Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
The maps show the current layout of the centre of a small town called Islip and the planned changes for its development.
Overall, the town centre will become more developed and easier for pedestrians to use. The main changes include the construction of a dual carriageway, a bus station, a shopping centre and a car park. There will also be more housing and a new pedestrian area.
At present, the main road runs from east to west through the town centre, with shops on both sides. There is a large housing area to the south of the shops, while a park is located in the east. A school is situated in the south-west of the town. The countryside is to the north of the main road.
According to the plans, the main road will be replaced by a large roundabout road around the town centre. The road on the west will become a dual carriageway. A bus station, a shopping centre and a car park will be built in the northern part of the town centre. The shops will be moved to a pedestrian-only area below these facilities.
There will also be new housing in the north-east and central parts of the town. The existing park will remain in the south-east, while the school and some existing housing will stay in 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 requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main trends, specifically noting the shift toward a more pedestrian-friendly environment and the major infrastructure additions. The body paragraphs successfully contrast the current layout with the proposed developments, highlighting key changes such as the roundabout, the dual carriageway, and the relocation of shops. The information is accurate and well-selected, covering all significant features shown in the maps without unnecessary detail. The report is well-structured and provides a logical comparison between the two timeframes, meeting all criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and well-structured body paragraphs that follow a thematic progression. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, moving from the current state to the future plans. Cohesive devices such as 'At present', 'According to the plans', and 'There will also be' are used effectively to guide the reader through the information. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow, and the use of referencing (e.g., 'these facilities', 'the existing park') is precise and natural, contributing to the overall coherence of the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and urban development. Phrases such as 'pedestrian-only area', 'dual carriageway', and 'current layout' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it could be further elevated to reach the highest band by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'built' or 'located'. However, the current range is sufficient to convey the information with precision, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, effectively. For example, 'The main road runs from east to west through the town centre, with shops on both sides' shows good control of participial phrases. The use of future passive structures ('will be built', 'will be replaced') is accurate and appropriate for describing future plans. The text is largely error-free, with consistent punctuation and correct verb tense usage throughout. The grammatical range is flexible and supports the clear communication of the information.
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