A Family Farm Between 1990 and 2020

The question

How to approach this map question

A map question shows a place at two points in time (or two plans). Describe what changed, what stayed the same, and where, using direction and location language.

1. Say what the maps show and the two time points in your own words.
2. Overview: the main kind of change (for example more building, less green space) and one thing that stays.
3. Describe changes area by area (north, south, centre) with verbs such as was replaced by, was converted into, was built.
4. Use precise location phrases: to the east of, next to, opposite, in the north-west corner.

How to plan this answer

Structure

1. Introduction: paraphrase the maps. The family farm in 1990 and 2020.
2. Overview: the farm diversified into solar energy, a farm shop and a campsite, while the house, crop field, pond, rivers and road stayed the same.
3. Body 1: the north-west and west, where the cow field became solar panels and the barn became a farm shop.
4. Body 2: the east, where the orchard was turned into a campsite, plus the features that remained unchanged.

Key features to spot

• The cow field in the north-west was replaced by a grid of solar panels.
• The barn to the west of the house was converted into a farm shop in the same location.
• The orchard in the east was turned into a campsite with three tents and a fire pit.
• The house, crop field and pond remained unchanged on the farm.
• Both rivers and the road in the south-west stayed the same, so the farm's boundaries were not altered.

Useful vocabulary

• was replaced by: The cow field was replaced by solar panels.
• was converted into: The barn was converted into a farm shop.
• was turned into: The orchard was turned into a campsite.
• a grid of solar panels: A grid of solar panels now covers the north-west.
• to the west of the house: The farm shop is to the west of the house.
• remained unchanged: The house and the pond remained unchanged.
• diversified: The farm diversified into energy and tourism.
• in the same location: The farm shop occupies the same location as the barn.
• the most striking change: The most striking change is the solar energy project.
• to the north of the house: The solar panels are located to the north of the house.

Common mistakes

• Confusing the cow field and the orchard. The cow field became solar panels and the orchard became a campsite.
• Saying the crop field changed. It stayed the same in both maps.
• Describing the barn as demolished. It was converted into a farm shop.
• Calling the solar panels a power station. Describe them as a grid of panels.
• Forgetting the pond, which remained unchanged and is a useful reference point.

Examiner tip: Pair each change with its original feature, such as the cow field with the solar panels and the orchard with the campsite, so the reader can follow the transformation clearly.