Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The maps illustrate the proposed redevelopment of the small town of Islip.
Overall, the town centre will be encircled by a new dual carriageway, while the existing main road running through the middle is set to be converted into a pedestrian-only zone.
Regarding the northern section, the current countryside and shops are scheduled for demolition to make way for a new housing scheme. In the northwestern corner, a bus station and a shopping centre will be built alongside each other, with a car park situated immediately to the west of the new housing estate. Furthermore, the current main road will be pedestrianized, and shops will be retained along its southwestern side.
Turning to the southern half, a second housing scheme is planned to the west of the existing school. The park will remain in the south-eastern corner, providing green space near the new housing. The school itself is positioned in the central-southern area, just inside the bend of the new dual carriageway.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main changes, such as the new dual carriageway and the pedestrianization of the existing road. The body paragraphs are well-structured, logically grouping the northern and southern developments. You have successfully identified and reported the key features, including the new housing schemes, the bus station, and the shopping centre, while making relevant comparisons to the current layout. The information is accurate and well-selected, ensuring the reader gets a comprehensive understanding of the proposed changes without unnecessary detail. This meets the criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the general overview to specific details in the north and south. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Regarding the northern section,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Turning to the southern half' effectively guides the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different areas of the town. The flow of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the current and proposed features is clearly established. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes accurately. Terms such as 'redevelopment,' 'encircled,' 'pedestrian-only zone,' 'demolition,' and 'retained' are used precisely and in the correct context. The language is natural and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band; however, it is more than adequate for the task. There are no spelling errors, and the word choices consistently convey the intended meaning without ambiguity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'the town centre will be encircled by a new dual carriageway, while the existing main road... is set to be converted.' The use of passive voice is appropriate for describing town planning. Punctuation is accurate throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and aspect is consistent, particularly when contrasting the current state with future plans. The writing is clear, professional, and error-free.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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