Describing maps
Describe maps showing change over time: location language, changes with passive and present perfect, and an overview of development.
In this lesson you will
- Describe locations with compass and position language
- Describe changes with passive verbs
- Write an overview of overall development
Learn
Overview: Overall, the village became more developed/residential, with the addition of… and the removal of…
Location: in the north-east, to the south of, along the river, adjacent to, opposite, in the centre, on the outskirts.
Change verbs (often passive): was built/constructed, was demolished/knocked down, was replaced by, was converted into, was extended/expanded, was relocated to, was planted, was added.
Tense: past simple for past maps (was built in 1990); present perfect when comparing present with past (A car park has been added); future passive for plans (will be converted).
Examples
- The farmland to the east of the river was replaced by a housing estate.
- The old school was converted into a community centre.
- A new road has been built along the northern edge of the park.
Vocabulary
demolish
knock down a building
convert into
change the use of
relocate
move to a new place
outskirts
the outer parts of a town
residential
with homes
Practice
“Knocked down” (formal) →
Writing
Two maps show a small coastal town in 2000 and today. Changes: the fishing harbour → marina for yachts; farmland in the north → housing estate; a new road connecting the town to the motorway; the old market square → pedestrian zone with cafés; the beach unchanged. Summarise the changes. Write at least 150 words.
- ☐ Overview of overall development
- ☐ Location language
- ☐ Change verbs (passive)
- ☐ Accurate tenses
- ☐ Grouped changes
Lesson quiz
“On the outskirts” means…
Review
Key points
- Overview of development.
- Location and compass language.
- Change verbs, mostly passive.
- Correct tenses.
What you learned
- ✓ I can describe maps.
- ✓ I use location language.
- ✓ I describe changes accurately.
Grammar reference: The passive voice, Present perfect