Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-15
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 rendered layout represents illustrate the information about the centre of a small town called islip as it is now and after development of plants.
In an overview, it is crystal clear that in the given map certain new building constructed after development in the centre of islip town.
To commence with, islip town now have unknown shape, whereas after development of plants it's shape is change into circular shape. Education institute is remain similar in both layouts, while the location of housing is distinct, which is the first housing loction in the west, the second housing loction at south direction and also build new house at the centre of the town after plant development. Noticeably, besides of the new housing is park, which was remain same as now. Lastly, the main road is demolished, however the dual carriageway was introduced after development.
Moving towards, in the north direction of the town construct new buildings such as bus stop, shopping centre, car parking and new housing by destroying shops and main road, respectively. Finally, the new shop is established at centre of the town and in the gap of new building and the shop this area called as padestrains only after development.
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 changes to the road network, housing, and facilities. However, the description is occasionally unclear, such as the reference to the town's shape changing to 'circular,' which is not clearly supported by the visual data. While the key changes are identified, the overview is somewhat simplistic and lacks a more professional summary of the overall transformation. The reporting of specific locations is sometimes confusing, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes accurately. To improve, focus on clearer comparisons between the 'now' and 'future' layouts, ensuring that the terminology used to describe spatial relationships is precise and accurate.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'To commence with' and 'Moving towards,' which do not flow naturally. The referencing is sometimes ambiguous, particularly when describing the locations of the new housing. While there is a logical progression from the general overview to specific areas of the town, the connections between sentences are occasionally strained. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer back to their antecedents would significantly enhance the flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'development of plants' (likely meaning 'plans') and 'padestrains' (pedestrian area). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors like 'new' and 'same.' To achieve a higher score, you should incorporate more specific terminology related to urban planning, such as 'infrastructure,' 'residential zones,' 'pedestrianised,' or 'demolished.' Additionally, ensure that you proofread for spelling errors, as these occasionally distract from the clarity of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Examples include 'islip town now have unknown shape' (subject-verb agreement and article usage) and 'besides of the new housing is park' (prepositional error). There are also issues with tense consistency and article omission. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and consistent verb tenses will help improve the accuracy of your sentences.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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