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1
THEORY & CONCEPT

MAP DEFINITION

Maps mainly focus on the changes in one location. They can be the construction or demolition of facilities or landscape
surroundings over two different periods. It is, therefore, significant to separate them into comparative areas which can be
easily seen to group similar information to analyze.

Examinees will need to use immensely structural vocabulary to describe position and location.

TYPES OF MAPS

There are generally two types of map in the IELTS test.

1. One single map is given to examinees who are asked to describe two locations on it or even compare it.
2. Two maps of the same place but in different points of time (e.g. 1995, 2005) may be given to candidates.
They are required to write a report on how this place has changed over time.

HOW TO WRITE REPORTS ON MAPS

SINGLE MAP DOUBLE MAP

Introduction Paraphrase what the question shows
Depending on what the purposes of those
State what the direction of change is / the
Overview points are, give an opinion about which one
most obvious changes
may serve purposes better
Body 1 + 2 Compare the two points Cover all the changes

Note
• Single Map: often used to test the ability to compare 2 locations on the map.
• Double Map: often used to test the ability to recognize changes that take place between two diagrams.

KINDS OF QUESTIONS

There are normally four as follows:

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a) Describe a map in present simple tense

The map below is of the town of Garlsdon. A new

This question hardly appears in the test supermarket (S) is planned for the town. The map shows
because it only requires simple tense. two possible sites for the supermarket.

This type of map provides information on

several possible construction sites for
something like a new building
(supermarket / school), motorway or
airport. Candidates must write about the
advantages and disadvantages of each.
This is the only type of task 1 diagram
where you must add your own opinion.

b) Describe 2 maps: one in the present and one in the future

The plans below show the layout of a university’s

sports centre now, and how it will look after
redevelopment.
Candidates sometimes see this question when
maps describe the future development of a
village, district or city. The tenses used should
be present and future.

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c) Describe 2 maps: one in the past and one in the present.

The maps show the plan of a city in 1950 and the city now.

It is the most common question which

appears in the IELTS test. This kind of
question will require candidates to analyze the
profound characteristics and sometimes
provide the comparison for the expansion if
necessary. The tenses used are the past and the
present.

d) Describe 2 maps in the past

The diagram shows the changes that took place at the

seaside resort of Templeton between 1990 and 2005.

The fourth is the most straightforward and will

be the main focus of this chapter. The tense used
is the past.

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EXERCISES

1. The maps below show changes that took place in Youngsville in New Zealand between 1980 and 2005. Answer
the following questions:

a) What is the most noticeable difference between the two maps?

b) Was the town more or less residential in 2005 compared to 1980?
c) Were there more or fewer trees in 2005?
d) Were the changes dramatic or negligible over the 25-year period?
e) What were the two biggest changes north of the river?
f) What happened to the houses and trees along the railway line south of the river?

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2. Complete the model text below. Use one word from the following list to complete each blank space. The first
one has been done for you.

houses experienced noticeable factories developments

comparison residential corner facilities construction

Model Text

The maps show the …d…

ev…
el… me…
op… nts… which took place in the coastal town of Youngsville between 1980 and 2005.

In 1980, the town was a much greener 2…….................. area with a large number of trees and individual houses, but
during the next 25 years the town3 ….................. a number of dramatic changes. The most 4.................. is that all of
the trees south of the river Alanah were cut down, with all the 5.................. along the railway line being knocked
down and replaced by skyscrapers. Moreover, a new industrial estate with 6.................. and warehouses sprang up
around the airport and school.

Only a few trees north of the river remained. The woodland was cleared to make way for a park, a golf course and car
parking 7.................... Further developments were the 8.................. of a stadium near the north-east 9.................. of the
lake and a new stretch of railway from the river running directly north. A marina was also built at the mouth of the river.

Overall, a 10.................. of the two maps reveals a change from a largely rural to a mainly urban landscape.

3. Transform the sentences below by changing the nouns into verbs and using the passive.
Example

There were spectacular changes in the area.

The area was changed spectacularly.

a) There were dramatic developments in the town centre.

b) There was a complete transformation of the neighbourhood.
c) There was a total reconstruction of the residential area.
d) There was a total redevelopment of the old factories.
e) There was a rebuilding of the old houses.
f) There was a complete modernization of the entertainment district.

