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 current Islip town center and the plan for its development.
Generally, the town will be developed with additional commercial buildings. The dual carriageway will be contracted where it will enclose all the constructed buildings. the center will be significantly expanded.
The town center will be significantly expanded. Furthermore, dual carriageway will be constructed surrounding the town center. The current show will be be replaced by shopping center and other building such as bus station, car park and new housing will be constructed at the northern side of the map. The main road will be preserved for pedestrians only. The show just below the main road will remained unchanged.
On the other hand, the housing which is at the center will be moved to the western side of the map and another new housing will be constructed near the park. The park will remained on its initial position. The school will remained on its current location will slight change. the housing which is build outside the dual carriageway will be moved slightly on the eastern side of the map.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the maps, including the expansion of the town center, the new dual carriageway, and the relocation of facilities. However, the description is somewhat repetitive, particularly regarding the town center expansion and the dual carriageway. While the main features are identified, the comparison between the 'current' and 'planned' states could be more precise. Some details, such as the specific location of the new housing or the school, are described in a way that is slightly difficult to follow without referring back to the map constantly. To improve, ensure that the overview clearly synthesizes the most significant changes rather than listing them sequentially.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'The town center will be...'). There are also issues with referencing; for instance, the term 'the show' is used twice, which is likely a misinterpretation of 'shops' or 'school' on the map, leading to confusion. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the transition between the description of the center and the peripheral areas could be smoother. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear pronoun referencing would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'contracted' (likely meaning 'constructed' or 'encircled') and 'the show' (likely referring to 'shops'). The repetition of basic verbs like 'constructed' and 'remained' limits the range. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to use more specific vocabulary related to urban planning, such as 'pedestrianised,' 'relocated,' 'integrated,' or 'redeveloped,' and ensure that terms are used accurately to describe the map features.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The school will remained' (incorrect verb tense), 'the housing which is build' (incorrect passive voice), and 'the center will be significantly expanded' (repeated sentence). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences starting with lowercase letters. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage (future for plans) is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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