Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The map above conclude the plans for the development of a small town called Islip. By analysing the structure of the new map I can understand many ideas that are very significant and relevant.
Firstly, The most noticeable change in the map is the developed road structure which was previously not as useful.The new designed map shows the connection of roadways to shops, shopping centre, park, bus station, car parking and housing.This pattern of connected roadway is more convenient and easier to travel from one place to another.
Secondly, The upliftment of the housing and infrastructure of the surroundings as compared to the previous map. The introduction of new housing area, bus station, shopping centre and the dual carriageway. The main road has been changed into pedestrian lane which makes it easier for people to shop as compared to the way it is shown in old map.
The new developments provide drastic changes in the infrastructure and overall development of the small town.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, such as the new road layout, the pedestrianisation of the main road, and the addition of new facilities like the bus station and shopping centre. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. It lacks specific detail regarding the location of these changes (e.g., north, south, or east of the town centre), which is essential for a clear comparison. The overview is also quite brief and does not fully synthesise the transformation of the town. To reach a higher band, you should provide more precise descriptions of the spatial changes rather than general statements about convenience.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Firstly', 'Secondly'). The transition between sentences is occasionally abrupt, and the referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the phrase 'the way it is shown in old map', which lacks a definite article. While the overall progression is logical, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus on a specific aspect of the development.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You use some relevant terms like 'pedestrian lane' and 'dual carriageway', but there are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'upliftment of the housing' and 'new designed map'. The word 'upliftment' is not the most natural choice in this context; 'expansion' or 'development' would be more appropriate. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations related to urban planning and maps, and ensure that your word choices are contextually accurate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The map above conclude' (subject-verb agreement), 'the way it is shown in old map' (missing article), and 'The new designed map' (incorrect adjective form). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to affect the overall clarity. To achieve a higher score, you need to demonstrate more consistent control over basic grammar, particularly with articles, subject-verb agreement, and the correct formation of passive voice structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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