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)
These 2 different maps provides the data on the difference between the Islip town centre now vs the town centre with planned development.
If we talk about the main features, so the Islip town now is not oriented and with less facilities. This is totally unplanned without any proper feasibility. The countryside is on the North Side of the map with the boundary, facing directly towards the shops opposing the Main road then on the other side of the road is the residence shown as Housing in the map with a park on its east and a school on the west opposite to the park.
Upcoming development map shows a properly planned Islip town with much more facilities including the bus station, shopping mall, a car park in a row for the ease of the public. There is a new housing on its east side and also pedestrians next to it, a proper shop lane is also available with the pedestrian and if we talk about the south side there is
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5
The response fails to complete the task as it ends abruptly mid-sentence. While it attempts to identify main features, the description is incomplete and lacks a clear overview of the significant changes. The analysis of the 'current' map is subjective and uses informal language ('not oriented', 'without any proper feasibility') rather than objective reporting of spatial features. To improve, ensure you provide a clear summary of the overall transformation and describe the spatial layout accurately without adding personal commentary. The response is unfinished, which significantly impacts the ability to cover all parts of the task effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by the incomplete nature of the final paragraph. Cohesive devices are used in a very basic and sometimes mechanical way, such as 'If we talk about'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the lack of a concluding sentence or a completed description makes the overall structure feel disjointed. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words to connect ideas between sentences and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, completed focus that contributes to the overall summary of the maps.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'not oriented' and 'without any proper feasibility' are not appropriate for describing maps in an academic context. There is a reliance on basic descriptive terms, and the range is insufficient to demonstrate precision. To reach a higher band, you should use more precise vocabulary related to urban planning and spatial description, such as 'infrastructure', 'residential zone', 'pedestrianised', or 'redeveloped'. Avoid informal conversational fillers like 'If we talk about' and focus on objective, descriptive language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that affect clarity. For instance, 'These 2 different maps provides' shows a subject-verb agreement error. There are also issues with sentence structure, such as the run-on sentence in the second paragraph. The use of articles is inconsistent, and the abrupt ending leaves the final sentence grammatically incomplete. While there is an attempt at complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on basic subject-verb agreement and ensure that sentences are complete and punctuated correctly. Proofreading for these fundamental errors is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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