In previous articles, we focused more on expressing directions with right collocations. Now, let’s look at how to describe changes in a place using simple sentences from a native speaker’s perspective. We will continue using IELTS listening scripts to help guide us.
An Example from IELTS 15 Test 2
This example is from IELTS 15 Test 2 Listening Part 2, which discusses the transformation of Minster Park. Both the script (original listening audio) and its map are listed below:
…
OK, let me tell you about some of the changes that have been made – and some things that have been retained. If you look at this map, you’ll see the familiar outline of the park, with the river forming the northern boundary, and a gate in each of the other three walls. The statue of Diane Gosforth has been moved: it used to be close to the south gate, but it’s now immediately to the north of the lily pond, almost in the centre of the park, which makes it much more visible.
There’s a new area of wooden sculptures, which are on the river bank where the path from the east gate makes a sharp bend.
There are two areas that are particularly intended for children. The playground has been enlarged and improved, and that’s between the river and the path that leads from the pond to the river.
Then there’s a new maze, a circular series of paths, separated by low hedges. That’s near the west gate – you go north from there towards the river and then turn left to reach it.
There have been tennis courts in the park for many years, and they’ve been doubled, from four to eight. They’re still in the south-west corner of the park. where there’s a right-angle bend in the path.
Something else I’d like to mention is the new fitness area. This is right next to the lily pond on the same side as the west gate.
Now, as you’re all gardeners, I’m sure you’ll like to hear about the plants that have been chosen for the park.
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3 Aspects to Describe Changes
| Category | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Completely New Additions | Features that have been introduced to the area and did not exist before, enhancing functionality or aesthetics. | - New Fitness Area: “The new fitness area is right next to the lily pond on the same side as the west gate.” |
| - Wooden Sculptures Area: “There’s a new area of wooden sculptures on the river bank where the path from the east gate makes a sharp bend.” | ||
| - Maze: “There’s a new maze, a circular series of paths separated by low hedges, near the west gate.” | ||
| Modified Features | Elements that already existed but have undergone changes in location, size, or appearance, highlighting improvements or adjustments. | - Relocated Statue: “The statue of Diane Gosforth has been moved: it used to be close to the south gate, but it’s now immediately to the north of the lily pond, almost in the centre of the park.” |
| - Expanded Playground: “The playground has been enlarged and improved, and that’s between the river and the path that leads from the pond to the river.” | ||
| - Increased Tennis Courts: “The tennis courts… have been doubled, from four to eight. They’re still in the south-west corner of the park.” | ||
| Unchanged Features | Elements that have remained the same despite other changes, establishing a sense of continuity and familiarity in the area's layout. | - Boundaries and Gates: “The familiar outline of the park, with the river forming the northern boundary, and a gate in each of the other three walls.” |
| - Southwest Corner of the Park: The tennis courts remain in “the south-west corner of the park, where there’s a right-angle bend in the path.” |
Use Tenses Properly
A mix of present tense and present perfect tense is applied to describe the changes in the park. Here’s a breakdown:
- Present Tense: Used to describe existing features that haven’t changed or general descriptions of location. Examples:
- “The park has the familiar outline, with the river forming the northern boundary.”
- “The tennis courts are still in the southwest corner.”
- Present Perfect Tense: Used to describe recent or completed changes, emphasizing that something has been newly altered or added. Examples:
- “The statue of Diane Gosforth has been moved.”
- “The playground has been enlarged and improved.”
Sometimes, we also need to use Past Tense or ‘used to’ to refer to the previous state of features to highlight changes in their position or appearance, which depends on the context we’re talking about, e.g., “The statue of Diane Gosforth used to be close to the south gate.“
