Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-19
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 diagram illustrates the information about current view of a small town called islip and future plans for its growth.
Looking from an overall perspective, currently shops are on the left and right side of the main road which suppose to be redevelop to many different buildings although road will be shifted around the all new buildings and will become dual carriageway.
After taking the statistical data into account, it can be clearly seen that the major change that will take place in future is construction of new buildings such as bus station, large shopping centre, car park.
Turning toward the other detail, it may infer that new houses will be introduced in the future in north east side and centre of the map will be secured for pedestrians only. Moreover, a small park will also construct on east south side of the map. Lastly, all the new buildings will be connected with main road.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, including the redevelopment of the road, the introduction of new buildings, and the pedestrianisation of the town centre. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the 'major change', you could improve by providing more specific comparisons between the 'current' and 'future' states, such as noting that the existing shops are being replaced by a shopping centre and a bus station. The overview is present but lacks a clear, concise summary of the most significant trends, such as the shift from a through-road to a bypass system. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key features are clearly highlighted and compared rather than just listed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. You use some cohesive devices like 'Looking from an overall perspective', 'After taking the statistical data into account', and 'Moreover'. However, some of these transitions feel slightly mechanical or unnatural in this context, such as 'After taking the statistical data into account', which is more suited to a report on a graph than a map. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the connection between sentences could be smoother. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring they are used in the correct context would enhance the flow of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'redevelop', 'dual carriageway', 'pedestrians', and 'construction'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'will construct' is used incorrectly; it should be passive voice ('will be constructed') because the park cannot build itself. Additionally, 'Turning toward the other detail' is a slightly awkward phrasing. To improve, focus on using more precise verbs and nouns related to urban planning and ensure that you use passive voice correctly when describing future developments where the agent is not specified.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that occasionally impede the clarity of the text. For instance, 'which suppose to be redevelop' should be 'which are supposed to be redeveloped'. There are also issues with article usage, such as 'on east south side', which should be 'on the south-east side'. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in verb forms and prepositions prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice for describing plans would be very beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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