Maps & Plans: Useful Language (British Council Academic IELTS: Writing): Study Material
Maps & Plans: prepositional phrases
To the north/south/east/west of
Example: The new housing estate was built to the east of the town centre.
In the north‑eastern/south‑western corner of
Example: A car park was added in the south‑western corner of the site.
Adjacent to
Example: A café was constructed adjacent to the main hospital entrance.
In close proximity to
Example: Several blocks of flats were built in close proximity to the railway station.
In the vicinity of
Example: Green space was created in the vicinity of the business district.
Alongside
Example: A cycle path was added alongside the main road.
Opposite
Example: A new supermarket was built opposite the existing housing estate.
Maps & Plans: geographical vocabulary
Coastline
Example: The coastline was improved with the addition of a footpath.
Riverbank
Example: New houses were constructed along the riverbank.
Inland
Example: The industrial area was relocated further inland.
Peninsula
Example: The peninsula was transformed into a recreational zone.
Low‑lying area
Example: The low‑lying area was cleared to make space for farmland.
Hillside
Example: New houses were built on the hillside overlooking the town
Maps & Plans: town and city vocabulary
Residential area
Example: The old factory was replaced by a residential area.
Commercial district
Example: The commercial district was expanded to include several new shops.
Industrial zone
Example: The industrial zone was relocated to the outskirts.
Pedestrian walkway
Example: A pedestrian walkway was introduced through the centre of the park.
Bypass
Example: A bypass was constructed to reduce traffic in the town centre.
Public amenities
Example: Several public amenities, including a library and sports centre, were added.
Green space
Example: The council created more green space near the river.
Maps & Plans: describing physical changes
Was converted into
Example: The farmland was converted into a golf course.
Was replaced by
Example: The old school was replaced by a modern leisure centre.
Was expanded
Example: The hospital was expanded to include a new wing.
Was demolished
Example: The warehouse was demolished to make room for a car park.
Was relocated
Example: The market was relocated to the northern edge of the town.
Was extended
Example: The main road was extended to connect with the new housing estate.
Was redeveloped
Example: The city centre was redeveloped with new shops and cafés.
Underwent major changes
Example: The area underwent major changes between 1990 and 2010.
Maps & Plans: use of tenses
Present simple (for current maps and plans)
Example: The town is divided into residential and commercial areas.
Past simple (for older maps and plans)
Example: In 1990, the area consisted mainly of farmland.
Present perfect (to show change over time)
Example: The town has become more urbanised over the past 20 years.
Future forms (for predicted developments)
Example: The new road is expected to reduce congestion.
Maps & Plans: passive voice
Is surrounded by
Example: The park is surrounded by newly built houses.
Is connected to
Example: The station is connected to the town centre by a footpath.
Was divided into
Example: The farmland was divided into three residential zones.
Was designated as
Example: The area was designated as a conservation zone.
Was developed into
Example: The old industrial site was developed into a shopping complex.
Was introduced
Example: A new bus route was introduced to improve transport links.
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