Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The maps illustrate the current layout of the centre of a small town called Islip and its proposed future development.
Overall, the town will undergo significant redevelopment, with several features including a bus station, more houses and other amenities, while certain facilities will remain unchanged.
Regarding the current layout, the main road runs from the west side to the east side, while two shops are on either side. There is a green space, which is located on the north side. The park is situated on the southeast side, which is attached to the main road. School is also attached to the main road and it is on the southwest corner. There are two houses, one is on the south side and the other one is centre of the map.
Under the proposed development, the main road will be expanded on the map with dual carriageway. The bus station, shopping centre and car park are projected to be built on the northern side of the park. New housing is anticipated to be constructed on the northeast side of the map. Furthermore, more housing is expected to be introduced south of the existing park. However, the school, existing housing and a park will remain unchanged.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the changes and successfully identified the main features of both the current and proposed maps. The comparison between the two layouts is logical and easy to follow. You have highlighted key developments, such as the expansion of the road and the addition of new facilities, while noting which elements remain unchanged. The information is accurate and well-selected, providing a comprehensive summary of the visual data provided. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently use precise terminology for spatial relationships throughout the entire report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction, overview, current layout, and future developments. Cohesive devices such as 'Regarding', 'Under the proposed development', and 'Furthermore' are used appropriately to guide the reader. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to improve the overall cohesion. For instance, the link between the current layout and the proposed changes could be more explicitly stated to enhance the comparative aspect of the report. Overall, the structure is clear and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the maps, including terms like 'redevelopment', 'dual carriageway', and 'anticipated'. The language is generally accurate and appropriate for the task. However, there are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'attached to the main road' (which is better described as 'adjacent to' or 'bordering') and 'centre of the map' (which would be more natural as 'in the centre of the town'). Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and prepositions would help elevate the lexical quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used passive voice effectively to describe the proposed changes, such as 'is projected to be built' and 'is expected to be introduced'. While there are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'School is also attached' (missing an article) and 'the other one is centre of the map' (missing a preposition), these errors do not impede communication. The punctuation is generally correct, and the sentence variety is sufficient to convey the information clearly. Focusing on article usage and prepositional accuracy will help improve your score in this area.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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