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IELTS Essay: Map of a City in 1950
The map describes changes to a city since 1950. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the city has expanded to become considerably more residential and accessible, with the notable additions of a long lake and nearby business district.
In 1950, the town’s population was 20,000 and it has increased tenfold to 200,000. Previously, there was a limited area for homes, all to the north of the major road running east to west. At present, the residential area has greatly grown in all directions and there are now additional major roads in the southern half of the city.
Moreover, the narrow river running through the town has been dammed to create a large lake that stretches from the western to eastern edge of the residential area. The business district which was confined to the center of the map is now larger and includes the northern and southern shores of the lake. The bridge over the river is now over the lake and there is another bridge near the dam in the east. Finally, there is presently a second government building to the south and the airport located to the east has more than doubled in size.
Analysis
1. The map describes changes to a city since 1950. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the city has expanded to become considerably more residential and accessible, with the notable additions of a long lake and nearby business district.
Paraphrase what the map shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major changes.
1. In 1950, the town’s population was 20,000 and it has increased tenfold to 200,000. 2. Previously, there was a limited area for homes, all to the north of the major road running east to west. 3. At present, the residential area has greatly grown in all directions and there are now additional major roads in the southern half of the city.
Begin writing about the details of the map.
Compare to other areas on the map.
After a few sentences, start a new paragraph.
1. Moreover, the narrow river running through the town has been dammed to create a large lake that stretches from the western to eastern edge of the residential area. 2. The business district which was confined to the center of the map is now larger and includes the northern and southern shores of the lake. 3. The bridge over the river is now over the lake and there is another bridge near the dam in the east. 4. Finally, there is presently a second government building to the south and the airport located to the east has more than doubled in size.
Write about the rest of the map- include everything!
Try to paraphrase some of the words from the map as well.
There is a lot in this one so you might have to write a little longer.
Be sure you mention what has not changed much too.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The map describes changes to a city since 1950. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the city has expanded to become considerably more residential and accessible, with the notable additions of a long lake and nearby business district.
In 1950, the town’s population was 20,000 and it has increased tenfold to 200,000. Previously, there was a limited area for homes, all to the north of the major road running east to west. At present, the residential area has greatly grown in all directions and there are now additional major roads in the southern half of the city.
Moreover, the narrow river running through the town has been dammed to create a large lake that stretches from the western to eastern edge of the residential area. The business district which was confined to the center of the map is now larger and includes the northern and southern shores of the lake. The bridge over the river is now over the lake and there is another bridge near the dam in the east. Finally, there is presently a second government building to the south and the airport located to the east has more than doubled in size.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
describes shows
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
expanded grown
considerably more residential many more houses
accessible can be reached
notable additions important new areas
lake large body of water, pond
nearby business district place for offices, work around there
The map d___________s changes to a city since 1950. L______________________________________________________t the city has e______________d to become c___________________________l and a______________e, with the n___________________s of a long l_____e and n_______________________t.
In 1950, the town’s population was 20,000 and it has increased t___________d to 200,000. P______________y, there was a l______________a for homes, all t______________f the m_____r road r__________________t. A_____________t, the r_________________l area has g____________n in a_____________s and there are now a_____________l major roads in the s_______________________y.
M_______________r, the n_________w river running through the town has been d________d to create a large lake that s___________s from the western to eastern e____e of the residential area. The business district which was c_________d to the center of the map is now larger and includes the northern and southern s________s of the lake. The b_____e over the river is now over the lake and there is another bridge near the dam in the east. F________y, there is p___________y a second government building to the south and the airport l_________________t has more than d__________d in size.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of the process of making cement and then concrete from a past IELTS Cambridge book.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Cement and Concrete Production Process
The process details the steps to make cement and then how cement is used as an ingredient in concrete manufacturing. Overall, the process requires initial mixing and chemical transformation of the raw materials clay and limestone, followed by bagging of the finished cement, before it is then combined with other materials to form concrete.
Initially, limestone and clay are collected and crushed together into a fine powder before being placed in a cylindrical mixer. The mixture is then connected to a rotating heater which transforms the powder and it is then ground a second time and sealed in bags as cement.
In order to form concrete, cement is next combined with water, sand, and gravel in a concrete mixer. The proportions for each ingredient are 15% cement, 10% water, 25% sand and finally 50% gravel (which is small stones).
Analysis
1. The process details the steps to make cement and then how cement is used as an ingredient in concrete manufacturing. 2. Overall, the process requires initial mixing and chemical transformation of the raw materials clay and limestone, followed by bagging of the finished cement, before it is then combined with other materials to form concrete.
Paraphrase what the process shows.
