Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-13
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 maps depicts the centre of a small town namely Islip because now it is plans for its development.
Overall, the maps have two views in previous all the place are build in a straight vertical position and the planned one in which various new places are also built.
To begin with, the previous area shows countryside is in the north side. After this , the map show in there is lots of shops on the both sides of the main road. Furthermore, there is various house in the south side and in the east side there is a park in a rectangular shape. Moreover, school is in the west side which do not have the plan to change it and it is in the same side in planned development.
To the subsequent paragraph, various new places is added and these are arranged in a sequence. Like on the north side there is a bus station, side to this is shopping centre and just move to this there is a car park and new housing in the north east side ,it is also built in the South East side and old housing are in south side opposite to the road and west side . In addition, dual carriageway are built in the west side .
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, such as the addition of the bus station, shopping centre, and dual carriageway. However, the description is often imprecise. For example, the phrase 'various new places is added' lacks specific detail, and the spatial descriptions (e.g., 'just move to this') are vague and difficult to follow. While the main changes are identified, the comparison between the current and planned layouts is not fully developed, and the overview is somewhat confusingly phrased. To improve, ensure that the summary clearly highlights the most significant transformations rather than listing features in a disjointed manner.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The transition 'To the subsequent paragraph' is unnatural and does not effectively link the ideas. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or misused, such as 'After this' and 'Like on the north side'. Referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial relationships between the buildings. The overall structure lacks a smooth flow, and the relationship between the current town and the proposed development is not clearly articulated through effective signposting.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Basic terms like 'places', 'built', and 'side' are used frequently. There are noticeable errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'the maps depicts' (subject-verb agreement) and 'namely Islip because now it is plans'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic message, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. To improve, you should incorporate more specific terminology related to urban planning, such as 'infrastructure', 'residential zone', 'commercial area', and 'bypass'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'maps depicts', 'various new places is added', 'dual carriageway are built') and article usage. Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors, such as 'the previous area shows countryside is in the north side'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas and periods. A greater focus on basic grammatical accuracy and sentence construction is necessary to improve the clarity of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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