4. Look again at the sentences you wrote in 3. Which could be rewritten in the active form?

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5. Rewrite sentences a-h below using synonyms from the model text in 2.

a) The maps show changes which occurred between 1980 and 2005.
b) Very few trees were left.
c) Over the next 25 years, all these houses were demolished.
d) The single dwellings were replaced by skyscrapers.
e) The trees were chopped down.
f) The area witnessed dramatic changes.
g) The woodland gave way to a golf course.
h) A marina was also constructed.

6. Put the verbs below into the correct form. All of the changes took place between 2000 and 2005.
Examples

The block of flats was turned (turn) into a hotel. (passive)

The block of flats made way (make way) for a hotel. (active)

a) The row of old houses .................. (knock down) to make way for a road.
b) The forest.................. (cut down) to build a railway.
c) The area .................. (redevelop) completely.
d) The factory .................. (convert) into an art gallery.
e) The city centre .................. (undergo) a total transformation.
f) The row of old terraced houses in the city .................. (pull down) and .................. (replace) by a block
of flats.
g) A sports complex .................. (construct) in the suburbs.
h) A number of spectacular changes .................. (take place).
i) The whole centre of the town .................. (transform) by new developments.

7. Which of the following cannot be used to replace the phrase Between 2000 and 2005?
a Over the period c From 2000 to 2005

b During the five year period d Over the past five years

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8. The past perfect (had done) can also be used to describe changes occurring before a specific time in the past.
Look at the examples. Then insert By 2005 at the beginning of each sentence in 6 and adjust each sentence.

Examples

By 2005, the block of flats had been turned into a hotel. (passive)

By 2005, the block of flats had made way for a hotel. (active)

Describing locations

9. It is sometimes important to state locations clearly on a map. Read the examples. Then answer the questions
a-g about the maps in 1 using the phrases in the box.

Example

Only a few trees north of the river remained.

Where is the golf course? It is north-west of the lake.

south of the river beside the railway line in the south-west of the town

north of the skyscrapers south of the golf course

south-west of the stadium north-east of the lake

a) Where are the skyscrapers? They are ............................................................

b) Where is the stadium? It is ............................................................
c) Where is the lake? It is ............................................................
d) Where is the hospital? It is ............................................................
e) Where is the railway station? It is ............................................................
f) Where is the airport? It is ............................................................
g) Where is the school? It is ............................................................

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10. Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct prepositions of place from the alternatives.

a) Several changes took place at / in / on the town of Northgate.

b) North of the town, there is a lake surrounded in / of / by trees.
c) A number of new houses were built beside / at / on the railway line.
d) There was a large industrial area located on / in / at the north.
e) A new railway was constructed which ran from / at / in north to south.
f) Two new hotels were erected on / in / at the banks of the river.
g) A large number of new villas were built beside / at / to the sea.
h) A yachting club was set up on / in / at the shores of the lake.
i) A number of wind turbines were placed in the sea, just off / on / to the coastline.

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PRACTICE (TYPE FOUR)

E.g. 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram shows the changes that took place at the seaside resort of Templeton between 1990 and 2005.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make any comparisons where
relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

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E.g. 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram below shows changes that took place in Youngsville in New Zealand between 1980 and 2005.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make any comparisons where
relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

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MAP ANALYSIS

PARAPHRASE

- diagram = illustration = map

- to show = to delineate = to highlight = to provide detailed information on the comparisons between
- changes = developments = how the resort had changed / developed
- to take place = to occur = to happen
- at the seaside resort = at a resort by the sea = at a hotel beach resort

Note

Remember that some verbs cannot take the passive form. Intransitive verbs, such as happen, become, do not take an
object and can, therefore, not have a passive form.

INTRODUCTION

1. The illustration highlights the developments which occurred in / at … (the name of the town / city / area)
over a period of …. (the span of time) … years, from … to …..

2. The illustration highlights how … (the name of the town / city / area) ... developed at a remarkable / rapid
pace from … to …

E.g. 1. The diagram shows the changes that took place at the seaside resort of Templeton between 1990 and 2005.

• The illustration highlights the developments which occurred at a hotel beach resort of Templeton over a period of
15 years, from 1990 to 2005.

• The illustration highlights how a hotel beach resort of Templeton developed at a remarkable pace from 1990 to
2005.

E.g. 2. The diagram below shows changes that took place in Youngsville in New Zealand between 1980 and 2005.

