The map below shows the changes in an American town between 1948 and 2010.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Diagram

IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The map below shows the changes in an American town between 1948 and 2010.

Common Questions for the Process Diagram
1. Diagram Type : Map
2. Title : Changes in an American Town Between 1948 and 2010
3. What are the units of measurement? None (spatial changes in the layout of the town)
4. Who : Town planners, urban developers, and residents of the town
5. When : 1948 and 2010
6. Where : An American town
7. Topic : Urban development and changes in the layout of a town
Detailed Process and Observations
Summary of Data: The maps illustrate the changes that took place in an American town from 1948 to 2010. Significant developments include the transformation of various locations, with new structures replacing older ones, while some areas remained unchanged.
1. Changes in the North-East Area: In 1948, the area from the center of the town towards the north-east was occupied by a lake with trees and factories. By 2010, this area had been transformed into a supermarket, commercial buildings, and an airport.
2. Changes in the Southeast Area: In the bottom right-hand corner, the sports stadium replaced the church. Also, residential houses and a local supermarket were replaced with commercial buildings.
3. Areas Left Unchanged: The residential houses located on the right side of the canal and the petrol station in the north remained unchanged throughout the period from 1948 to 2010.
Sample Answer
The maps show the transformation of an American town between 1948 and 2010.
Overall, the town underwent significant urbanization developments, particularly in the northeastern and southeastern areas, but the overall dimensions of the town stayed consistent during the period from 1948 to 2010.
In 1948, the area northeast of the town consisted of a lake, trees, and factories. By 2010, this area had been developed into a supermarket, commercial buildings, and an airport. Similarly, in the southeast, a sports stadium replaced the church, while residential houses and a local supermarket were replaced by commercial buildings.
However, not all areas underwent transformation. The residential houses on the right side of the canal and the petrol station in the north of the town remained unchanged throughout this period.
Top 25 Vocabulary
Vocabulary |
Meaning |
Synonyms |
Examples |
Vocabulary Type |
Variabilities |
Changes or differences in something over time |
Fluctuations, changes, differences |
“There were significant variabilities in the town’s structure.” |
Noun |
Substituted |
Replaced one thing with another |
Replaced, exchanged, swapped |
“The residential houses were substituted with commercial buildings.” |
Verb |
Transform |
To make a significant change or alteration |
Alter, convert, modify |
“The lake and factories were transformed into a supermarket and airport.” |
Verb |
Layout |
The arrangement or design of a space or area |
Arrangement, configuration |
“The layout of the town changed dramatically between 1948 and 2010.” |
Noun |
Manifest |
To show or demonstrate clearly |
Display, reveal, indicate |
“The changes in the town manifest its development over time.” |
Verb |
Transformation |
A complete change in form, structure, or appearance |
Conversion, overhaul |
“The transformation of the northeastern area included a supermarket and airport.” |
Noun |
Urbanization |
The process of becoming more urban or city-like |
Development, modernization |
“The town experienced significant urbanization between 1948 and 2010.” |
Noun |
Consistent |
Remaining the same over a period of time |
Unchanging, steady |
“The overall dimensions of the town stayed consistent despite the developments.” |
Adjective |
Replaced |
To take the place of something |
Substituted, superseded |
“The church in the southeast was replaced by a sports stadium.” |
Verb |
Development |
The process of growth or improvement |
Expansion, progress |
“The northeastern area saw extensive development with new commercial buildings.” |
Noun |
Unchanged |
Remaining the same over time |
Constant, static |
“The petrol station in the north remained unchanged throughout the period.” |
Adjective |
Residential |
Relating to housing or places where people live |
Suburban, domestic |
“The residential houses on the right side of the canal were not altered.” |
Adjective |
Commercial |
Relating to businesses or trade |
Business-related, corporate |
“Commercial buildings replaced the local supermarket in the southeastern area.” |
Adjective |
Altered |
To make changes to something |
Modified, adjusted |
“The southeastern area was significantly altered during the transformation.” |
Verb |
Expansion |
The act of increasing in size or scope |
Enlargement, extension |
“The expansion of the commercial sector was evident by 2010.” |
Noun |
Demolished |
To completely destroy or tear down |
Ruined, removed |
“The church was demolished to make way for a sports stadium.” |
Verb |
Infrastructure |
The basic structures and facilities needed for a society |
Framework, foundation |
“The town’s infrastructure improved with the addition of an airport.” |
Noun |
Preserved |
To keep something in its original state |
Maintained, conserved |
“The residential area near the canal was preserved during the transformation.” |
Verb |
Evident |
Clearly seen or understood |
Obvious, apparent |
“The urbanization of the town was evident in its changing landscape.” |
Adjective |
Modernized |
To update or make more current |
Updated, revamped |
“The area northeast of the town was modernized with new facilities.” |
Verb |
Enhanced |
To improve or make better |
Improved, upgraded |
“The changes enhanced the town’s commercial appeal.” |
Verb |
Prominent |
Standing out or important |
Noticeable, significant |
“The sports stadium became a prominent feature in the southeastern area.” |
Adjective |
Transition |
A process or period of changing from one state to another |
Shift, change |
“The town’s transition from rural to urban areas was gradual but significant.” |
Noun |
Adaptation |
Adjustments made to fit new conditions |
Adjustment, alteration |
“The adaptation of the town to urban needs included building a supermarket.” |
Noun |
Revamped |
To renovate or improve by making changes |
Overhauled, restructured |
“The layout of the town was revamped to accommodate modern infrastructure.” |
Verb |

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