: Islip Town Centre
7. Topic: Urban development and town planning in Islip
Detailed Process and Observations
Summary of Data: The maps compare the current layout of Islip town centre with the proposed development plans. Key changes include pedestrianisation, new housing areas, and a circular dual carriageway.
- Current Town Centre (Present Layout):
- The town centre is centered around a main road stretching from west to east.
- Shops are located on both the north and south sides of this main road.
- To the north, the area is predominantly countryside, while the south is mainly residential housing.
- A park lies to the east and a school to the southwest, both connected to the main road by side roads.
- Future Development (Planned Layout):
- A new circular dual carriageway is planned to surround the town centre, creating better vehicle access.
- The central part of the main road will be pedestrianised to encourage walking and shopping.
- In the northern area, the shops will be replaced by a shopping centre and new housing. Additionally, a bus station will be built to the west, and parking will be added to the east.
- The southern part will undergo fewer changes, with some new housing developments and a slight reduction in the size of the park.
Sample Answer
The maps illustrate the current layout of Islip town centre and the proposed plans for its future development.
Overall, the planned developments aim to modernise Islip’s town centre, making it more accessible and pedestrian-friendly while preserving the southern residential area.
Currently, the town is structured around a main road from the west to the east, with shops on both sides. To the north of the main road is mainly countryside, while the south is home to residential housing. A park is located to the east, and a school to the southwest, both accessible by side roads.
The proposed development plans include a dual carriageway surrounding the town centre to improve vehicle access. The central part of the main road is set to become pedestrianised to enhance shopping and walking areas. In the northern part of the town, the current shops will be replaced by a shopping centre and new housing. A bus station will be added to the west, and parking spaces will be constructed to the east of the shopping centre. The southern part of the town will see some new housing and a smaller park, while other features will remain unchanged.
Top 25 Vocabularies
Vocabulary | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples | Verb Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pedestrianisation | The process of making an area suitable for pedestrians | Walkability, foot traffic | The main road will be pedestrianised to enhance the shopping experience. | Noun |
Dual carriageway | A road with two separate lanes of traffic for each direction | Divided highway, expressway | A dual carriageway will encircle the town centre to improve traffic flow. | Noun |
Shrink | To become smaller in size | Reduce, decrease, diminish | The park’s size will shrink in the future development plans. | Verb |
Demolished | To be torn down or destroyed | Destroyed, dismantled | The current shops in the northern area will be demolished. | Verb |
Bus station | A place where buses stop to pick up or drop off passengers | Bus stop, terminal | A bus station is planned to be built to the west of the shopping centre. | Noun |
Redevelopment | The act of improving or modernizing an area | Renovation, reconstruction | The town centre is set for major redevelopment under the proposed plans. | Noun |
Accessible | Easy to approach, reach, or use | Reachable, approachable | The dual carriageway aims to make the town centre more accessible. | Adjective |
Preserve | To maintain or keep intact | Maintain, conserve | The southern residential area will be preserved in the new development. | Verb |
Encircle | To form a circle around something | Surround, encompass | A dual carriageway will encircle the town centre. | Verb |
Modernise | To make more current or suitable for contemporary use | Update, innovate | The new shopping centre will modernise the northern part of the town. | Verb |
Infrastructure | The basic structures and facilities needed for a society | Facilities, framework | The proposed plans focus on improving the town’s infrastructure, including parking and roads. | Noun |
Residential | Related to housing or areas where people live | Housing, suburban | The southern residential area will remain unchanged. | Adjective |
Expansion | The act of increasing in size or scope | Growth, extension | The expansion of housing will occur in both the northern and southern areas. | Noun |
Compact | Small and efficiently organized | Condensed, efficient | The park will become more compact after redevelopment. | Adjective |
Revamp | To renovate or improve something | Redesign, overhaul | The town centre is due to be revamped with pedestrian-friendly areas. | Verb |
Adjacent | Next to or close to | Nearby, neighboring | The parking area will be adjacent to the new shopping centre. | Adjective |
Enhance | To improve the quality or make something better | Improve, boost | Pedestrianisation is aimed at enhancing the shopping experience. | Verb |
Replace | To take the place of something | Substitute, exchange | The current shops will be replaced by a new shopping centre. | Verb |
Construct | To build or assemble something | Build, erect | New parking spaces will be constructed to the east of the shopping centre. | Verb |
Diminish | To make smaller or less important | Reduce, decrease | The size of the park will diminish under the new plans. | Verb |
Relocate | To move to a new place | Transfer, move | The bus station will be relocated to the west side of the shopping area. | Verb |
Transform | To change significantly in form or appearance | Change, convert | The northern part of the town will be transformed into a commercial hub. | Verb |
Traffic flow | The movement of vehicles in a particular area | Traffic circulation | The dual carriageway is designed to improve traffic flow around the town. | Noun |
Pedestrian-friendly | Suitable or safe for people walking | Walkable, pedestrian-safe | The central road will become more pedestrian-friendly after redevelopment. | Adjective |
Amenities | Facilities or features that provide comfort or convenience | Services, facilities | The new shopping centre will offer modern amenities for visitors. | Noun |
Urbanisation | The process of making an area more urban | Development, modernization | The town centre’s urbanisation will include new housing and commercial areas. | Noun |

Our Books
Master IELTS Speaking Part 1
IELTS Writing Task 1 Book
IELTS Writing Task 2 Book
Writing Task 1 Question Types
Practice IELTS Other Modules
IELTS Listening
The IELTS Listening test assesses how well you can understand spoken English in various contexts. It lasts about 30 minutes and is divided into four sections with a total of 40 questions. The listening tasks become increasingly difficult as the test progresses.
IELTS Academic Reading
The IELTS Academic Reading section assesses your ability to understand and interpret a variety of texts in academic settings. It is designed to evaluate a range of reading skills, including skimming for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, understanding inferences, and recognizing a writer's opinions and arguments.
IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English on everyday topics. It lasts 11-14 minutes and consists of three parts: introduction, cue card, and a discussion based on the cue card topic.
IELTS General Reading
IELTS General Reading tests your ability to understand and interpret various types of texts. Here are some key areas and types of content you can expect to encounter in the reading section, along with tips for effective preparation.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are presented with a visual representation of information, such as graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams, and you are required to summarize, compare, or explain the data in your own words.
IELTS General Writing Task 1
In IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are required to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the prompt. Here’s a breakdown of the key components to include in your letter
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to a question or topic. Here’s a guide to help you understand the essential elements of this task
IELTS Exam Tips
To succeed in the IELTS exam, practice regularly, familiarize yourself with the test format, improve your vocabulary, develop time management skills, and take mock tests to build confidence.
Grammer for IELTS
Grammar is the foundation of effective communication in English. Understanding tense usage, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure enhances clarity and coherence in writing and speaking.
Vocabulary for IELTS
Vocabulary plays a crucial role in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Here’s an overview of why vocabulary is important and how it impacts your performance
RECENT IELTS SAMPLES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Comparison of Males Preferring Watching vs. Participating in Sports
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Line-Bar – The total volume of telephone calls (in million minutes) in Denmark, divided into three categories, from 1995- 2004
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Table – Information about the average annual spending of university students in three different countries
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Table -The production of carbon dioxide in five different countries in 2006
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Table – Results of research, which examined the average percentage marks scored by boys and girls of different ages in several school subjects
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Diagram – The structure of a home smokery and how it works
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...