Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

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

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the map, including the new dual carriageway, the housing developments, and the relocation of amenities. You provide a clear overview and make relevant comparisons between the current and future states. However, the description of the town's layout is occasionally confusing. For instance, stating that the dual carriageway 'touches every corner' is slightly imprecise, and the description of the pedestrian path and shops could be more clearly linked to the map's visual layout. To reach a higher band, ensure that spatial relationships are described with greater precision and clarity.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Overall' and 'As on the north side', to guide the reader. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the second paragraph where the transition between the north and south sides feels slightly disjointed. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'dual carriage way', 'housing schemes', and 'pedestrian path'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'in the mid of a tiny town' is unnatural; 'in the center of a small town' would be more appropriate. Additionally, 'create easiness' is not standard English; 'improve accessibility' or 'facilitate movement' would be better. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and collocations related to urban planning would help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'As on the north side of town' is a fragment, and 'remain at same point' lacks an article ('the same point'). There are also minor issues with preposition usage and article omission. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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