Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-28
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 5.0)
Given picture describes about the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its development.
So the current picture shows us town occupied low are including countryside, shops, main roads, housing, school and park when compare to new planned development map. We can see in new planned map there are new places allocated and organised for New housing, pedestrians only area, dual carriageway, bus station, big shopping centre, and car parking. So when we compare current one plan the new planned for development one is better. In which we can see major change in both maps is the area which was empty and they have utilized it wisely by adding spaces such as bus station, shopping centre, car parking. Preciously that space only have shops so they replaced shops with them. Additionlly we can also see two new housing spaces in the map which makes a good option to utilize empty space of such work. In the end I conclude that they really need to work on the new planned development for islip town centre so it will look well structured and organized. And make good attraction for customer or people who visits Islip town mall.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response identifies the main features of the maps, such as the new housing, the pedestrian area, and the dual carriageway. However, the analysis is somewhat subjective and informal, using phrases like 'they have utilized it wisely' and 'the new planned for development one is better.' IELTS Academic Task 1 requires an objective, neutral tone. Furthermore, the description of the changes is slightly inaccurate; for example, the student claims shops were replaced by a bus station, whereas the map shows the shops remain but are complemented by new facilities. The response lacks a clear overview of the most significant changes, which is a key requirement for a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is presented as a single block of text, which significantly hinders readability and logical progression. Paragraphing is essential in IELTS writing to separate the introduction, overview, and specific details. While there are some cohesive devices used, such as 'Additionlly' and 'In the end', they are often used mechanically or incorrectly. The flow of ideas is somewhat repetitive, and the lack of clear paragraph breaks makes the structure feel disorganized. To improve, the student should group related information into distinct paragraphs and use a wider variety of linking words to connect sentences more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'picture', 'map', and 'places'. There are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'Preciously that space' (likely meant 'Previously') and 'make good attraction'. The spelling of 'Additionlly' is also incorrect. While the student attempts to describe the town features, the range of vocabulary is not sufficient to convey the information with precision or sophistication. To reach a higher band, the student needs to incorporate more academic vocabulary related to urban planning, such as 'infrastructure', 'residential zones', 'redevelopment', and 'pedestrianised'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the reader's understanding. There are issues with article usage ('the current picture shows us town occupied low are'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. Many sentences are run-on or lack proper punctuation, such as 'So when we compare current one plan the new planned for development one is better.' The range of grammatical structures is limited, with a reliance on simple sentences. To improve, the student should focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb tenses, and practicing the use of complex sentences to add variety and accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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