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OVERALL

You should mention the most noticeable differences between the two maps. You can base on the following questions to
figure them out:

Was the map more or less residential?

Was the map more or less rural?
Were there more or fewer trees?
Were the changes dramatic or negligible?
Were there any major improvements in infrastructure?
How had the buildings and leisure activities changed?

1. By and large, it is of note that … (the name of the town / city / area) … become / be turned into a far more
+ adj. + area with better … (facilities and infrastructure / transportation routes, etc.)

2. Overall, it is worth noting that dramatic / significant changes + be made to … (the name of the town / city /
area) … + … (time) … + in terms of better … (facilities and infrastructure / transportation routes, etc.)

E.g. 1

• By and large, it is of note that the resort was turned into a far more industrial area with better facilities and
transportation routes.

• Overall, it is worth noting that significant changes had been made to the resort by 2005 in terms of better facilities
and transportation routes.

E.g. 2

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BODY 1

You can write from 3 to 4 sentences about specific changes.

Location, changes, tenses are the three key points that should be kept in mind when it comes to map description. Words
used to describe points of the compass should not be capitalized.

Information can be grouped by time or location which is usually left-to-right and top-to-bottom.

Maps often involve changes over a period of time and so passive form is highly recommended.

You can start the first body paragraph with phrases / expressions, namely “A detailed look at … reveals that”,

“An in-depth analysis of …. discloses that”, “More specifically, … “

LOCATION PHRASES

north in the north of …, north of …, to the north of …

south in the south of …, south of …, to the south of …

east in the east of …, east of …, to the east …

west in the west of …, west of …, to the west of …

Note:

If the map does not tell you where north is, the standard convention allows you to assume that north is at the top
of the diagram. You can also use prepositions to indicate where certain things are.

The use of “in the south” totally differs from that of “to the south”.

E.g. : The lamp is in the south of my room > < My room is to the south of my parents’ room

(The lamp is likely to be in your room, but your room is unlikely to be in your parents' room)

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E.g. 1

An in-depth look at the map in 1990 discloses that the resort was in a leafy area of Templeton. However, the tree-
lined/tree-bound streets and period houses of the area, adjacent to the lake in the north-western part, were partly removed
to make room for skyscrapers (Structure 1). Directly below these were trees between the two roads which were also
felled to create an open space for the construction of several premises (Structure 12). Additionally, a complete
transformation was witnessed in the south-western part of the area where a large supermarket and some additional
buildings were erected on the original site of residences (Structure 2).

E.g. 2

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BODY 2

You can write from 3 to 4 sentences about specific changes.

When describing remaining area, you can use phrases / expressions, such as “As regards …”, “With regard to …”,
“With respect to …”, “When it comes to …”, “The most substantial development recorded lies in the …”

E.g. 1

The most substantial development recorded lies in the north-east of the place, where a commercial airport emerged while
the school remained relatively intact (Structure 3). It was roughly analogous to the hospital that was left untouched
(Structure 3). Finally, besides the great extension of the railway running along the coast, a newly built ferry could also be
found at the south-eastern corner of the tourist resort (Structure 7).

E.g. 2

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SAMPLE

The illustration highlights how a hotel beach resort of Templeton developed at a remarkable pace from 1990 to 2005.

Overall, it is worth noting that significant changes had been made to the resort by 2005 in terms of better facilities and
transportation routes.

An in-depth look at the map in 1990 discloses that the resort was in a leafy area of Templeton. However, the tree-
lined/tree-bound streets and period houses of the area, adjacent to the lake in the north-western part, were partly removed
to make room for skyscrapers. Directly below these were trees between the two roads which were also felled to create an
open space for the construction of several premises. Additionally, a complete transformation was witnessed in the south-
western part of the area where a large supermarket and some additional buildings were erected on the original site of
residences.

The most substantial development recorded lies in the north-east of the place, where a commercial airport emerged while
the school remained relatively intact. It was roughly analogous to the hospital that was left untouched. Finally, besides the
great extension of the railway running along the coast, a newly built ferry could also be found at the south-eastern
corner of the tourist resort.

