Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-26
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 5.5)
The maps shows a small town named Islip and shows that the current structure of town but its needed to change the structure of the future.
The Map shows current situation of Islip town centre which have countryside, Shops with common main road, on the northside of the map. The Housing is situated at the Southside of the map and School is located on the Westside.
The Park is also available in the east side of the map.
According to the plan the Islip needed to changed the structure for the future development. Mainly the road will connects with each place and also have dual carriageway.
The bus station, Shopping centre, Car parking, new housing will be added to map at the North. The school, Park and housing with new housing is also available at their previous location.
Conclusion, mostly changes are made in the Islips town centre is at the north side but the main road is interconnected in the ways and remains are available as same.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response identifies the main features of the maps, such as the addition of the bus station and shopping centre. However, the overview is weak and lacks a clear summary of the most significant changes. The description of the current layout is somewhat repetitive, and the comparison between the two maps is not fully developed. For example, the mention of the 'dual carriageway' is a good observation, but the explanation of how the town's layout changes is somewhat fragmented. To improve, ensure you provide a clear, concise overview in the introduction and group features logically to highlight the transformation more effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as the awkward transition 'Conclusion, mostly changes are made'. The referencing is sometimes unclear, for instance, when referring to 'the ways' or 'remains are available as same'. The progression of ideas is present but lacks fluidity. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider range of linking words and phrases to connect sentences and ideas more naturally, rather than relying on simple, repetitive structures.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'structure', 'map', and 'side'. There are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'its needed to change the structure' and 'remains are available as same'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. To improve, try to incorporate more specific vocabulary related to urban planning, such as 'infrastructure', 'pedestrianised', 'expansion', or 'redevelopment', and focus on using more accurate collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('The maps shows', 'Islip needed to changed') and incorrect article usage ('the North', 'the Southside'). Sentence structures are generally simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors that can cause some difficulty for the reader. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subject-verb agreement, and using articles correctly. Practising the use of relative clauses and passive voice would also help in achieving a more varied and accurate range of structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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