Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The maps illustrate the current layout of the town centre of Islip and the proposed changes for its future redevelopment.Overall, the town centre will undergo significant transformation, shifting from a rural, vehicle-dominated layout to a more developed, pedestrian-friendly urban zone. The most notable changes include the introduction of a ring road, pedestrianisation of the main street, and the expansion of residential and commercial facilities.Currently, a single Main Street runs from east to west through the centre, lined with shops on both sides. To the north of this street lies an open countryside area, while the southern side accommodates a park, a school, and a residential area.In the future layout, a dual carriageway ring road will completely encircle the central shopping district. Main Street itself will be pedestrianised, blocking all motor vehicle access. The countryside to the north will disappear, replaced by a new bus station, a shopping centre, a car park, and new housing developments. Meanwhile, on the south side, the existing shops, park, and school will remain, but the school will be expanded, and a new housing area will be constructed next to the park.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent and fully addresses all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the current layout and the proposed changes, providing a clear overview in the introduction. The comparison between the two maps is well-structured, highlighting key developments such as the ring road, the pedestrianisation of Main Street, and the expansion of residential and commercial zones. The information is accurate and well-selected, ensuring that the reader gets a comprehensive understanding of the transformation without unnecessary detail. The summary is balanced, and the progression from the current state to the future plan is logical and easy to follow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organised and flows smoothly. You have used a clear paragraph structure, starting with an overview, followed by a description of the current state, and concluding with the proposed changes. Cohesive devices such as 'Meanwhile', 'In the future layout', and 'To the north of this street' are used effectively to guide the reader through the spatial changes. The progression of ideas is natural, and the use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the relationship between the existing features and the new developments remains clear throughout the text. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct stages of the analysis.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the task. Phrases such as 'significant transformation', 'vehicle-dominated layout', 'pedestrian-friendly urban zone', and 'dual carriageway ring road' show a high level of precision and sophistication. The vocabulary is used accurately to describe spatial relationships and urban planning concepts. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and appropriate for an academic report. The use of specific terminology enhances the clarity and professional tone of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high levels of accuracy. You have successfully employed complex sentences, such as 'The countryside to the north will disappear, replaced by a new bus station...', which are handled with ease. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense usage—shifting from the present for the current map to the future for the proposed plans—is consistent and correct throughout the entire piece.

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