Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
THE BELOW DIAGRAM SHOWS THE HOW ISLIP TOWN CENTER LOOKING CURRENTLY AND HOW IT WILL BECOME IN FUTURE AS DEVELOPMENT PLANNED. OVERALL, IT IS EVIDENT THAT, SOME OF THING ARE INCLUDES AND SOME STRUCTURE ARE TOTALLY REPLACE WHERE AD SOME MODIFIES.
TO BEGIN WITH , NOW THE COUNTRYSIDE AREA SHOWS IN TO TOP MOST ON NORTH SIDE. MOREOVER, THE LONG SHOPS ARE JUST BESIDES IT IN HORIZONTAL LAYOUT ALONG THE BOTH SIDES WITH MAIN ROAD WHICH CONNECT WEST AND EAST SIDES. FURTHEMORE, IN SOUTH SIDE THERE IS A HOUSING ARE AND WITH INCLUDING SCHOOLS ON THE LEFT SIDE AND THE PARK ON RIGHT SIDE ALSO HAVING NARROW WAY WHICH CONNECTS IT TO MAIN ROAD.
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE PLAN, THE MAIN ROAD WILL BE COMPLETLY VENISHED FROM INSIDE CITY AND MAKE IT CIRCULAR ROAD CALLED DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OUTSIDE THE CITY INSIDE IT THERE WILL BUSTION,SHOPPING CENTER, CARK PARK AND NEW HOUSING IN A ROW ON PLACE OF SHOPS AND JUST UNDER IT IS A PEDESTRIANS ONLY AND SHOPS ALSO HOUSING INCLUDES. THE PARK SIZE WILL BE SMALL AS COMPARE TO CURRENT AND SCHOOL REMAIN SA
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, including the removal of the main road, the introduction of a dual carriageway, and the reorganization of the town center. However, the description is somewhat superficial. For example, the mention of 'bustion' (likely bus station) and 'cark park' (car park) is unclear, and the spatial relationships are not described with sufficient precision. While the main changes are identified, the comparison between the current and future states lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. The overview is present but lacks clarity due to grammatical issues.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'TO BEGIN WITH' and 'LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE PLAN'. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to follow the spatial progression of the town. The flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed, and the lack of precise linking words hinders the logical progression of the information provided.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and contains several errors that impede clarity, such as 'venished' (vanished), 'bustion' (bus station), and 'cark park' (car park). The student relies on basic descriptive language and struggles to use precise terminology for map features. There is a lack of variety in word choice, and some terms are used incorrectly, which affects the overall impact of the report. To improve, the student should focus on learning specific vocabulary related to urban planning and map descriptions.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('some of thing are includes'), word order, and sentence structure. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing commas and incorrect capitalization. While the student attempts to use complex sentences, these are often faulty and contain errors that can cause difficulty for the reader. The range of structures is limited, and the high frequency of errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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