Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-30

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)

The given maps information show the center of small town its called Islip and plans for its development.

First of all, Islip town center now without developing. In country side there are 8 shops are sequences and other side also 8 shops line by line and center on main road. moreover, east side are housing and right side park and also park other side also housing and left side school.

Secondly, Islip town center planned development. In dual carriageway, east side there are many sites developed firstly, bus station, shopping center, car parking and new housing in enter the dual carriageway. In other side, there are 8 shops developed and center pedestrians only. furthermore, In left side near shops are many housing and right side new housing and park. lastly, Dual carriageway out side also many housing and school.

On conclusion, Islip town center development is a great idea to make this site.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the task by describing the current layout and the proposed changes. However, the report is quite superficial. While it identifies some key features like the shops, housing, and the new dual carriageway, it fails to provide a clear, analytical overview or effectively highlight the most significant changes. The description is somewhat repetitive and lacks the precision required for a Band 6 or higher. For example, stating '8 shops are sequences' is unclear and does not accurately convey the spatial arrangement shown on the map. The summary lacks a clear comparison between the 'before' and 'after' states, which is essential for this task type.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as 'In country side' or 'In other side'. The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed, and the referencing is often unclear (e.g., 'other side also 8 shops'). While there is an attempt to use transition words like 'moreover' and 'furthermore', they are not always used in a way that creates a natural flow. The conclusion is very brief and does not effectively synthesise the main points of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. Phrases like '8 shops' are used multiple times without variation. There are several instances of awkward word choice and phrasing, such as 'without developing' instead of 'in its current state' or 'before development'. The student struggles to use precise terminology for map descriptions, relying on basic directional language that is occasionally confusing. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the information with the necessary precision for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'maps information show'), missing articles, and incorrect preposition usage (e.g., 'in enter the dual carriageway'). Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences are often faulty or lack proper punctuation. The lack of control over basic grammar, such as 'its called Islip' instead of 'it is called', indicates a need for significant improvement in sentence construction and accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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