SAMPLE ESSAY:
The maps compare a small island before and after the developments carried out for
tourism purposes.
Overall, it is clear that accommodation and other facilities for tourists were built and
that a pier was constructed to permit access to the island by boat.
In the past, the island was originally completely undeveloped with a number of trees
occupying the northern and southern parts. In the central part of the island, two separate
accommodation areas were then built, consisting of simple huts arranged round a circular
footpath. A notable transformation was also seen in the erection of a reception area and
restaurant located in the centre of these two areas. Another footpath was constructed, leading
to the beach on the western edge of the island and an area there for tourists to swim.
Access to the island was made possible by the construction of a pier and for tourists to
land safely by boat. A vehicle track then connected the pier with the reception area, which lies
in the heart of the island. The vehicle track wound round the reception area and continued a
very short distance to the restaurant.
PRACTICE:
Write the Introduction and the Overview for this map:
The maps below show changes in the Spanish city of Castellon in recent times.
USEFUL STRUCTURES:
INTRODUCTION:
The maps describe a seaside village before and after some developments from 1995 until now.
The maps illustrate the transformation of a seaside village between 1995 and now.
The maps depict how a seaside village changed over the period of 30 years, starting from
1995.
OVERVIEW:
Overall, it is evident/ it can be clearly seen from the map supplied that …
… the library saw/experienced/witnessed dramatic changes/ significant developments in its
layout.
… the city centre saw striking developments.
… the industrial area was totally transformed/ reconstructed/ redeveloped/ rebuilt.
… the central business district was completely modernised during the time period.
… the area witnessed dramatic changes both outdoors and indoors
… the area become less green and more built-up
LANGUAGE FOR CHANGES:
Disappear:
Trees:
All the trees were cleared/ were cut down/ were chopped down/ were felled.
Infrastructure:
The school was demolished/ was knocked down/ was flattened/ was pulled down/ was torn
down.
The airport disappeared.
There was a destruction of an old hospital.
Appear:
Trees:
More trees were planted.
Infrastructure:
The city hall was built/ was constructed/ was erected/ was put up.
The office was renovated/ was refurbished.
A park appeared.
There was a construction of a new hospital.
The building was modernized with more modern facilities being added.
A new refrigerator was installed.
Some new furniture including a bookshelf, a tea table, and a TV were introduced.
Replace:
The shops were demolished/ were knocked down to make way for/ give way to a residential
area.
The hotel was replaced by/ made into a school.
The golf course was turned into/ was converted into / transformed into a resort.
The individual houses were developed into a modern residential area.
Change in size:
Expansion:
The car park near the river was extended / was widened/ was enlarged/ was expanded/ was
made bigger.
The hall became bigger.
The railway was lengthened.
Reduction:
The car park near the river became smaller/ shrank.
The main road seemed to narrow (v)/ get narrowed (adj) when it ran towards the northwest.
The community dwindled to tenth of its former size.
The railway was shortened.
Remain:
The airport remains unchanged/ still existed/ experiences no changes.
Remove:
The stadium was removed to/ was relocated to the West area.
LANGUAGE FOR DIRECTIONS:
top left-hand corner at the top top right-hand corner
left-hand side in the middle/ centre right-hand side
bottom left-hand corner at the bottom bottom right-hand corner
How to use prepositions correctly:
A is to the west/ to the left-hand side of B.
B is to the east/ to the right-hand side of A.
“to” is used when A is not a part of B and vice versa.
B is in the west of A.
B is on the left-hand side of A.
“in, on” are used when B in a part of A.
“in” is used with south, north, east, west
“on” is used with left-hand side, right-hand side
Other ways to describe direction:
PRACTICE
Write 2 bodies for this map using given vocabulary and structures:
USEFUL STRUCTURES FOR BODY PARAGRAPH:
- One notable change is (that)…
- Another change worth mentioning is (that)…
- Use relative clause (e.g.: The playground, which is in the middle of the park, has been
downsized.)
Some phrases for future map:
It is projected/ expected that + clause.
S + be projected/ expected/ planned to + Vinf.
The projection/ expectation is that + clause.
S + be going to/ will…
MORE PRACTICE:
The plans below show the layout of a university’s sports centre now, and how it will look
after redevelopment.
Summarize the information by selecting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.