Information
Lesson summary:
Episode 5
In IELTS Writing Task 1, you might be given a map diagram, which shows how a place changes over time—like a town, a village, a park, or an island. You’ll usually see two maps: one from the past and one from the present or future. Your job is to compare the changes, highlight the main differences, and describe what has been added, removed, or transformed.
You don’t need to give opinions or explain why the changes happened—just describe them factually and clearly, using proper tenses (past, present, future). It’s important to group information logically, use good linking words like "while", "whereas", and "over the years", and describe locations using phrases like "to the north of", "next to", or "in the center of".
You already know how to use the passive voice. Below, I've provided other grammatical patterns that will be useful for you:
🌍 1. Passive Voice (for changes made)
Why? Because we often don’t know who made the changes (e.g., buildings were constructed).
Structure:
[object] + was/were + past participle
Examples:
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A new road was built in the north of the town.
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The forest was replaced by a housing estate.
⏳ 2. Past Simple Tense (for describing past maps)
Why? To describe features or places as they existed in the past.
Examples:
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In 1990, there was a large factory in the center.
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The river ran through the town.
🔄 3. Present Perfect Passive (to show changes over time)
Why? Useful when showing results of changes that affect the present.
Examples:
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A shopping mall has been constructed on the former school site.
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The farmland has been converted into a golf course.
📍 4. Prepositions of Place (for describing locations)
Why? Maps are all about location! Students need these to describe where things are.
Common ones:
next to, in the middle of, to the east of, at the corner of, along, opposite, between, near
Examples:
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The hotel is next to the car park.
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The new road runs along the riverbank.
🕓 5. Comparatives and Linking Phrases (for comparing maps)
Why? To show how one map is different from another.
Examples:
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The area is more urbanized now.
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While the north side remained unchanged, the south side saw major development.
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Compared to 2000, there are fewer green spaces now.
Important information:
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Writing must only be submitted by email with your student ID Number to thinkincafekk@gmail.com.
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Students should download the recommended books.