1. ONE MAP


The map type is rare, as it only requires you to use one tense for the whole task and contains nearly no comparisons.

 

2. TWO MAPS:
PAST – PRESENT MAP or PRESENT – FUTURE MAP

 

(If there exist both maps in the past, use Past simple tense only for the whole task)

 

1. Introduction The map(s) compare/show/illustrate(s) how ____ has changed/developed over the ____-year period from (year 1) to (year 2).

OR

The map(s) compare/show/illustrate(s) the changes / development of ____ over the ____-year period from (year 1) to (year 2).
2. Overview Overall, ____ record(s)/witness(es) radical changes/improvements/developments with the most noticeable being the ____, ____, and ____.

OR

Overall, there have been several changes/improvements/developments, the most noticeable being the ____, ____, and ____.

3. Body 1

Describe map in the past (past-present map) or present (present-future map)

Beginning: In (year), …. (past-present map)
         Currently, …. (present-future map)

Tense: past simple tense (past-present map)
   present simple tense (present-future map)

Phrases and Sentences showing the direction:

  • A is to the West / East / South / North / Southeast / Northeast / … of B
  • B is to the left (left-hand side) / right (right-hand side)of A.
  • C is on the bottom right/left-hand corner of D
  • D is on the top right/left-hand corner of C
  • E is at the bottom of F.
  • F is at the top of.
  • G is in the middle/centre of H.

Phrases and Sentences showing the position:

  • A is opposite B.
  • B is in front of A.
  • A is behind B.
  • B is close proximity to A.
  • A is a long distance away from B.
  • A is surrounded by B(s).
  • B(s) surround A.
  • A is parallel to B.
  • A is between B and C.
  • A is next to C.

Verbs indicating position:

  • locate
  • situate 
  • place
  • build
  • site

⇒ Structure:

[Location/direction] + [verb] + [place]

or

[Place] + be + [P2] + [location/direction] 
4. Body 2 Describe map in the present + compare with map in the past (past-present map)
OR
map in the future + compare with map in the present (present-future map)Beginning:
+ Turning to the present-day map, …. (past-present map)
+ Turning to the future plan, … (present-future map)

Tense:
+ present perfect or present simple, past simple (if compared)
+ future simple, present simple (if compared)

Verbs showing the changes:

  • build = construct = put up(v)
  • convert = transform (into sth)
  • modernize = renovate = reconstruct
  • replace = take place
  • extend = expand
  • relocate to somewhere
  • knock down = destroy = flatten = devastate = demolish
  • cut down
  • disappear
  • clear = remove (to make way for sth)
  • plant
  • reopen
  • establish = set up
  • develop = improve = become bigger
  • remain = still exist = stay unchanged
  • narrow down / become smaller

⇒ Structure:

[Place] + [location/direction] + be + [P2] + [time]

or

[Time] +  [location/direction]  + there (be) + [P2]