Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-03
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 6.0)
The provided maps illustrate the layout of Islip town centre at present along with its proposed development for the upcoming period of time.
Overall it is crystal clear that the main development plan include the introduction of peripheral dual carriageway with pedestrianisation of the main road along with construction of residential areas and transport facilities.
At a fleeting glance it is evident that at present the linear main road has shops on either side while bordered by countryside area to the north. In addition the school is situated in southwest side of the town centre with housing in the whole southern area along with park in the right of housing that is in the east direction.
Moreover, the planned town centre has the main construction of dual carriageway which encircles everything except school and external housing. Furthermore there is an area that is reserved for pedestrians only with shopping centre and transportation facilities along with introduction of new housing in the northeast direction. In addition, remaining infrastructural such as shops is situated in the southern area along with housing in southwest and new housing and park in southeast direction.
Looking at the proposed layout it can be concluded that the Islip town centre is planned to become a more self contained area compared to current one.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully identifies the main features of the current and proposed town centre. You have provided a clear overview and highlighted the key changes, such as the dual carriageway and pedestrianisation. However, the description of the locations is occasionally imprecise; for example, stating the park is 'in the right of housing' is vague. To reach a higher band, ensure that spatial relationships are described with more precision (e.g., 'to the east of the housing'). Overall, the response covers all parts of the task well and provides a logical summary of the development plans.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. However, some of these transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. The paragraphing is appropriate, and there is a clear progression of ideas from the current state to the proposed changes. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the referencing (e.g., 'the remaining infrastructural') is grammatically sound to avoid minor confusion.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the maps, using terms like 'peripheral', 'pedestrianisation', and 'infrastructural'. There are some instances of slightly unnatural collocations, such as 'remaining infrastructural' (which should be 'infrastructure') and 'at a fleeting glance' (which is not a standard idiomatic expression in this context). While the vocabulary is adequate to convey your meaning clearly, incorporating more precise academic collocations would elevate the response to a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'the main development plan include' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'remaining infrastructural such as shops' (incorrect word class). Additionally, there are minor issues with article usage and prepositions. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of nouns versus adjectives will help improve your accuracy.
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