Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-18

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 7.0)

The map illustrates changes planned for Islip town center, comparing its present layout with the proposed development.

Overall, the town center is expected to become more pedestrian-friendly and connected with new housing , a bus station, a shopping center and a car park.

At present, a road runs east to west through the center, with shops on both sides. Housing occupies the central and southern areas, while a school is located in the south-west and a park in the south-east. There is also countryside to the north.

Under the plan, the main road will be replaced by a pedestrian-only zone containing shops. A dual carriageway will run around the development, providing access. The shops will be reorganised, and a bus station, shopping center and a car park will be added in the north-west. New housing will be constructed in the north-east and south-central areas, while the park will remain in the south-east.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the town's development plan. The response covers all key changes, such as the pedestrianization of the main road, the addition of a bypass, and the relocation of facilities. You provide a clear overview and effectively contrast the 'present' with the 'proposed' layout. The information is well-selected and logically grouped, ensuring the reader can easily visualize the transformation. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific comparisons regarding the scale of the changes, such as noting that the school remains unchanged while the housing area expands significantly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that logically separate the current state from the future plans. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'At present' and 'Under the plan', to guide the reader through the temporal shift. The progression of ideas is smooth, and each paragraph has a clear focus. The use of referencing is accurate, and the text flows naturally from one point to the next without any confusion or mechanical repetition.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and urban planning, such as 'pedestrian-friendly', 'dual carriageway', 'reorganised', and 'constructed'. The word choices are precise and contribute to a professional tone. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, it stays within a relatively standard range. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or nuanced descriptive language, such as 'comprehensive redevelopment' or 'strategic relocation', to further enhance the lexical variety.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your grammar is strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice appropriately to describe the planned changes (e.g., 'will be replaced', 'will be constructed'), which is ideal for this task type. The sentences are generally error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. The control over tense usage—shifting from present simple for the current map to future forms for the proposed plan—is handled correctly. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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