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Lesson
Writing Task 1: Describe changes on a map
Map tasks show how a place has changed. Learn the passive verbs of change (was replaced by, was converted into), then describe how a village developed.
What to describe
Two (sometimes three) maps of the same place at different times. Your job: what changed and what stayed the same.
Verbs of change, mostly passive and past
| Change | Example |
|---|---|
| built | A supermarket was built to the east of the river. |
| demolished / knocked down | The old school was demolished. |
| replaced by | The farmland was replaced by housing. |
| converted into | The factory was converted into apartments. |
| extended / enlarged | The car park was extended. |
| relocated / moved | The bus station was relocated to the north. |
| remained / stayed the same | The church remained unchanged. |
A clear overview
Summarise the overall direction of change:
Overall, the village became far more developed, with farmland and open space giving way to housing and facilities, although the church and the river remained unchanged.
Practise freely
Questions 1–6
The table shows changes in the village of Hillside between 2000 and 2025. Complete each sentence with ONE or TWO WORDS from the box.
| Location | 2000 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| North of the river | farmland | a housing estate |
| Village centre | a small shop | a supermarket |
| East side | an old factory | flats (same building) |
| West side | a primary school | the same school, with a new sports hall |
| South | a narrow road | a wider road with a cycle lane |
| Beside the river | a church | a church |
replaced byconverted intoremainedbuiltwidenedextended
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The farmland to the north of the river was a housing estate.
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The old factory on the east side was flats.
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A new sports hall was at the primary school.
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The road to the south was and a cycle lane was added.
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The church beside the river unchanged.
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The school itself was with the addition of a sports hall.
Questions 7–8
Choose the best answer.
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Which is the best overview?
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Which tense should you use to describe changes between 2000 and 2025?
Your turn: write the report
The maps show the village of Hillside in 2000 and 2025. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Use the information in the table above. Write at least 150 words.
Check your answer
Model answer
The maps compare the layout of the village of Hillside in 2000 and in 2025.
Overall, the village became considerably more developed over the 25-year period, with residential areas and improved facilities replacing farmland and older buildings. The church beside the river, however, remained unchanged.
The most significant change took place to the north of the river, where the farmland was replaced by a large housing estate. In the village centre, the small shop that existed in 2000 had been replaced by a supermarket by 2025. On the eastern side of the village, the old factory was not demolished but converted into flats.
Educational and transport facilities were also improved. The primary school on the west side was extended with the addition of a new sports hall, while the narrow road to the south was widened and a cycle lane was added. Throughout this period, the church remained exactly where it had always been.
(154 words)
More writing practice
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64 academic collocations for Writing Task 2
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