Town Centre Redevelopment 2000 to 2025

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 centre of a town in 2000 and in 2025.
2. Overview: the central market and offices were redeveloped, the car park was turned into a park, and the bus station, cinema, bank and river stayed the same.
3. Body 1: the centre, where the market was replaced by a larger mall, and the offices were converted into apartments.
4. Body 2: the south-east, where the car park became a park, and the features that remained unchanged.

Key features to spot

• The market in the centre of the town was replaced by a much larger mall, which occupies a bigger site.
• The offices to the east of the centre were converted into apartments.
• The car park in the south-east, next to the road, was turned into a park with paths and trees.
• The bus station, cinema and bank remained unchanged in their 2000 positions.
• The river and the main road also remained the same, so the town's transport and waterfront layout did not change.

Useful vocabulary

• in the centre of the town: The mall is located in the centre of the town.
• was replaced by a larger: The market was replaced by a larger shopping mall.
• converted into: The offices were converted into apartments.
• turned into: The car park was turned into a park.
• in the south-east: The park is located in the south-east, next to the road.
• remained unchanged: The cinema and bank remained unchanged.
• the most significant change: The most significant change is the enlargement of the mall.
• to the north of the road: The bus station is situated to the north of the road.
• a pedestrian area: The park provides a pleasant area for pedestrians.
• in the same position: The bank is in the same position as it was in 2000.

Common mistakes

• Mixing up the market and the mall. The market was in the centre, and the mall replaced it on the same central block.
• Describing the bus station, cinema or bank as changed. They remained the same.
• Saying the car park was moved. It was removed and replaced by a park.
• Not stating the location of changes, such as the centre or the south-east. Location language is required.
• Giving reasons for the redevelopment, such as economic growth. The task asks only for a description.

Examiner tip: Use the unchanged buildings, the bank, cinema and bus station, as reference points, because locating each change relative to them makes your description clear and precise.