Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-04
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 5.0)
The maps illustrates the center of small town called islip as it is before and after advancement. Overall, the maps show in present the shops located in the center of main roads. and park were located in the east or school is in the west side Further development the main road convert into pedestrians and shops converts into car park. shopping center and bus station . school is in same location. In present the Islip town center the shop situated north or west side and housing in the center of country side. However, the school were located in west side. therefore, the park is the east side. After the advancement the main road convert into pedestrians and shop road convert into shopping center, car park and a bus station or new housing. In addition the dual carriageway here in west. therefore the park is located in the same place therefore, new housing also bulit.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main features of the maps, such as the pedestrianisation of the main road and the addition of new housing and a bus station. However, the description is somewhat disjointed and lacks a clear, professional overview. While the key changes are identified, the comparison between the 'now' and 'future' states is hindered by unclear phrasing, such as 'the main road convert into pedestrians'. The response would benefit from a more structured approach that clearly contrasts the two time periods rather than listing features in a fragmented manner. Some details, like the school remaining in the same location, are correctly noted, but the overall summary lacks the precision required for a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks logical progression and effective paragraphing. The text is composed of short, choppy sentences that do not flow well together. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often misused or placed awkwardly, such as the repetitive use of 'therefore' and 'in addition' which do not always logically connect the ideas. The paragraphing is non-existent, making the text difficult to follow. To improve, you should group related information together—for example, one paragraph for the current layout and another for the proposed changes—and use a wider variety of linking words to create a smoother narrative.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. There are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'advancement' instead of 'development' or 'redevelopment', and 'shop road' instead of 'shopping area'. The phrasing 'housing in the center of country side' is imprecise and does not accurately reflect the map's details. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, it lacks the range and precision needed to describe spatial changes effectively. You should focus on learning specific vocabulary related to map descriptions, such as 'pedestrianised', 'relocated', 'expanded', and 'demolished'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede communication. Subject-verb agreement is a recurring issue, for example, 'The maps illustrates' (should be 'illustrate') and 'shop road convert' (should be 'converts'). There are also issues with article usage and tense consistency, as the text shifts confusingly between present and past tenses. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and ensuring that your verb tenses remain consistent when describing plans for the future.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.