Time-Based Map:
These are a bit common map types that illustrate changes that occur over a specific period,
whether in a building, city, or any particular area.
They include comparing 2 or more maps by highlighting developments like urbanisation,
infrastructural changes, or environmental transformations.
Use past tense for the old map and present tense for the current one. Tense type is important
It could include changes in infrastructure, land use, population density, transportation networks, and
natural features.
Steps to Approach a Map Description
1. Analyze the Maps
Identify the time periods (e.g., past and present, or future).
Observe major changes (additions, removals, or transformations).
Note specific features (buildings, roads, green areas, water bodies, etc.).
Look for directions (north, south, east, west).
2. Structure Your Answer
Introduction: Paraphrase the task statement. Mention what the maps show and their
time frames.
Overview: Summarize the main trends or significant changes. Avoid details here.
Body Paragraphs: Divide your details logically. For instance:
Changes in residential, commercial, or public areas.
Additions/removals of infrastructure.
Changes in land use (e.g., urbanization, deforestation).
Key Features to Highlight in Maps
Additions: New structures (buildings, roads, parks).
Removals: Disappearance of features (forests, fields, structures).
Transformations: Existing features that have been repurposed (e.g., farmland converted into
housing).
Unchanged Areas: Features that remain the same.
Spatial Directions: Use north, south, east, west, and prepositions (e.g., "to the north of,"
"along," "in the center of").
Useful Vocabulary for Map Description
Verbs to Describe Changes
Additions: built, constructed, introduced, developed, opened, established.
Removals: demolished, removed, cleared, replaced, knocked down.
Transformations: converted, transformed, renovated, modernized, extended, expanded.
Unchanged Features: remained, retained, stayed the same.
Prepositions and Phrases for Location
Directions: to the north/south/east/west of, in the northwest corner, centrally located, on the
outskirts.
Relative Positions: next to, adjacent to, opposite, alongside, surrounded by, between, in
proximity to.
Linking Words for Comparison
while, whereas, in contrast, compared to, similarly, on the other hand, subsequently, thereafter.
Adjectives for General Description
spacious, congested, urbanized, industrial, rural, residential, commercial, modernized.
Examples of Sentence Structures
1. Introduction Example:
"The maps illustrate the changes in a town center between 1990 and 2020."
2. Overview Example:
"Overall, the town underwent significant urbanization, with the addition of residential
areas and a shopping complex, while the farmland to the east was replaced by a park."
3. Body Paragraph Example:
"In 1990, the area to the west of the main road was primarily occupied by farmland. By
2020, this was replaced by a housing estate, and a school was constructed in the
southern part of the estate."
4. Direction Example:
"A new supermarket was built to the north of the residential area, adjacent to the
existing railway line."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Lack of Overview: Always include a summary of major changes.
2. Overly Detailed Description: Focus on significant features, not every minor change.
3. Incorrect Use of Directions: Be precise when describing locations.
4. Ignoring Unchanged Features: Mention features that have not changed to provide a full picture.
Key Tenses and Structures:
1. Future Passive (will be + past participle):
This is ideal for describing what will happen in the future.
Example: A new park will be constructed in the southern area.
2. Passive with 'is planned to be' or 'is expected to be':
These are suitable for emphasizing plans or intentions.
Example: A residential area is planned to be developed in the eastern zone.
Suggested Strategy:
Mix both forms to add variety and sophistication to your writing:
The area to the west of the city is planned to be converted into a recreational park, while a new
highway will be built to improve connectivity.