Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-14

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 5.0)

The map below unfolds the centre of a small city called islip as it is now and plans for its development.

Overall, new planned for development government provide new services and rebuild and add some new building and same kinds of roads changes.

In detail islip town center now is comman services. on countryside shops is concted with main road and some is there opposite. in west left side they is school then in east side there is park . in north and south they build some housing.

In case islip plans for its development government changes some things. the plan will change main road in dual carriageway. all building build in there under and also you see new services in west side they will build bus station and there right side shopping centre also car park there. housing area will be change new location. shops will in east west center.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to describe the changes between the current map and the proposed development. However, the information is presented in a fragmented and often confusing manner. While you identify some key features like the bus station and shopping centre, the description of the current layout is unclear and lacks precision. For example, phrases like 'on countryside shops is concted' are difficult to interpret. To improve, you should focus on clearly grouping information—perhaps by describing the current state in one paragraph and the planned changes in another—and ensuring that the main features are accurately and logically reported rather than just listed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay lacks a clear logical progression. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the internal structure of the paragraphs is weak. The use of cohesive devices is very limited and often inaccurate, such as the repetitive use of 'in' or 'there' to start sentences. The transition between ideas is abrupt, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial relationships between the buildings and roads. To improve, use a wider range of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'in contrast', 'subsequently') and ensure that each sentence flows naturally from the previous one.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'building', 'shops', and 'changes'. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'unfolds' instead of 'illustrates' or 'depicts', and 'comman' instead of 'common'. The lack of precise terminology for map descriptions (e.g., 'dual carriageway', 'intersection', 'adjacent to', 'situated') hinders the clarity of the report. To reach a higher band, you need to expand your vocabulary to include more specific descriptive language related to urban planning and spatial positioning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often impede communication. There are significant issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'government provide', 'shops will in east'), missing articles, and incorrect sentence structures (e.g., 'in west left side they is school'). The range of structures is very limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences with errors. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically the use of prepositions of place and correct verb tenses for future plans (e.g., 'will be constructed' instead of 'all building build').

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