Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The rendered map depicts the information about the centre of a small town called Islip as it is present, and plans for its development.

Overall, the major change experience dual carriageway in small town, while the bottom side housing has no change in future.

In detail, in the top, many shops are situated which are connected the main road. In addition, the main road both sides shops are located. In the centre of the town, there is housing and also in the bottom housing available. Besides housing, a school located. On the East side, big park is situated.

In case of development, dual carriageway will be major change in the future in Islip. In the North side, shops are will be converted into bus station, shopping centre, car park and new housing area. In the centre of town, road will be made which used only pedestrians. centre shops, school and park will be no change in future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the map, such as the dual carriageway and the conversion of shops into a bus station and shopping centre. However, the response lacks a clear overview that effectively synthesises the changes. While you mention the dual carriageway, the description of the town centre's transformation is somewhat fragmented. To reach a higher band, ensure that you clearly contrast the 'before' and 'after' states rather than listing features in separate, disconnected paragraphs. Some details, such as the specific location of the new housing, could be more precisely described to better support your summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite mechanical and limited (e.g., 'In detail', 'In addition', 'Besides', 'In case of'). The flow between sentences is often abrupt, and some transitions feel forced. To improve, try to use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the former', 'the latter') is used to connect ideas more fluidly. Paragraphing is present, but the internal progression of ideas within the paragraphs could be more sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the map features clearly. You use relevant terms like 'dual carriageway', 'pedestrians', and 'shopping centre'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'major change experience dual carriageway' and 'shops are will be converted'. To achieve a higher score, focus on using more precise verbs and collocations, and avoid repetitive sentence structures that rely on basic vocabulary. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and adverbs would also enhance the quality of your report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but the accuracy is inconsistent. You frequently omit articles (e.g., 'in top', 'in centre of town') and struggle with verb tense and auxiliary usage (e.g., 'shops are will be converted', 'road will be made which used only pedestrians'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally impede the clarity of your message. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing development plans. Proofreading for basic grammatical slips will significantly improve your score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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