Map questions ask you to describe places and explain how they have changed. You may see one map or two maps showing different times or a proposed future layout. When comparing maps, focus on the main changes and describe locations clearly.
Common Map Questions
Maps may show:
- One place at a single point in time
- A place before and after development
- A current layout and a proposed future plan
When maps show change over time, choose verb tenses that match each map. Many changes involve human construction, so passive forms are useful: a road was widened, houses were built.
A Four-Paragraph Structure
Introduction
Paraphrase the prompt and say what the maps show.
Overview
Summarize the most noticeable changes. For example, say whether the area became more residential, gained new transport links, or lost open land.
Details paragraph one
Describe a group of specific changes. You can organize them by location or type.
Details paragraph two
Describe the remaining changes and include comparisons where relevant.
Keep exact details in the body paragraphs. The overview should give the reader the broad picture.
Describing Specific Changes
Use verbs that match what happened:
- Buildings: built, demolished, replaced, renovated, expanded, converted, relocated
- Trees and land: cleared, removed, planted, developed
- Transport: constructed, extended, widened, removed
- Facilities: opened, added, redeveloped
Examples:
- The factory was converted into apartments.
- A bridge was built across the river.
- The trees were cleared to make room for housing.
- The old shops were replaced by a hotel.
Describing General Changes
Use the overview to describe the scale or direction of change:
- The area changed considerably during the period.
- The former industrial district was redeveloped.
- The town became more residential.
- Several new transport links were added.
Choose two or three major features. Avoid describing every small detail in the overview.
Describing Locations
Compass directions can make locations precise. Mark north on the map if the directions are not shown.
Examples:
- A park was added to the north of the river.
- Houses in the southwest were removed.
- The airport was relocated to the northeast.
- A school was built beside the swimming pool.
Prepositions also help explain where features sit: in, at, beside, near, along, and on the banks of.
Sample Answer
The maps show an island before and after it was developed as a tourist destination.
The island changed substantially, with accommodation and visitor facilities added to its western and central areas. The eastern part remained largely undeveloped, and the beach and palm trees were mostly preserved.
Several groups of hotel buildings were constructed among the trees. Six buildings were added in the western part of the island, while nine were built near the centre. A reception area and restaurant were placed between these accommodation zones.
A pier was also built on the southern coast to provide access for boats. The beach on the western side remained, although the maps indicate that visitors could use it for swimming. Overall, the development concentrated on accommodation and access while leaving part of the island in its natural state.