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, it is proposed that a dual carriageway will be constructed around the central area. 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 carriageway.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all key features of the maps, including the proposed dual carriageway, the new housing schemes, and the relocation of amenities. The overview is clear, identifying the main development trend. However, the description of locations is occasionally confusing; for instance, stating that the shopping center is 'on the northwestern side' while also mentioning it is 'adjacent to the bus station' creates some ambiguity regarding the spatial layout. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between features is described with greater precision, perhaps by using more specific directional markers or clearer reference points to help the reader visualize the map changes more effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on different areas of the town. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'As on the north side', and 'On the south side' are used to guide the reader. However, the flow within paragraphs is sometimes mechanical, and the use of referencing is occasionally repetitive. The transition between the description of the north and south sides could be smoother to improve the overall progression of the response. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct geographical areas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using terms like 'dual carriageway', 'pedestrian path', and 'housing scheme'. There is an attempt to use varied language, though some phrasing is slightly repetitive or imprecise, such as 'on one side of the pedestrian path' and 'on the other side of the school'. The range is sufficient to convey the main points, but there is a lack of more sophisticated or precise collocations that would elevate the response to a higher band. Spelling is accurate throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While most sentences are clear, there are some minor grammatical awkwardnesses, such as 'as one of the northeastern corners' and 'the school is adjacent on the southwestern side, adjacent to the curve'. These minor errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the score. The use of punctuation is generally correct, and the sentence variety is sufficient to maintain interest. To improve, focus on ensuring that prepositional phrases are used more naturally to describe locations.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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