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Describe changes to a place over time on a map.
Maps show changes over time. Use passive voice and prepositions of place.
Maps: Two maps of a town — 1990 vs 2020. The 1990 map shows a forest in the north; the 2020 map shows the forest replaced by a shopping centre.
Which sentence describes the change correctly?
Maps usually show changes to a location over time (past vs present, or present vs future plans). Use 4 paragraphs: Introduction, Overview, Body 1, Body 2. Opening templates: 'The two maps illustrate changes in [location] between [year A] and [year B].' / 'The maps show the proposed development of [area].' Paraphrase 'changes' as 'transformations,' 'developments,' 'redevelopment,' 'modifications.' Compare both maps before writing: identify what was added, removed, replaced, expanded, or relocated. The overview should summarize the scale of change: 'Overall, the area underwent significant transformation, becoming considerably more developed/urbanized,' or 'Overall, while some features were preserved, several were demolished and replaced with [new features].' Group changes by region (north/south/east/west, left/right) or by type (additions vs removals).
Body 1 typically describes the original layout and major demolitions; Body 2 describes new constructions and overall character shift. Change vocabulary: 'was demolished,' 'was knocked down,' 'was replaced by,' 'was converted into,' 'was built,' 'was constructed,' 'was erected,' 'was expanded,' 'was extended,' 'was relocated to,' 'was preserved,' 'remained unchanged.' Location language is critical: 'in the north/south/east/west,' 'to the left of,' 'adjacent to,' 'next to,' 'beside,' 'opposite,' 'in the centre,' 'on the outskirts,' 'on the eastern edge,' 'between X and Y,' 'where the [old feature] used to stand.' Direction phrases: 'running from north to south,' 'connecting X with Y,' 'leading from the [feature] to the [feature].' Use past simple if both maps are in the past, present perfect if change extends to now, and 'will be' or 'is planned to' for future development plans. Always state the time frame and use it as the framing tense. Combine compound and complex sentences: 'Whereas in [year A] there was a [feature], by [year B] it had been replaced by [new feature].' No conclusion; aim for 170–190 words.
Task Achievement: examiner expects all major changes to be identified and accurately described, an overview that captures the overall character of the transformation, and correct interpretation of the maps. Missing key features lowers the score. Coherence & Cohesion: organize by area or by type of change; use clear sequencing and location connectors. Linking devices for comparison ('whereas,' 'while,' 'in contrast') help structure body paragraphs. Lexical Resource: directional language, location prepositions, and change verbs (especially passives like 'was replaced,' 'was demolished') are heavily rewarded. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: passive voice for changes, accurate prepositions of place, and correct tense matching the time frame. Use 'used to' and past perfect for nuanced contrast.
Tactical content is original synthesis based on these public IELTS prep resources.