Source: Cambridge IELTS 12, Test 6

ACTION PLAN/ STRATEGIES

Step 1: Identify the type of map(s) => which tense(s) to use

Step 2: Look at the given labels => think of synonyms/ paraphrases

Step 3: Identify changes regarding the size, shape, and location of the items in the maps (notice any items that are new or have disappeared or remain unchanged)

Step 4: Select the main features to put in the Overview as well as other details of changes in the Body paragraphs

Step 5: Write the report

Step 6: Double check your work

SUGGESTED OUTLINE

1. Introduction:
   • paraphrase the question title
   • 1 sentence

1. Overview:

• point out the most noticeable differences between the 2 maps
• 1 – 2 sentences

1. Body:

• Body 1: 3 – 4 sentences about specific changes
• Body 2: 3 – 4 sentences about specific changes

TIPS

• While identifying changes, highlight/ circle the changes and make notes.
• Use vocabulary that is NOT there on the map(s). Try to paraphrase by using synonyms.
• Don’t just state what is there on the map(s). Try to link the details

❌: There are roads and footpaths.

✅: Roads and footpaths connect the various parts of the islands.

USEFUL LANGUAGE/ EXPRESSIONS

Simple language	Advanced language
Destroy	– Buildings, roads, bridges & railways: Demolish/ dismantle/ tear down/ knock down – Trees & forests: clear/ cut down/ chop down/ remove
Build	Construct/ develop/ set up/ establish/ erect
Move	Relocate
Change	Convert/ transform/ alter/ (re) develop (into)
Upgrade	Renovate/ refurbish/ revamp/ modernize
Increase in size	Expand/ enlarge/ extend/ stretch/ broaden/ widen/ swell
Decrease in size	Shrink/ shrivel/ diminish/ downsize/ dwindle
Increase in number	Double (x2)/ triple (x3)/ quadruple (x4)/ quintuple (x5)
Decrease in number	Curtail/ cut down/ contract/ downsize
Having more/ fewer houses	Be more/ less residential
Having more/ fewer trees	Be greener/ less green
The area that covers warehouse and factories	An industrial estate
Having factories, warehouses, and ferry	A mainly urban landscape
Having more shopping malls, office buildings	Become more commercial
Having more resorts, hotels	Become more touristy
Describe location	1. Use ‘located’, ‘situated’, ‘be’, ‘lie’ (lie – lay – lain) o  The school was located/ situated in the city center. o  The school was/ lay in the city center. 2. There + be + noun + direction o   There was an airport to the north of the river. 3. Direction + be/lie + noun o   South of the residential complex was/ lay a convenience store. 2. Use ‘north’, ‘south’, ‘east’, ‘west’ o   A golf course was constructed to the north of the airport. o   The airport in the city center was relocated to the north-east of the river. o  The houses in the south-west of the town were demolished Use prepositions of place (at/ in/ on/ by/ beside/ adjacent to/ off/ from, etc) o  To the south of the town, there is a golf course surrounded by trees. o  The trees alongside the river were cleared to make way for houses. o  A number of wind turbines were placed in the sea, just on the coastline.

 

USEFUL GRAMMAR STRUCTURES

• The town transformed dramatically over 20 years.
• The town experienced/ underwent/ saw/ witnessed a dramatic transformation over 20 years.
• There was a dramatic transformation in the town over 20 years.
• The two decades saw/ witnessed/ experienced a dramatic transformation in the town.