Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-27
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 7.0)
The provided maps illustrate the current layout of a centre of small town called Islip and it's proposed development for the future.
Overall, the town is planned to undergo significant transformation with utilization of the countryside area for construction of some public facilities and an efficient transportation system. Moreover, the housing area is also planned to expand further in the future.
Currently, the town consists of a main road runnning west to east with some retail outlets on it's either side. The further north of the town consists of countryside which is largely empty. The centre of the town consists primarily of residential areas, extending further to its south. Additionally, the south-west and south-east area of the town is used to accommodate a school and a park respectively.
In the future, the main road will be removed along with the shops located to its northern side and will be replaced by a large shopping centre with a bus station and a car park to its adjacent sides. A new housing area will be developed to further eastern side of the shopping center and the main road in the middle will be turned into a pedestrians-only walkway. Notably, the main road will instead be divided into a dual carriageway forming a ring around the town. The park will also be reduced in size to pave way for the southern part of the carriageway and the school will remain to the south-eastern side of the town.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
You have provided a clear overview and successfully identified the main changes, such as the removal of the main road, the introduction of a shopping centre, and the creation of a ring road. You effectively compared the current layout with the future plans. The response covers all key features of the maps. To reach a higher band, ensure that all spatial descriptions are precise; for instance, you mentioned the school remains in the south-east, but the map shows it in the south-west. Accuracy in reporting visual data is crucial for Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that logically separate the current state from the future plans. You use cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Additionally', and 'In the future' to guide the reader through the information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related ideas. The progression of information is logical, moving from the general layout to specific developments. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the current and future states is clearly established throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and urban development, such as 'significant transformation', 'pedestrians-only walkway', and 'dual carriageway'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'it's proposed development' (should be 'its') and 'to its adjacent sides' (which is slightly redundant). However, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision. You successfully use topic-specific terminology to describe the features of the town, which helps in achieving a solid score in this criterion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'runnning' (spelling error), 'it's' instead of 'its', and 'to further eastern side' (missing article). Despite these occasional errors, your control of grammar is generally good, and the meaning is never obscured. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate the ability to use complex structures like passive voice ('will be removed', 'will be replaced') appropriately for a report of this nature.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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