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 middle of a tiny town called Islip before and after development.
Overall, a dual carriageway 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 on the north-western side. The main road will be converted into a pedestrian path, as shops will be on the south-western 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 is on the southeastern side, and the school is adjacent on the southwestern side, adjacent to the curve of the carriageway.
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 dual carriageway, housing schemes, and new facilities. However, the description is somewhat confusing in its spatial orientation. For instance, stating the dual carriageway 'touches every corner' is a slight over-generalization, and the description of the north-western side versus the south-western side lacks precision. While the main features are identified, the comparison between the 'now' and 'future' states could be more clearly structured to highlight the transformation more effectively. The response meets the requirements but would benefit from a more systematic approach to reporting the changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the logical progression is occasionally hindered by imprecise referencing. For example, the transition between the second and third paragraphs feels slightly disjointed. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall' and 'As on the north side', but some connections feel mechanical. The referencing of locations (e.g., 'on one side of the pedestrian path') is sometimes ambiguous, making it difficult for the reader to visualize the map accurately. Improving the use of linking words to clarify spatial relationships would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the map features. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'dual carriageway' and 'inhabitants'. However, there is a reliance on simpler phrasing, such as 'side by side' and 'create easiness', which is slightly unnatural. The word choice is functional but lacks the precision and sophistication required for a higher band. To improve, the student should focus on more academic collocations and precise terminology for describing urban development and spatial changes.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'As on the north side of town, there is a plan...' which is slightly awkward. The sentence 'The park is on the southeastern side, and the school is adjacent on the southwestern side, adjacent to the curve of the carriageway' is repetitive in its use of 'adjacent'. Punctuation is generally correct, but the control over complex structures is inconsistent. The majority of sentences are understandable, but more variety and precision in grammar would elevate the score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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