As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I understand the challenges test-takers face, particularly in the Speaking section. Describing maps, a common task in IELTS Speaking Part 2, often creates confusion. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the skills and vocabulary to confidently tackle any map description in your IELTS exam.
Why Map Description Matters in IELTS Speaking
The ability to articulate spatial relationships and describe locations accurately is a key indicator of your English language proficiency. Map description tasks assess your:
- Vocabulary: Use of prepositions, directions, adjectives, and verbs related to locations and movements.
- Grammar: Accurate use of tenses (present continuous for ongoing changes, past simple for past features, etc.) and structures (passive voice, relative clauses).
- Coherence & Fluency: Presenting information logically and smoothly, using linking words and signposting phrases.
Deconstructing the Map: A Step-by-Step Approach
1. Analyze the Map Type and Key Features
Before you begin speaking, take a moment to understand the map. Is it a map of a city, a building, or a process? Identify key features like roads, buildings, landmarks, entrances/exits, and any changes over time.
2. Use Clear and Precise Language
- Cardinal Directions: North, South, East, West
- Prepositions of Place: Next to, opposite, behind, in front of, between, to the left/right of
- Movement Verbs: Go straight, turn left/right, follow the road, cross, pass
- Descriptive Vocabulary: Spacious, modern, crowded, tranquil, historical
3. Structure Your Description Logically
- Introduction: Start with a general overview of the map, stating what it shows and the time period (present or past).
- Body Paragraphs: Organize your description systematically. You can describe the map:
- Section by Section: Moving from one area to another (e.g., north to south, east to west).
- Chronologically: Describing changes over time.
- By Importance: Highlighting significant features first.
- Conclusion: Summarize the main changes or features, or give a concluding remark.
Illustrative Examples from IELTS Speaking
Let’s analyze a sample map prompt:
“Describe a map of your hometown as it was when you were a child.”
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hometown map
Sample Answer:
“This map depicts my hometown, [Town name], as it looked back in the early 1990s. It was much smaller then, with fewer buildings and more open spaces.
In the north of the town, there was a large park with a playground and a pond where we used to go fishing. To the east of the park stood the primary school I attended.
Moving southwards, you would find the main street, which was lined with small shops and businesses. Opposite the post office, there used to be a bakery famous for its delicious bread.
The area to the west of the main street was mainly residential, with rows of charming houses surrounded by gardens. The town has undergone significant development since then, with many new buildings and infrastructure.”
Top Tips to Excel in Map Description
- Practice Makes Perfect: Familiarize yourself with different map types and practice describing them aloud.
- Record Yourself: Listening to your descriptions helps identify areas for improvement in pronunciation and fluency.
- Use Varied Vocabulary: Avoid repetition. Use synonyms and descriptive language to make your description engaging.
- Don’t Panic: If you get stuck, take a deep breath and try to recall relevant vocabulary or rephrase your sentence. Remember, the examiner is assessing your communication skills, not your memory.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you can confidently approach map description tasks and boost your overall IELTS Speaking score. Good luck!