How to Read a Map Task
- 1Map tasks usually show ONE place at TWO different times (past vs. present/future).
- 2Occasionally they show a plan or layout rather than a change over time.
- 3Identify: what has been ADDED? What has been REMOVED? What has MOVED?
- 4Note what has STAYED THE SAME — this is often overlooked but important.
- 5Learn location language: north, south-east, adjacent to, opposite, in the centre.
Introduction
The maps illustrate the development of [place] between [year] and [year].
The maps compare the layout of [place] in [year 1] and [year 2].
The maps depict changes to [place] over a [X]-year period from [year] to [year].
Location & Change Language
[Building] was demolished/removed and replaced by [new feature].
A [new feature] was constructed/built in the [north/south] of the area.
[Feature] remained unchanged / was retained throughout the period.
The [road/path] was extended/widened/relocated to the [east/west].
The area to the [north] of [landmark] was transformed into [new use].
Sample Answer – Band 7
Question
The maps show a small town in 1980 and the present day.
Introduction
The maps illustrate how a small town changed over a period of approximately forty years, from 1980 to the present day.
Overview
Overall, the town underwent considerable development during this period, with significant expansion to the east and the construction of new facilities. The town centre, however, retained much of its original layout.
Body
In 1980, the town consisted of a central shopping area, a small park to the north, and predominantly residential housing to the west. By the present day, the eastern side of the town had been extensively developed, with a new industrial estate and a retail park replacing what had previously been farmland. The park in the north was retained, although it was reduced in size to accommodate a new car park. Additionally, a bypass road was constructed to the south of the town, diverting traffic away from the centre.
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