IELTS Map Vocabulary - Most Commonly Used Vocabulary with Tips

IELTS Map Vocabulary : IELTS Academic Writing task one will include a description question called maps. You have to compare two maps or provide a brief description of the one that is being provided in this sort of question. You must develop a complete understanding of the vocabulary related to IELTS maps to achieve a high band score.

IELTS Map Vocabulary

IELTS Writing Task 1 Map Vocabulary

1. General Map Description Vocabulary

Use these to introduce or describe the maps:

• The map illustrates...

• The maps show...

• The diagram depicts...

• According to the maps...

• The two maps compare...

• As can be seen from the maps...

• Overall, it is clear that...

2. Vocabulary for Direction and Location

Useful for identifying positions and directions on the map:

• Cardinal Directions:

  • North / South / East / West

  • Northwest / Northeast / Southwest / Southeast

• Prepositions of place:

  • In the north/south/east/west of...

  • To the north/south/east/west of...

  • In the centre / At the centre

  • In the middle

  • On the left / right side

  • Next to / Beside / Adjacent to

  • Opposite

  • Near / Close to

  • Between

  • At the corner of

  • Along

  • Across from

3. Vocabulary for Changes Over Time

Use these to describe how the map changed:

• Was developed into

• Was transformed into

• Was converted into

• Was replaced by

• Was removed / Was demolished

• Was added / Was introduced

• Was constructed / Was built

• Was relocated / Was moved

• Was expanded / Was enlarged

• Was extended

• Was reduced / Was cut down

• Was flattened

• Was upgraded

• Was modernised

• Was made pedestrian-only

• Was turned into

• Changed from ... to ...

• Witnessed dramatic changes

• Experienced significant development

4. Vocabulary for Static Maps (No Time Change)

Use these if you're comparing two places without time reference:

• Is situated

• Is located

• Lies

• Stands

• Contains

• Includes

• Features

• Comprises

• Consists of

• Surrounds

• Faces

• Overlooks

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5. Vocabulary for Infrastructure and Land Use

Useful for naming different parts of a town or city:

• Residential area / housing area

• Industrial area / commercial area

• Farmland / Agricultural land

• Green space / Park / Playground

• Forest / Wooded area

• River / Stream / Canal

• Lake / Pond

• Hill / Mountain

• Road / Street / Path

• Roundabout / Intersection / Junction

• Car park / Parking lot

• School / Hospital / University

• Shops / Shopping centre / Supermarket

• Train station / Bus stop / Airport

• Hotel / Restaurant / Café

• Sports centre / Gym / Swimming pool

• Bridge / Tunnel

• Marina / Port / Dock

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6. Verbs and Verb Phrases for Map Tasks

These verbs help explain developments:

• Expand

• Build

• Construct

• Renovate

• Demolish

• Remove

• Replace

• Convert

• Develop

• Extend

• Transform

• Modernise

• Introduce

• Install

• Enlarge

• Relocate

• Merge

7. Adjectives and Adverbs for Describing Changes

Use these to describe how extensive or dramatic the changes were:

• Dramatic / Substantial / Significant

• Moderate / Noticeable / Considerable

• Slight / Minor / Minimal

• Gradual / Steady

• Rapid / Sudden

• Completely / Entirely / Thoroughly

• Partially / Slightly / Marginally

Tips to Use IELTS Map Vocabulary for a Better Score 

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Guidance of PW IELTS

Physics Wallah offers multiple online IELTS courses for all students. Follow the IELTS pages to better prepare for the exam.