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 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 as one of the northeastern corners, a car park on the west of the new housing, and a shopping center adjacent to the bus station on the northwestern side. The main road will be converted into a pedestrian path, as shops will be on the south-western side of the path.

On the south side of the middle of town, a new housing scheme will be added on the western side on the other side of the school. The park is on the southeastern side, and the school is adjacent on the southwestern side, adjacent to the curve of the ring road.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the Islip development plans, such as the new ring road, housing schemes, and the conversion of the main road into a pedestrian zone. You provided a clear overview and made relevant comparisons between the current and future states. However, the description of the locations is occasionally confusing; for instance, describing the housing as being 'on the north side' and then 'as one of the northeastern corners' lacks precision. To reach a higher band, ensure that spatial relationships are described with greater clarity and consistency, ensuring the reader can easily visualize the layout changes without ambiguity.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that group information by location. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Overall' and 'As on the north side', to guide the reader. However, the flow within paragraphs is sometimes hindered by repetitive phrasing and slightly mechanical transitions. For example, the frequent use of 'on the... side' makes the text feel a bit formulaic. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing (e.g., 'the path', 'the school') is always clear would enhance the overall coherence of your response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for this task, using terms like 'dual carriageway', 'pedestrian path', and 'adjacent' correctly. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the reliance on directional language like 'side' and 'middle'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for location and development, such as 'situated in the northern sector', 'peripheral', or 'transformed into'. While your word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, expanding your repertoire of descriptive adjectives and spatial prepositions would allow for more sophisticated and precise reporting of the map features.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The map compares the changes that will occur...' and 'The main road will be converted into a pedestrian path, as shops will be on the south-western side'. While most sentences are clear, there are some minor grammatical awkwardnesses, such as 'cover the center from all sides' and 'as one of the northeastern corners', which slightly disrupt the flow. Punctuation is generally sound, but ensure that your complex sentences are constructed with precision to avoid ambiguity. Overall, your control of grammar is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly.

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

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