Write a clear overview summarising the major groups. Read here about overviews for processes.
1. Initially, limestone and clay are collected and crushed together into a fine powder before being placed in a cylindrical mixer. 2. The mixture is then connected to a rotating heater which transforms the powder and it is then ground a second time and sealed in bags as cement.
Begin writing about the details of the process.
This one is tricky to get up to the word count (no longer required on IELTS) so try to make it a little wordy.
1. In order to form concrete, cement is next combined with water, sand, and gravel in a concrete mixer. 2. The proportions for each ingredient are 15% cement, 10% water, 25% sand and finally 50% gravel (which is small stones).
Write about the rest of the process – include everything!
Try to paraphrase some of the words from process as well.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The process details the steps to make cement and then how cement is used as an ingredient in concrete manufacturing. Overall, the process requires initial mixing and chemical transformation of the raw materials clay and limestone, followed bybagging of the finished cement, before it is then combined with other materials to form concrete.
Initially, limestone and clay are collected and crushed together into a fine powder before being placed in a cylindrical mixer. The mixture is then connected to a rotating heater which transforms the powder and it is then ground a second time and sealed in bags as cement.
In order to form concrete, cement is next combined with water, sand, and gravel in a concrete mixer. The proportions for each ingredient are 15% cement, 10% water, 25% sand and finally 50% gravel (which is small stones).
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
details shows
steps stages
cement a material for construction
ingredient part of
concrete manufacturing the making of concrete
overall in general
requires needs
initial first
mixing combining
chemical transformation changing to a new substance
raw materials basic substances
followed by after that
bagging put into bags
before preceding
combined put together
form make
initially at first
crushed together broken apart and combined
fine powder light dust
placed put into
cylindrical mixer device for mixing shaped like a cylinder
The process d_________s the s_____s to make c______t and then how cement is used as an i___________t in c__________________g. O_________l, the process r_______s i_______l m_______g and c_______________________n of the r____________________s clay and limestone, f_____________yb____________g of the finished cement, b_________e it is then c____________d with other materials to f_____m concrete.
I___________y, limestone and clay are collected and c________________r into a f______________r before being p________d in a c___________________r. The m________e is then c______________d to a r________________r which transforms the powder and it is then g_________d a s_______________e and s__________d in bags as c__________t.
I_____________o form concrete, cement is n____t combined with water, sand, and gravel in a c___________r. The p_______________s for each ingredient are 15% cement, 10% water, 25% sand and finally 50% gravel (which is small s________s).
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of moving to a new place from the real IELTS general training exam.
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Dave
IELTS Essay: Moving
Some people are happy to stay in the same area for their whole life, while others prefer living in many different places.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Some individuals frequently move to new places to live and others would rather remain in one general area. In my opinion, there can be value in moving, however, it is on the whole more advantageous to integrate with a single community.
The benefits gained from moving relate to lifestyle. A person who lives in the same town their entire life is likely to have a similar circle of friends, take part in hobbies with limited variation, and not come in contact with diverse points of view. However, the person who moves to another part of their country or travels abroad for an extended period, will broaden their horizons. For instance, a worker from the United States who spends a year living in an Asian nation is likely to learn basic competency in a new language, develop an appreciation for an authentic cuisine, and form meaningful bonds with locals.
Nonetheless, by remaining in one place, an individual can best impact their community. A person who moves from community to community will not be able to form as many deep connections and much of their energy will be spent moving and acclimating to a new region. In contrast, a person who lives in the same town or city their whole life will have a wide circle of friends and not need to spend time learning how to get around, speak a new language, or meet new friends. The time and energy saved can then be directed towards a number of pursuits that benefit their neighborhood. For instance, they might decide to invest time in renovating their house or organizing local litter collection campaigns, without having to sacrifice much time for friends, family, and work.
In conclusion, despite the broadening advantages of moving often, there is more value in having a substantial effect on one’s local area. Travel and moving often disguise an inability to focus on one’s own life and surroundings.
Analysis
1. Some individuals frequently move to new places to live and others would rather remain in one general area. 2. In my opinion, there can be value in moving, however, it is on the whole more advantageous to integrate with a single community.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. The benefits gained from moving relate to lifestyle. 2. A person who lives in the same town their entire life is likely to have a similar circle of friends, take part in hobbies with limited variation, and not come in contact with diverse points of view. 3. However, the person who moves to another part of their country or travels abroad for an extended period, will broaden their horizons. 4. For instance, a worker from the United States who spends a year living in an Asian nation is likely to learn basic competency in a new language, develop an appreciation for an authentic cuisine, and form meaningful bonds with locals.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
1. Nonetheless, by remaining in one place, an individual can best impact their community. 2. A person who moves from community to community will not be able to form as many deep connections and much of their energy will be spent moving and acclimating to a new region. 3. In contrast, a person who lives in the same town or city their whole life will have a wide circle of friends and not need to spend time learning how to get around, speak a new language, or meet new friends. 4. The time and energy saved can then be directed towards a number of pursuits that benefit their neighborhood. 5. For instance, they might decide to invest time in renovating their house or organizing local litter collection campaigns, without having to sacrifice much time for friends, family, and work.
Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
Explain your new main idea.
Include specific details and examples.
Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
Develop the example fully.
1. In conclusion, despite the broadening advantages of moving often, there is more value in having a substantial effect on one’s local area. 2. Travel and moving often disguise an inability to focus on one’s own life and surroundings.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Some individuals frequently move to new places to live and others would rather remain in one general area. In my opinion, there can be value in moving, however, it is on the whole more advantageous to integrate with a single community.
The benefits gained from moving relate tolifestyle. A person who lives in the same town their entire life is likely to have a similar circle of friends, take part in hobbies with limited variation, and not come in contact withdiverse points of view. However, the person who moves to another part of their country or travels abroad for an extended period, will broaden their horizons. For instance, a worker from the United States who spends a year living in an Asian nation is likely to learn basic competency in a new language, develop an appreciation for an authentic cuisine, and form meaningful bonds with locals.
Nonetheless, by remaining in one place, an individual can best impact their community. A person who moves from community to community will not be able to form as many deep connections and much of their energy will be spent moving and acclimating to a new region. In contrast, a person who lives in the same town or city their whole life will have a wide circle of friends and not need to spend time learning how to get around, speak a new language, or meet new friends. The time and energy saved can then be directed towards a number of pursuits that benefit their neighborhood. For instance, they might decideto invest time in renovating their house or organizing local litter collection campaigns, without having to sacrifice much time for friends, family, and work.
In conclusion, despite the broadening advantages of moving often, there is more value in having a substantial effect on one’s local area. Travel and moving often disguise an inability to focus on one’s own life and surroundings.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
frequently move to new places to live often change houses/apartment to go to a new place
would rather remain prefer to stay
general area overall vicinity, near
value importance
on the whole overall
advantageous beneficial
integrate become one with
community people around you
benefits gained from advantages you get from
relate tolifestyle have to do with how you live
entire life whole lifespan
similar circle of friends same network
hobbies pastimes
limited variation not much difference
come in contact withdiverse points of view meet different people and ideas
however but
travels abroad for an extended period goes to another country for a long time
broaden their horizons learn more about other places and people
spends a year living lives 1 year somewhere else
basic competency decent at it
develop an appreciation for an authentic cuisine likes the local food
form meaningful bonds with locals gets to know people who live there
nonetheless regardless
best impact greatest effect
from community to community in each place
deep connections strong relationships
acclimating getting used to
wide circle of friends many different friends
directed towards pointed at
pursuits activities
neighborhood community around you
decideto invest time choose to put time into
renovating fixing up
organizing local litter collection campaigns picking up trash
sacrifice give up
broadening advantages benefits related to learning
I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:
Some individuals f________________________________e and others w______________________n in one g_____________a. In my opinion, there can be v______e in moving, however, it is o_____________e more a________________s to i_____________e with a single c_____________y.
The b__________________m moving r____________________e. A person who lives in the same town their e_____________e is likely to have a s___________________s, take part in h____________s with l________________n, and not c_____________________hd____________________________w. H______________r, the person who moves to another part of their country or t__________________________________d, will b_________________s. For instance, a worker from the United States who s____________________g in an Asian nation is likely to learn b_____________________y in a new language, d___________________________________________e, and f___________________________________s.
N_________________s, by remaining in one place, an individual can b________________t their community. A person who moves f___________________________y will not be able to form as many d___________________s and much of their energy will be spent moving and a__________________g to a new region. In contrast, a person who lives in the same town or city their whole life will have a w______________________s and not need to spend time learning how to get around, speak a new language, or meet new friends. The time and energy saved can then be d______________________s a number of p___________s that benefit their n________________d. For instance, they might d________________________e in r_____________g their house or o_______________________________s, without having to s_______________e much time for friends, family, and work.
In conclusion, despite the b_____________________s of moving often, there is more value in having a s___________________t on one’s local area. Travel and moving often d___________e an i____________y to focus on one’s own life and s________________s.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay related to media and pictures that is only available on my Patreon based on a real question from the exam.
Here is the questions itself:
News stories on TV and in newspapers are very often accompanied by pictures.
Some people say that these pictures are more effective than words.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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