Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-11

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 MAP ILLUSTRATES THE CENTER OF A SMALL TOWN CALLED ISLIP AS IT NOW, AND PLANS FOR ITS DEVELOPEMENT. OVERALL, NEW TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES AND SHOPPING CENTER WILL BE INTRODUCE AND MAIN ROAD WILL TURN IN TO CURVED MAIN ROAD.

AT PRESENT, THE TOWN CENTER IS CROSSED BY A STRAIGHT MAIN ROAD GOING FROM WEST TO EAST, WITH SHOPES BOTH THE SIDES. NORTH OF THESE SHOPES LIES COUNTRYSIDE, WHILE THE SOUTHEN SIDE CONTAINS HOUSING, A PARK AND A SCHOOL. UNDER THE PROPOSED PLAN THERE WILL BE SOME DRASTIC CHANGES IN FUTURE.

IN FUTURE, THE STRAIGHT ROAD WILL BE REPLACED BY WITH A ROUND CIRCULAR ROAD SYSTEM, AND SHOPES WILL BE RELOCATED TO A NEW PEDESTRIANS ZONE ONLY IN THE CENTER. AROUND THIS CENTER SHOPPING AREA, NEW FACILITIES WILL BE ADDED, INCLUDING A BUS STATION, ASHOPPING CENTE, A CAR PARK AND NEW HOUSING IN THE NORTH-EAST. A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WILL ALSO BE BUILT AND BOTH SCHOOL AND THE PARK IN THE SOUTH ARE TO BE RETAINED, AND SCHOOL WILL NOW HAVE A DIRECT ACCESS FROM THE CIRCULAR ROAD

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all the main features of the maps, including the changes to the road system, the relocation of shops, and the addition of new facilities. You have successfully identified the key differences between the current layout and the proposed plan. The overview is clear and highlights the most significant changes, such as the new transportation facilities and the road modification. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are fully developed; for instance, you could provide more detail on the specific locations of the new housing or the exact nature of the pedestrian zone to further enhance the clarity of the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a description of the current state, and a description of the future plans. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate these distinct sections. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'At present' and 'In future', to guide the reader through the timeline. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing is more precise. For example, the transition between the description of the shops and the new facilities could be smoother to create a more cohesive narrative.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'transportation facilities', 'relocated', and 'dual carriageway'. However, there are several spelling errors, such as 'developement', 'shopes', and 'ashopping cente', which detract from the overall quality. While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more careful proofreading. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations and ensure that your spelling is accurate. Using a broader range of descriptive language would also help to elevate your lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The straight road will be replaced by a circular road system'. There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'will be introduce' (should be 'introduced') and 'turn in to' (should be 'turned into'). Additionally, there are some issues with article usage, such as 'both the sides' and 'both school and the park'. While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding your points. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will help improve your accuracy.

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

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