Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-17
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 7.5)
The maps illustrate the current layout of the centre of Islip and the planned development of the town centre.
Overall, it is evident that the town centre is planned to undergo substantial redevelopment, particularly with the introduction of a new ring road and pedestrianised area. In addition, several new facilities, including a bus station, shopping centre and car park, are planned.
Looking first at the northern part of the town centre, the main road currently runs from east to west, with shops located on both sides. Under the proposed plan, this road will become a pedestrian-only area. A shopping centre will be constructed in the north-western section, while a bus station and car park will be added nearby.
Turning to the southern and eastern areas, the existing town centre contains housing, a park and a school. In the proposed development, the park will be relocated to the south-eastern corner, while new housing will be built in the north-eastern and central areas. The school will remain in its current location, and some of the existing housing to the south will also be retained.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively addresses the prompt by providing a clear overview of the changes and highlighting the main features of the proposed development. You successfully identified the key transformations, such as the introduction of the ring road, the pedestrianisation of the main road, and the relocation of the park. The comparison between the current and future states is logical and well-structured. You have covered all parts of the task well, ensuring that the reader can easily visualise the transition from the existing layout to the planned one. The information is accurate and relevant, meeting the requirements for a high-band response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is well-organised with a clear logical progression. You use paragraphing effectively to separate the overview from the detailed descriptions of the northern and southern areas. Cohesive devices such as 'Looking first at', 'Turning to', and 'In addition' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the information. The flow of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the current state and the proposed changes is clearly articulated. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the referencing is precise throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a task describing maps and urban planning. Phrases such as 'substantial redevelopment', 'pedestrian-only area', and 'relocated' are used accurately. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the clarity of the description. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations related to urban development could elevate the response further. However, the current usage is natural and free of errors, which is commendable for this type of task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Under the proposed plan, this road will become a pedestrian-only area'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. There is a good mix of passive voice, which is particularly suitable for describing plans and developments. The control over tense usage—shifting between the present for the current layout and the future for the plans—is consistent and accurate throughout.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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