Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-10

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 given map details a small town called Islip in the present and planned alterations for its development.

From an overall standpoint, it is readily apparent that the current town center consists of a lot of vacant space in the south whereas, we can observe that in the planned development dual carriageway will be constructed for transport and it will contain shopping center and also new housing to support the population of the area.

Currently, shops are parallel to each other and divided by the main road. Straight north has countryside which will be demolished and rather it will have a road connecting west to eastern pedestal. In the discussed changes we can see bus station and also car parking area. Shopping center will have one designated spot rather than one vertical pathway. There is also a new addition of park as well for recreational activities due to increase of new housing facilities. Two things that remained unchanged throughout is the school and shops in the lower segment.

Overall, the new plan consists of proper infrastructure and facilities for the residents residing in Islip town.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the maps well, identifying the key changes such as the new dual carriageway, the shopping center, and the housing. You successfully highlight the contrast between the current vacant space and the planned infrastructure. However, the description of the layout is occasionally imprecise; for example, referring to the 'eastern pedestal' is unclear, and the claim that shops are 'parallel to each other' is not fully supported by the visual evidence. To reach a higher band, ensure that spatial descriptions are more accurate and that all significant changes, such as the removal of the countryside, are described with greater clarity and precision.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'From an overall standpoint' and 'Currently', to guide the reader. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the use of referencing is occasionally weak, such as in the phrase 'in the discussed changes'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the specific details. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the transition between the current state and the future plans is smoother.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'alterations', 'infrastructure', and 'recreational activities'. However, there are some instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'vertical pathway' and 'eastern pedestal', which do not accurately describe the map features. Some phrasing is slightly unnatural, such as 'straight north has countryside'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for a higher band. Increasing your use of topic-specific collocations related to urban planning would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the shopping center', 'the new addition of a park') and prepositions. For example, 'there is also a new addition of park' should be 'a new park'. Additionally, some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'Two things that remained unchanged throughout is the school'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will help improve your accuracy.

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.