Chapter 8: Describing Maps

Structure
It is usually better to use a standard structure with four paragraphs if
you have to describe a map in the exam. The four-paragraph structure helps
you write a well-organized description which is easier for the reader to
follow.

Paragraph 1- Paraphrase Sentence

In your first paragraph you need to paraphrase the question using synonyms
wherever possible.

Paragraph 2- Overview
In the overview section of your description write two general
sentences about the map. You need to write about the most important
differences between both maps.
Just like in all the other task 1 writing questions in the IELTS
exam, you are going to need an overview here. Some examples of
general sentences for a good overview are:

1. Over the time period, the area underwent radical changes

2. In the period between 1996 and 2006, the park was totally
redesigned.
3. From 2008 to 2018, the city center was subject to some
important developments.
4. The downtown area was completely renovated and
modernized during the time period.
5. The city changed considerably over the period.
6. During the 20-year period, the woodland area was completely
transformed.
7. Over the time period, the church was completely refurbished.
8. Between 2007 and 2017, the old block of flats was renovated.
Important questions to help you identify the main changes:

1. Were the changes big or small (major or minor)?

 2. Were there any big improvements to the infrastructure of the
area?
3. How did the buildings and facilities within the area change?
4. Is the area more residential than it was before or is it less
residential?
5. Has the number of trees increased or decreased over time?

Paragraph 3- Main Body

You can group information together her either by location on the map
or by time if you prefer. In this paragraph you should write around 4 clear
and logical sentences about specific changes which occurred during the
time period.

Paragraph 4- Main Body 2

In this paragraph you should write around 3 or maybe 4 clear and
logical sentences about specific changes which occurred during the time
period. You can group information together her either by location on the
map or by time if you prefer.
 Verbs to describe changes in maps

Exercise 1
Match each beginning of a sentence 1-7 with an ending A-G. More
than one option may be possible.
Notice the verb phrases underlined in A-G (we will look at these later).

1. The center of the village

2. Several old houses
3. A new hospital
4. The old factories
5. Some old mills
6. Some of the trees around the old park
7. The fire station

A. replaced the old run-down sports center *

B. were knocked down to make way for a new park.
C. were pulled down , with a new hotel taking their place
D. were demolished to create more space which was turned into
a campsite
E. were chopped down in order to increase the size of path.
F. was converted into a gym and the car park torn down .
G. was totally transformed over the fifteen-year period.
* run-down is an adjective which means decaying, dirty old and not
taken care of
Useful change phrases for map descriptions:
Replaced took the place of
were knocked down to make way when a building or wall is
for deliberately destroyed to create
space for something else
were pulled down building or wall was destroyed
especially because it was very
old or dangerous
were demolished to create when a building or wall is
deliberately destroyed to create
space for something else
was turned into were transformed or changed
into something else
were chopped down the action of cutting trees until
they fall
to increase the size of generic term for: to make
bigger or wider
to reduce the size of generic term for: to make
smaller or narrower
taking their place occupying the place where the
other thing used to be
was converted into was transformed or changed
into
was torn down was knocked down
 Exercise 2
Underline the most appropriate verb in bold in sentences 1-8 and put
it into the right form to suit the sentence.

1. The abandoned car-park near the woodlands develop/become

into a museum.
2. The area around the city center turn into/become less
accessible with the construction of the new theatre.
3. As the city extend/expand , more bus stations were built.
4. A bus station construct/ become after the old warehouses
were knocked down.
5. The downtown area of the city completely change/demolish
with the introduction of the new shopping center.
6. A number of important developments take place/ convert ,
which totally alter/expand the character of the premises.
7. The area turn into/become more family-friendly with the
introduce/ knock down of new parks and open spaces.
8. The road was extend/expand to the town center, and a new
bus service was introduced to carry passengers to and from
the airport.
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 Exercise 3:
Look at the following map task from an IELTS test. Read the sample
answer on the next page and fill in the blanks with the missing word or
phrase.

Image Source: Cambridge English Practice Tests.

Sample Answer:
The two maps illustrate the changes which have ………….. (2 words)
on a small island, before and after it was developed (its development) for
tourism.
It is clear from the diagram that the island has ………. considerably
with the ……………... of tourism, and several new developments can be
seen in the second diagram. The most important changes are that the island
now has ample accommodation for tourists and there is a peer to enable
visitors to access the island.
One of the most striking changes are the accommodation huts which
are connected by footpaths and which have been …………. around the
reception and restaurant area. A total of 6 huts, have been constructed in the
west of the island and another 9 have been built around the center of the
island.
A pier has also been developed on the south coast of the island to
make the island ………… to tourists and there is a short road linking it with
the reception and restaurant. The trees which were scattered around the
island have been left untouched, and a swimming area has been ………….
just off the beach.
 Answers:
Exercise 1
1. G
2. B/C/D
3. A
4. B/C/D
5. B/C/D
6. E
7. A/F
 Exercise 2
1. developed / was developed
2. became
3. expanded
4. was constructed
5. was completely changed / completely changed
6. took place, altered
7. became , introduction
8. was extended

Exercise 3
The two maps illustrate the changes which have taken place on a
small island, before and after it was developed (its development) for
tourism.
It is clear from the diagram that the island has changed considerably
with the introduction of tourism, and several new developments can be seen
in the second diagram. The most important changes are that the island now
has ample accommodation for tourists and there is a peer to enable visitors
to access the island.
One of the most striking changes are the accommodation huts which
are connected by footpaths and which have been built around the reception
and restaurant area. A total of 6 huts, have been constructed in the west of
the island and another 9 have been built around the center of the island.
A pier has also been developed on the south coast of the island to
make the island accessible to tourists and there is a short road linking it
with the reception and restaurant. The trees which were scattered around
the island have been left untouched, and a swimming area has been
designated just off the beach.

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