Writing · Unit 3: Core strategies
W27: Task 1 maps: before and after
Target band 6.5 to 7
Map questions usually show the same place at two different times, like a village in 2000 and today. Sometimes they show two possible locations for something new. Your job is to describe the main changes, using location language and passive verbs. Like process diagrams, maps have no numbers to compare, so many students feel lost. Here's a clear method.
Why this matters
Maps appear less often than graphs, but when they do, unprepared students waste time. With the right language, maps can actually be quick and predictable.
The method
- Orient yourself. Find north on the compass. Note the key areas.
- Compare the two maps. What was added? What was removed? What changed use? What stayed the same?
- Find the overview. What's the big change? More housing? More roads? Less green space?
- Organise by area or by type of change. For example, north side then south side, or new buildings then removed features.
Language for changes
| Change | Example |
|---|---|
| Built | A new school was built / constructed / opened. |
| Removed | The farm was demolished / removed / cleared. |
| Changed use | The factory was converted into apartments. |
| Replaced | The trees were replaced by a car park. |
| Bigger | The hospital was expanded / extended. |
| Stayed | The church remained unchanged. |
Language for location
to the north / south / east / west of, in the north-east corner, next to, opposite, along the river, in the centre, on the outskirts
The data
Two maps show the village of Riverbend in 2000 and in 2025.
| Area | 2000 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| North of the river | Farmland | Housing estate |
| Riverside path | Narrow footpath | Wider path with a cycle lane |
| Village centre | Small shop, post office | Supermarket; post office unchanged |
| East side | Woodland | Woodland reduced; car park built |
| South side | Primary school | School extended; new sports field |
| Main road | Two lanes, no bridge | Two lanes, new bridge across the river |
(For your video, draw two simple maps with these changes.)
Model answer (about 180 words)
The maps show how the village of Riverbend changed between 2000 and 2025.
Overall, the village became more developed, with new housing, better transport links and improved facilities, although this came at the cost of some farmland and woodland.
The most significant change took place to the north of the river, where farmland was cleared to make way for a large housing estate. A new bridge was built across the river, connecting this estate to the main road, and the narrow riverside footpath was widened to include a cycle lane.
In the village centre, the small shop was replaced by a supermarket, while the post office remained unchanged. To the east, part of the woodland was removed and a car park was constructed. Meanwhile, on the southern side of the village, the primary school was extended, and a new sports field was added next to it.
Why this answer works
- Overview names the big trend (more development) and the cost (less green space).
- Organised by area: north, centre, east, south.
- Passive voice for changes: was cleared, was built, was extended.
- Location language: to the north of, in the village centre, to the east.
Try it yourself
Describe this change in one sentence: In 2000, there was a factory by the river. In 2025, it's an apartment building.
Sample answer: "The factory by the river was converted into an apartment building."
Honest note
Use past tenses for map changes between two past dates. If one map shows a future plan, use will be or is planned to be.
Your task today
Draw a simple map of your neighbourhood ten years ago and today. Write five sentences describing the changes.