Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-26

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The maps below show the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The given maps illustrate the central area of a small town called Islip as it is in present and how it will be in future after some developments.

Overall, there is a great difference in both buildings because in future there is a plan to develop many others buildings in Islip town center in different directions.

On the one hand, it is a countryside area. There are multiple shops in north direction while the main road is in the center. some other shops and housing society is available in south direction whereas one park is situated in east side. Moreover, a school located in west side of the town.

On the other hand, there is dual carriageway in west side and also there is pedestrain present only in center of the town. However, bus station, shopping center, car park and also new housing society located in north side while there are some shops, housing and a park located in south side of the Islip town. Additionally, a school is also present outside the town.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers the main features of the maps, including the current layout and the proposed developments. However, the description lacks precision in comparing the two maps. For instance, the mention of a 'dual carriageway' and 'pedestrian' area is not clearly linked to the changes from the original layout. The overview is somewhat generic and could be improved by highlighting the most significant changes, such as the expansion of housing and the shift in infrastructure. While the task is addressed, the reporting of information is a bit mechanical and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. The use of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Moreover' is present, but some transitions feel slightly forced or repetitive. The logical progression is generally clear, though the connection between the current state and the future plan could be more fluid. Referencing is sometimes ambiguous, making it occasionally difficult to track which map is being described without careful re-reading. Overall, the paragraphing is sufficient, but the flow between ideas could be more sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. Phrases like 'great difference' and 'many others buildings' are somewhat simplistic. There are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'pedestrain' (which should be 'pedestrianized area') and the repetitive use of 'direction' and 'side'. To improve, you should aim to use more specific terminology related to urban planning, such as 'infrastructure', 'residential zone', or 'redevelopment'. The range is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('in north direction', 'in center of the town') and pluralization ('many others buildings'). Subject-verb agreement is also inconsistent at times. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are noticeable and occur throughout the text. To reach a higher band, you need to focus on consistent control of basic grammar, particularly the use of articles and prepositions, and attempt more varied, error-free complex sentence structures.

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