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This task requires you to summarise the main changes to a plan or map between two time periods. There are three important elements to this kind of text:
- a good introductory sentence which explains what information will follow
- middle paragraphs that focus on the key changes in a concise form, supported by examples
- a summary of the main points presented.
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| Introductions should set the scene for what comes next in the text. Avoid simply repeating the words in the question and write one or two concise sentences which clarify for the reader what you are going to talk about. |
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04. Look at the exam task. Match the introductions (1-4) with the comments on them (A-D).
The maps show part of the town of Poulton in 1900 and 1935.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
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1. The maps show that in 1900 there were many terraced houses, some railway workers' cottages, a factory, cafe, small shop, a railway line and some wasteland. In 1935, this situation had changed and had become a residential area with shops and a park.
2. The maps show part of the town of Poulton in 1900 and 1935.
3. The maps show how the residential area around Bayley Street and Trent Street in Poulton was modernised between the years 1900 and 1935.
4. Bayley Street and Trent Street have changed a lot in the time period.
A. This introduction is taken directly from the question.
B. This is a good introduction to the maps as it is clear what the writer is going to talk about.
C. This gives very little information about the maps, so is not a full introduction.
D. This includes too many details to be an introduction and includes examples that should be in the main body of the answer.
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In the main body of your answer, you will get more marks if you summarise the information in the map rather than listing all the changes. Try to group details together under main headings; for example, a swimming pool, cinema and bowling alley are all ‘recreational facilities'.
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05. Look again at the two maps. Categorise the following features as either industrial, residential, commercial or recreational.
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children's play area
Bayley Mansions
Café
terraced houses
railway line
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laundry
Ballley Street Park
shops
wasteland
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06. Look at the two maps and make notes on how the area changed:
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- residentially
- commercially
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- industrially
- recreationally
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| Use a wide range of discourse markers to illustrate for the reader the points you are making; for example, adding a similar point, contrasting or Summarising. |
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07. Read a sample answer for the question. Choose the best discourse markers.
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The maps depict an area of the town of Poulton in the years 1900 and 1935 and the urban developments that took place. (Overall/ In summary), there were a number of notable changes to the buildings and amenities of this area.
In 1900, this area had a combination of residential and industrial features, but by 1935 the industrial features had largely disappeared. (When / Where as) in 1900 a railway line ran through the neighbourhood, by 1935 this had been removed. (Furthermore/ Nevertheless), the terraced houses which used to dominate the 1900 map had been replaced by blocks of flats by 1935, and the areas of wasteland had gone.
(Another major change to the area/ One thing they did) in 1935 was the development of more commercial and recreational features. The demolition of a second row of houses on Bayley Street and the removal of the railway line made room for a spacious park and children's play area. (On the commercial side / Thinking commercially), to the right of the park some new shops were built on the aptly named New Lane, replacing the small shop of 1900, and the cafe and laundry were relocated and expanded.
(To sum up/ At last), the area was renovated extensively, seeing fundamental changes to its residential accommodation, and its commercial and recreational facilities were developed.
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08. Match the functions (a-e) with the correct discourse markers in exercise 7. Some may fit into more than one category.
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a. to introduce a summary of alt the main ideas previously mentioned
b. to introduce a similar point
c. to introduce a contrast
d. to change from one point to another
e. to make a general statement that sums up the ideas you want to mention in your answer
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09. Think of alternative discourse markers for each of those used in the sample answer. In some cases, you will need to change the structure of the sentence.
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| Example: Overall - In general, Generally speaking |
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