Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-20

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 6.0)

The map compares the changes that will occur in the mid of a tiny town called Islip before and after development.

Overall, a dual carriage way is planned to cover the center from all sides. There is the addition of two housing schemes as well as a bus station, car park, and shopping center side by side on one side of the pedestrian path.

As on the north side of town, there is a plan to convert the countryside area and shops into a new housing scheme, car park, shopping center, and bus station. The main road will be converted into a pedestrian path, as shops will be on the south side of the path.

There is a plan for the construction of a dual carriageway that touches every corner of the town to create easiness for inhabitants. On the south side of the middle of town, a new housing scheme will be added. The park and school remain at same point but there is a minor increase in the area of school.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.0
Coherence and Cohesion6.0
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.5
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the Islip development plans, including the new dual carriageway, housing schemes, and the conversion of the main road into a pedestrian zone. You made relevant comparisons between the current and future states. However, the response lacks a clear overview that synthesizes the most significant changes, such as the town's shift from a through-road layout to a pedestrian-focused center. Additionally, some descriptions are slightly repetitive, and the spatial references (e.g., 'on one side of the pedestrian path') could be more precise to help the reader visualize the map more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the development plans. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Overall' and 'As on the north side', to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the transition between the second and third paragraphs feels a bit disjointed. To improve, try to use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the path', 'the town') is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'dual carriageway', 'housing schemes', and 'pedestrian path'. However, there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'in the mid of a tiny town' (should be 'in the center') and 'create easiness' (should be 'improve accessibility' or 'facilitate movement'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your writing. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and nouns related to urban planning would help elevate your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'remain at same point' (missing article 'the') and 'As on the north side of town, there is a plan...' (the 'As' is redundant here). There are also minor issues with preposition usage and article omission. The sentences are generally understandable, but more consistent control over complex structures and articles is needed to reach a higher band.

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

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