Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-31
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 9.0)
The maps compare the current layout of the centre of a small town called Islip with the proposed redevelopment plan.
Overall, the town centre is expected to undergo substantial redevelopment. The main road will be converted into a pedestrian-only area, a dual carriageway will be constructed around the centre to improve traffic flow, and several new facilities, including a bus station, shopping centre, car park and additional housing, will be introduced, while the school, park and existing housing will largely remain.
At present, the town centre is divided by a main road, with shops located on both sides. The countryside lies to the north of the road, while residential areas occupy most of the southern part of the town. A park is situated in the south-east, and a school is located in the south-west, connected by a curved road.
Under the proposed plan, the existing main road will become a pedestrian-only street, with the shops retained along its southern side. The countryside to the north will be replaced by several new facilities, namely a bus station, shopping centre, car park, and new housing. In addition, another residential area will be developed to the east of the existing housing. A dual carriageway will be built around the town centre, linking both ends of the current road and improving accessibility. Meanwhile, the park and school will remain in their current locations, although they will be connected to the new road network.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 9.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 9.0 |
| Overall | 9.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview that highlights the most significant changes, such as the pedestrianisation of the main road and the addition of the dual carriageway. The body paragraphs effectively contrast the 'current' and 'proposed' layouts, selecting key features like the new shopping centre and bus station while noting what remains unchanged (the school and park). The information is logically selected and accurately reported, meeting all requirements for a high-band response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The response is well-organised with a clear, logical progression. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction, the overview, the current state, and the proposed changes. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'At present', 'Under the proposed plan', 'In addition', and 'Meanwhile', which guide the reader smoothly through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring that the relationship between the old and new features is easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
You have demonstrated a wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for a report on town planning. Phrases such as 'undergo substantial redevelopment', 'pedestrian-only area', 'improve traffic flow', and 'linking both ends' show a high level of precision. The word choices are natural and contribute to a professional tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with sufficient sophistication to meet the criteria for a high band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0
The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'The countryside to the north will be replaced by several new facilities, namely a bus station, shopping centre, car park, and new housing.' Punctuation is used correctly to manage lists and clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses—switching between the present for the current map and the future for the proposed plan—is consistent and correct.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.