Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The maps illustrate the current layout of the centre of Islip town and the proposed redevelopment plan.
Overall, the town centre is expected to undergo significant modernization. The most noticeable changes include the construction of a dual carriageway surrounding the centre, the conversion of the main road into a pedestrian-only area, and the addition of new facilities such as a shopping centre, bus station, car park, and extra housing.
At present, the town centre consists of a main road running from west to east, with shops located on both sides. To the north lies the countryside, while housing occupies most of the southern area. There is also a school in the southwest corner and a park in the southeast.
Under the proposed plan, the main road will no longer be used by vehicles and will become a pedestrian-only street. Traffic will instead be diverted onto a newly built dual carriageway encircling the town centre. Several new developments are planned on the northern side of the pedestrian street, including a bus station in the northwest, a shopping centre in the middle, a car park beside it, and a new residential area in the northeast. Additional housing will also be constructed to the south of the pedestrian zone, replacing part of the existing residential land. Meanwhile, the school and park will remain in their current locations, although the park will be slightly smaller.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main features of both the current and proposed maps, providing a logical comparison between the two. The overview effectively highlights the most significant changes, such as the modernization of the town centre and the introduction of the dual carriageway. You have successfully integrated specific details, such as the relocation of traffic and the addition of new facilities, while noting what remains unchanged (the school and park). The information is well-selected and fully supports the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction and overview, the current state, and the proposed changes. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'At present,' 'Under the proposed plan,' and 'Meanwhile,' which help the reader navigate the transition between the two maps. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth and easy to follow throughout the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, using precise terms relevant to urban planning and map description, such as 'dual carriageway,' 'pedestrian-only area,' 'encircling,' and 'redevelopment plan.' The language is natural and sophisticated, and you avoid repetition by using varied phrasing to describe the changes. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and accurate use of future forms ('will be,' 'will no longer be') to describe the proposed plans. Punctuation is used correctly, and the sentence construction is consistently accurate. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the control over tense and aspect is precise, which is essential for describing changes over time in this type of task.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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