Maps Lesson
Describe one map in the present day ==> Present.
Describe two maps - one in the present and one in the future ==> Present and future.
Describe two maps - one in the past and one in the present ==> Present and past.
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1) Main Features Identification:
The first kind is very rare - present:
Requires you to use the present simple and it is impossible for any comparisons to be made.
The second kind does come up occasionally - present and future:
Require you to use present and future tenses.
This kind of question is normally about the future development of a town or city.
The third is the most common - present and past:
You will normally be shown two maps, as above, and asked to select and report the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Using both present and past tenses to describe the maps and how the town has developed.
This is a man-made process we will use the passive.
2) Structure:
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
This paragraph should be one sentence long.
Paraphrase the question using synonyms.
Paragraph 2 (Overview)
Make two general statements about the map.
You should describe the maps generally and write about the most noticeable differences between the two maps.
You could ask yourself the following questions to identify general changes.
Is the map more or less residential?
Is there more or less countryside?
Are there more or less trees?
Were the changes dramatic or negligible?
Were there any major improvements in infrastructure?
How have the buildings and leisure facilities changed?
Paragraph 3/4 (Details of significant feature 1/2)
For each paragraph, write three to four sentences about specific changes that have occurred.
You can group information together in paragraphs 3 and 4 by time or location, depending on the question asked.
3) Tips:
How to Describe Specific Changes
The various buildings and features will normally be labeled for you. What you need to work on is how to write about how they have changed from the past up until the present day.
Example: Various buildings and features and verbs we could describe their change:
Buildings– demolished, knocked down, flattened, replaced, renovated, built, constructed, reconstructed, developed, extended, expanded, relocated, converted and modernized.
Examples:
The government demolished the industrial estate and developed a sports ground.
They removed the shops and replaced them with a skyscraper.
A port was constructed at the edge of the river.
The factory in the city center was demolished and relocated to the north of the city.
The old warehouses were replaced with new hote.
The factory was converted into an apartment.
Trees and Forests- cleared, cut-down, chopped-down, removed, planted.
Examples:
The forest was cut-down and replaced with a shopping center.
The trees were cleared to make way for houses.
Roads, bridges and railways lines- constructed, built, extended, expanded and removed.
The main road was extended and a new bridge built over the river.
Leisure facilities- opened, set up, and developed.
Examples:
A skate park was set up next to the swimming pool.
A park was developed beside the forest.
How to Describe General Changes:
Pick two or three of the most noticeable differences in the map and write a general statement for each. This will be your overview paragraph.
The more specific changes should be included in your main body paragraphs.
To describe general change in towns and cities:
Over the period, the area witnessed dramatic changes.
From 1995 to 2005, the city center saw spectacular developments.
The village changed considerably over the time period.
During the 10 year period, the industrial area was totally transformed.
Over the past 20 years, the residential area was totally reconstructed.
Over the time period, the old docks were totally redeveloped.
Between 1995 and 2005, the old houses were rebuilt.
The central business district was completely modernized during the time period.
How to Describe Locations:
You will also be expected to describe where things are maps and describe where changes have occurred.
You can use ‘to the left’ and ‘to the right’, but a better way is to use ‘north’, ‘south’, ‘east’ and ‘west’.
Examples:
The forest to the south of the river was cut down.
A golf course was constructed to the north of the airport.
The houses in the south-west of the town were demolished
The green fields to the north-west of the city were redeveloped as a park.
The airport in the center of the city was relocated to the north-east of the riv
The school to the south-east was knocked down and a new one was built to the east of the forest.
Finally, you will also be expected to use prepositions of place, e.g. at/in/on/by/beside/to/off/from, to describe where things a
Examples:
Dramatic changes took place in the city center.
To the south of the town, there is a golf course surrounded by tre
A new school was built next to the swimming pool.
The old road running from north to south was replaced by a new motorway
A marina was built on the banks of the river.
4) Sample Answer:
Both maps display an island, before and after it was developed for tourism.
The island is approximately 250 metres long, has palm trees dotted around it, is surrounded by ocean and has a beach to the west. Over the period, the island was completely transformed with the addition of a hotel and a pier; however, the eastern part of the island appears to have been left undeveloped.
The most noticeable additions are the hotel rooms. 6 buildings, surrounding some trees, have been built in the west of the island and 9 buildings have been constructed in the center of the island. Between the two accommodation areas, a reception building and a restaurant have been developed.
A pier has also been built on the south coast of the island, allowing yachts access to the resort. Apart from the trees, the beach remains the only natural feature to remain relatively untouched; however, it does appear that it is now used for swimming.
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