Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-06

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 maps illustrate information about development of the central hub of a town that will take place in future and its present condition, named Islip.

Overall, the Islip town’s centre will go through significant developments of infrastructure. Several new amenities will be added to it. The location of some facilities is predicted to be replaced. Road infrastructure is forecast to improve substantially.

In the present time, a straight main road runs through the west to east direction, having shops on each side opposite to each other. In the north direction of the town’s centre, a countryside area is present, while on the southern side of it, housing is located. A school and a park are situated in the south-west and south-east direction of the map, just opposite to each other, having a road connectivity.

In the future years, the main road is predicted to be converted into a dual carriageway of circular shape, covering most of the areas inside it. The area of the park will be decreased for a new housing facility, and another housing area will be added in the north-east direction. The centre of the town hub will be for pedestrians only and will have a bus station, shopping centre and car park in the upper direction. The school will not experience any change.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have provided a clear overview and successfully identified the main changes, such as the new road layout, the addition of housing, and the pedestrianisation of the town centre. You have also made relevant comparisons between the present and future states. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more specific data points from the map, such as the specific locations (e.g., north-east vs. south-west) or the scale of the changes. While you mentioned the park size decreasing, quantifying this or noting the specific shift in amenities would strengthen the response further.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organised, with a clear introduction, an overview, and separate paragraphs for the present and future states. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In the present time' and 'In the future years'. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect sentences more fluidly. Some transitions feel slightly mechanical, but the overall structure is sound and supports the clear presentation of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the maps, using terms like 'infrastructure', 'amenities', 'dual carriageway', and 'pedestrianisation'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'upper direction' (which is vague) and 'having a road connectivity', which sounds slightly unnatural. The vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for an academic task, but incorporating more precise collocations would enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The maps illustrate information about development... that will take place'. While there are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'in the west to east direction' (should be 'from west to east') and 'opposite to each other' (usually just 'opposite each other'), these do not impede communication. Your control of tense is generally good, effectively distinguishing between the present state and future plans.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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