Map questions usually:
Show two maps (before and after)
Ask you to describe changes over time
Expect you to compare, not just describe
Your job is to summarise major changes and highlight key features, not describe everything in detail.
đź“ť 2. Follow This Structure
âś… Introduction
Paraphrase the question.
Example:
The two maps illustrate changes that occurred in a town between 2000 and 2020.
âś… Overview (very important!)
Give a general summary of the most noticeable changes.
Example:
Overall, the town became more developed, with an increase in residential areas and the removal of farmland.
✅ Body Paragraph 1 – Describe the map before
Start from a logical position (e.g., top-left to bottom-right or clockwise) and describe major features.
✅ Body Paragraph 2 – Describe the map after and compare changes
Highlight what was added, removed, replaced, or expanded.
🧠3. Key Strategies
🔹 Use directional language
To the north/south/east/west
In the centre, along the river, on the right-hand side
🔹 Use change verbs
Was replaced by, was converted into, was demolished, was added, expanded, constructed, removed
🔹 Group information logically
Group by location (e.g. describe the north of the map first)
Or by type of change (e.g. natural features vs buildings)
🔹 Avoid listing everything
Focus on major and relevant changes only. Don’t describe every tree or path unless it’s significant.
