Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-21
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 5.0)
The maps illustrate the current layout of centre of Islip and the proposed changes to the town centre.
Overall, the town centre is planned to undergo substantial redevelopment. The main road will be replaced by Pedestrian-only area in the centre, while a new dual carriageway will surround the town centre. Several new facilities, including Bus station, Car parking and shopping centre, while be introduced, and additional house will be built.
at present, the main road goes west to east through town center, with shops located both side of it. Most of the south area has house while a park is situated in the southeast. A school is located in the southwest next to a small road connected to the main road.
Under the proposed plan
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the ability to fully address the task. While you have identified some main features, the response is incomplete, ending abruptly with 'Under the proposed plan' without describing the changes to the school or the park. To achieve a higher band, you must provide a complete summary that covers all significant changes shown in the diagrams. The failure to complete the task means the information is not fully developed, and the overview is limited by the lack of detail regarding the final state of the town.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows a basic attempt at paragraphing, with an introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph. However, the abrupt ending makes it difficult to assess the overall logical progression. Cohesive devices are used sparingly, such as 'while' and 'at present', but the flow is interrupted by the incomplete nature of the text. To improve, ensure that each paragraph is fully developed and that you use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas smoothly. The lack of a conclusion or a completed description of the second map prevents a coherent structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'substantial redevelopment', 'dual carriageway', and 'pedestrian-only area'. However, there are some errors in word choice and article usage, such as 'additional house' (should be plural 'houses') and 'in the centre' (missing article 'a'). The range is somewhat limited, and the repetition of basic structures hinders the ability to demonstrate a more sophisticated command of English. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise descriptors for spatial changes would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'while be introduced' (should be 'will be introduced'), 'shops located both side of it' (should be 'on both sides'), and 'Most of the south area has house' (should be 'houses'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract from the meaning. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, pluralization, and the correct use of articles. Increasing the variety of complex sentence structures while ensuring accuracy will help raise your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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