Harbour Changes from 1980 to 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 harbour town in 1980 and 2020.
2. Overview: the harbour shifted from fishing and industry to tourism and leisure, while the harbour wall and lighthouse stayed the same.
3. Body 1: the quayside buildings, where the fish market became a hotel and the warehouses became cafes.
4. Body 2: the water, where the fishing boats were replaced by a marina with pontoons and yachts.

Key features to spot

• The fish market was converted into a hotel, which is in the same position on the quayside.
• The three warehouses along the quay were replaced by several small cafes.
• The five fishing boats moored at the quay were replaced by a marina of wooden pontoons with about seven yachts.
• The harbour wall and the lighthouse remained unchanged, so the harbour's protective structures were kept.
• The overall change reflects a shift from fishing and industry to tourism and leisure.

Useful vocabulary

• was converted into: The fish market was converted into a hotel.
• were replaced by: The fishing boats were replaced by yachts.
• a marina with pontoons: A marina with pontoons was built along the quayside.
• moored: Five fishing boats were moored at the quay in 1980.
• a row of cafes: The warehouses were replaced by a row of cafes.
• remained unchanged: The lighthouse remained unchanged throughout the period.
• on the quayside: The hotel is located on the quayside, near the harbour wall.
• the shift from ... to ...: The map shows a shift from fishing to tourism.
• in the same position: The hotel occupies the same position as the old fish market.
• the emphasis moved from: The emphasis moved from industry to leisure.

Common mistakes

• Confusing the fish market with the warehouses. The market became a hotel and the warehouses became cafes.
• Miscounting the boats. There were five fishing boats in 1980.
• Saying the harbour wall was extended. It remained unchanged.
• Describing the marina as a new harbour. It is a marina of pontoons and yachts within the existing harbour.
• Using the word boats for yachts without contrast. Distinguish the small fishing boats from the larger yachts.

Examiner tip: Describe the land side and the water side separately, since the buildings changed from industry to tourism while the water changed from fishing boats to a marina.