Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-25
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 current layout of Islip town centre and the proposed changes to the area.
Overall, the most significant development will be the construction of a dual carriageway around the town centre. The existing main road will become pedestrian-only, while several new facilities and residential areas will be introduced.
At present, a main road runs from east to west through the centre, with rows of shops on both sides. To the south of the road, there are residential areas, a school in the southwest and a park in the southeast. The northern side of the town is largely occupied by countryside.
Under the proposed plan, the countryside and the shops to the north of the main road will be replaced by a bus station, a shopping centre and a car park. A new housing area will also be built in the northeast. The existing main road will be converted into a pedestrian zone, while traffic will be redirected around the centre via the new dual carriageway. The shops on the southern side will remain.
Further changes are planned in the southern part of the town centre. Additional housing will be constructed, and the existing park will be made smaller and relocated towards the southeast. The school and some existing housing, however, will remain in approximately their current locations
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 addresses all parts of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main changes, such as the construction of the dual carriageway and the pedestrianisation of the town centre. The report is well-structured, covering the current layout and the proposed developments systematically. You have successfully selected and reported the main features, including the addition of new facilities like the shopping centre and the relocation of the park. The comparison between the current and proposed states is clear and accurate, meeting the requirements for a high-level response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organised, with a clear progression from the introduction to the overview, followed by detailed descriptions of the current and future states. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different aspects of the town. Cohesive devices, such as 'At present', 'Under the proposed plan', and 'Further changes', are used appropriately to guide the reader through the information. The flow of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the current layout and the proposed changes is clearly articulated throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes accurately. Terms such as 'pedestrian-only', 'dual carriageway', 'redirected', and 'relocated' are used precisely in the context of urban planning. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic report. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'built' or 'changed' could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports clear communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'The existing main road will be converted into a pedestrian zone, while traffic will be redirected around the centre via the new dual carriageway.' Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few errors. The sentence structures are varied, and the control over tense usage—shifting from present for the current map to future for the proposed plan—is handled consistently and correctly throughout the essay.
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