Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-29

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 8.0)

The maps illustrate the current layout of Islip town centre and the proposed changes to its future development.

Overall, the town centre is expected to undergo substantial modernisation. The main road will be converted into a pedestrian-only area, while a dual carriageway will be constructed around the centre. Several new facilities and additional housing will also be introduced.

At present, the main road runs from east to west through the centre, with rows of shops on both sides. The northern part of the town consists mainly of countryside, whereas two housing areas are located to the south. There is also a park in the southeast and a school in the southwest.

Under the development plan, the countryside and the northern row of shops will be replaced by a bus station, a shopping centre, a car park and a new housing area. The existing main road will become a pedestrian zone, although the southern row of shops will remain unchanged. Another new residential area will be built southeast of these shops. The park will be retained but reduced in size. Finally, the school and the southern housing area will remain outside the new dual carriageway.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively addresses all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main changes, such as the modernisation of the town centre and the introduction of the dual carriageway. The report covers the key features of both the current and proposed maps, including the conversion of the main road into a pedestrian zone and the addition of new facilities like the shopping centre and bus station. Comparisons are made appropriately throughout the text. The information is well-selected and logically presented, ensuring the reader can easily follow the transformation of the town. No significant information is omitted, and the summary is balanced and accurate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is well-structured with a logical progression of ideas. You have used a clear paragraphing strategy, moving from an introduction and overview to a detailed description of the current state, followed by the proposed developments. Cohesive devices such as 'At present', 'Under the development plan', 'although', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the changes. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth. The organisation is coherent throughout, and the use of cohesive devices is neither mechanical nor repetitive, which contributes to a professional and easy-to-read report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a task of this nature. Phrases such as 'undergo substantial modernisation', 'pedestrian-only area', 'dual carriageway', and 'retained but reduced in size' show a high level of precision. The vocabulary is used accurately to describe spatial relationships and changes. While the range is sufficient and precise, it could be further enhanced by incorporating slightly more sophisticated synonyms for common verbs like 'built' or 'replaced' to reach the highest band. However, the current usage is natural and effectively conveys the intended meaning without any errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the passive voice ('will be constructed', 'will be replaced') and subordinate clauses ('while a dual carriageway will be constructed', 'although the southern row of shops will remain unchanged'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over tense usage—shifting between the present for the current map and the future for the proposed plans—is consistent and accurate.

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