201 words

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SENTENCE STRUCTURE FOR MAPS

1. A được phá đi để nhường chỗ cho B

A be knocked down to make way for B
pulled down give way to
demolished give over to
cleared make room for
destroyed
removed
A be knocked down, with a B taking its place
pulled down, and replaced by B
demolished,
cleared,
destroyed,
razed (to the ground)
2. A được xây dựng trên vị trí của B
A be built in place of / to replace B
erected on the (original) site of
Where A stand, there used to be B
3. Vị trí của A không thay đổi
A did not change
remain at the same location
remain intact / relatively unchanged / fairly untouched
still exist
be left unchanged / undeveloped
The location of A did not change
A be in the same place
4. A được xây dựng lại để trở thành B
A be reconstructed to become B
renovated and then made into B
rebuilt
redeveloped
There be the construction of A to become B
the renovation
the reconstruction

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5. Overview
The town experience a total transformation to become more / less +
undergo significant improvements rural / urban /
witness / see dramatic changes greener / leafy /
change considerably / dramatically modernized /
industrialized
over the period
6. Phía (Nam) của A có B nhưng nó bị biến thành C
South of A be located B , but it be converted into C
be situated B changed into
turned into
altered into
developed into
transformed into
7. Đường sắt được kéo dài chạy dọc theo thành phố / bờ biển / từ Đông sang Tây
The railway be extended along the coast / city
run from east to west
8. Dòng sông chạy dọc theo thành phố / từ Bắc xuống Nam
The river flows along the city
from north to south
9. Tuyến đường bộ chạy xuyên thành phố từ Bắc vào Nam
The main road run through the entire city
pass through from north to south
go through
cross
10. Một thành phố có số dân là 1000 người
This city has a population of 1,000 people
has 1,000 inhabitants
The population of this city is 1,000
11. Hòn đảo nào đó dài khoảng 250 km
The island has a length of about 250 km
is about 250 km long
The island’s total length is about 250 km

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12. Cây được chặt đi để mở đường / tạo không gian mở cho B
.

Trees be cut down to widen the road for the construction of B

be chopped down to create an open space
be cleared to create an immense expanse
be felled
be logged
13. Trồng cây tạo bóng râm
Trees be grown / planted to create more shades for the city / town
to create more green space
14. A bị thu hẹp, rút ngắn
The car parking become smaller during 2 years
be dramatically narrowed over the period of 2 years.
be slightly shortened
15. A được mở rộng
The industrial complex be (slightly) expanded / extended / widened
be (significantly) lengthened
become bigger
NOTES:
- USE “THE” FOR PLACES IN THE OLD MAP AND “A/AN” FOR ONES IN THE NEW MAP
- MENTION THE DIRECTION (E.G IN THE NORTH / TO THE WEST / WEST OF A) IN EACH
SENTENCE
- USE “WHILE, MEANWHILE, BUT, HOWEVER, ALTHOUGH” TO CONNECT SENTENCES
- DO NOT USE “THROUGH” FOR “CROSS”
- DO NOT USE “TO BE” FOR “APPEAR” OR “DISAPPEAR”

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COMPASS POINTS
One common way to locate features on maps is to use compass points.

A new public swimming pool was built to the north of the tennis courts.

A bandstand has been constructed in the centre of the park.

There was formerly an industrial zone in the south-east of the city.

The word just can be used to indicate that two things are close to each other.

The public gardens are just west of Albert Street.

DESCRIBING MAPS AND PLANS

POSITION

be The town hall is in the centre of town. There is now a high-speed train linking the two towns.

lie The town of Greendale lies 20 kilometres east of Fallsbrook.

is located The new student residence is located on the east of the campus.

can be found / can be seen A bookstore can be found on the second floor of the complex.

stand (used mainly for buildings) The opera house once stood on the corner of Charles Avenue and Rose Street.

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CHANGE

build A shopping mall has been built just outside of town.

construct An elementary school was constructed where the factory used to be.

expand The science lab was greatly expanded.

add (on) to A new wing has been added (on) to the art museum.

demolish Several houses were demolished when the road was constructed.

become The open space west of the business park became a residential neighbourhood.

remove The first two rows of seats in the theatre were removed when the stage was expanded.

convert (to) The factory was converted to a museum.

transform (into) The old barn will be transformed into an antique shop.

move to The gift shop was moved to another part of the art museum.

relocate By 2008, the fire station had been relocated.

open / set up A skate park was set up next to the swimming pool.

ROADS, BRIDGES, ETC.

pass through A highway now passes through the centre of town.

run A railway used to run between the two towns.

link The two skyscrapers are linked by a walkway on the 30th floor.

connect A bridge connects Travis Island with the mainland.

extend The light rail system will be extended all the way to the airport next year.

at the junction with There is a hospital on Cooper Street at the junction with Blake Avenue.

cross Cars used to cross the river at Pembroke Street, but now they cross the river at Castle Street.

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PREPOSITIONS OF PLACE

behind Behind the supermarket, there is a cinema.

opposite / across .. from A discount store was opposite the medical centre on High Street

A discount store was across the street from the medical centre.

between Today, there is a clothing store between the two coffee shops.

next to / A laundry used to be next to the pharmacy.

adjacent to / There is a row of houses immediately adjacent to the factory. (/əˈdʒeɪsnt/)

beside

in front of There is a news stand in front of the office building.

at one end …. and at the other At one end of the street there was once a bank, and at the other was the City
Hall.

inside Inside the courtyard you can see a garden.

outside There used to be some vending machines outside the hotel.

in the middle of A small island lies in the middle of the lake.

to the right, to the left The forest to the right of the lake was completely cut down.

to the north/south/east/west The forest to the south of the hotel was removed.

in the center A golf course in the center of the town was set up.

from … to The railway running from north to south was extended.

A new stadium was built on the vast grassland stretching from the center to the
southern part of the town.

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FURTHER PRACTICE

WRITING TASK 1.1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagrams below show the development of a small fishing village and its surrounding area into a large
European tourist resort.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make any comparisons where
relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

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WRITING TASK 1.2

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The maps below show the changes experienced by Riverside town from 1970 to 2009.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make any comparisons where
relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

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WRITING TASK 1.3

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The maps show the plan of a city in 1950 and the city now.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make any comparisons where
relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

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WRITING TASK 1.4

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The map below shows the development of a seaside village between 1995 and present.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make any comparisons where
relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

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WRITING TASK 1.5

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Chorleywood is a village near London whose population has increased steadily since the middle of the
nineteenth century. The map below shows the development of the village.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make any comparisons where
relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

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WRITING TASK 1.6

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The map below is of the town of Garlsdon. A new supermarket (S) is planned for the town. The map shows two
possible sites for the supermarket.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make any comparisons where
relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

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EXERCISE ANSWER KEY

1 4
a) The town changed considerably over the b) The town centre developed dramatically.
period.
b) It was more residential.
c) There were fewer trees in 2005.
d) They were dramatic.
e) The construction of the stadium and the
removal of the houses.
f) They were cut down and replaced by
skyscrapers.
2 5
2. residential a) The map shows changes which took place between
3. experienced 1980 and 2005.
4. noticeable b) Very few trees remained.
5. houses c) Over the next 25 years, all these houses were
6. factories knocked down.
7. facilities d) The single dwellings made way for skyscrapers.
8. construction e) The trees were cut down.
9. corner f) The area experienced dramatic changes.
10. comparison g) The woodland made way for a golf course.
h) A marina was also built.
3 6
a) The town centre was developed dramatically. a) was knocked down
b) The neighbourhood was completely b) was cut down
transformed. c) was redeveloped
c) The residential area was totally reconstructed. d) was converted
d) The old factories were totally redeveloped. e) underwent
e) The old houses were rebuilt. f) was pulled down / replaced
f) The entertainment district was completely g) was constructed
modernized. h) took place
i) was transformed

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7
d) cannot replace Between 2000 and 2005.
8 9
a) By 2005, the row of old houses had been a) They are beside the railway line.
knocked down to make way for a road. b) It is north-east of the lake.
b) By 2005, the forest had been cut down to c) It is south-west of the stadium.
build a railway. d) It is south of the golf course.
c) By 2005, the area had been redeveloped e) It is north of the skyscrapers.
completely. f) It is in the south-west of the town.
d) By 2005, the factory had been converted into g) It is south of the river.
an art gallery. 10
e) By 2005, the city centre had undergone a total
a) in
transformation.
b) by
f) By 2005, the row of old terraced houses in the
c) beside
city had been pulled down and replaced by a
d) in
block of flats.
e) from
g) By 2005, a sports complex had been
f) on
constructed in the suburbs.
g) beside
h) By 2005, a number of spectacular changes had
h) on
taken place.
i) off
i) By 2005, the whole centre of the town had
been transformed by new developments.

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