Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-01

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 6.0)

The two maps illustrate the current layout of the centre of a small town called Islip and the proposed changes to its development.

Overall, it is evident that town centre is estimated to be more developed with the addition of significant number of amenities.

In details, after analyzing the layout it is clear that at present the main road runs through the centre from west to east, along with the shops on both sides, Moreover, on the northern side there is countryside, while most of the southern part is utilized for housing with a large park linked to main road for residents, However, a separate path lead to the school on south-west side.

Moving further, Under the proposed plan, the countryside to the north will be replaced by a bus station, shopping centre and car park, as well as a new housing area in the north-east. The existing main road will be converted into a pedestrian zone, with the shops on its southern side retained. A dual carriageway will surround the central area, allowing vehicles to travel around the town rather than through its centre.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the key features of the Islip town centre maps. You have clearly contrasted the current layout with the proposed developments, such as the replacement of the countryside with new amenities and the introduction of a dual carriageway. The overview provides a clear summary of the main trend—the town becoming more developed. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more specific details from the maps, such as the relocation of the school or the specific placement of the new housing, to ensure all parts of the task are fully developed rather than just summarized.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each serving a distinct purpose. You use transition signals like 'Overall', 'In details', and 'Moving further' to guide the reader. However, some cohesive devices are used slightly awkwardly; for instance, 'In details' is non-standard (should be 'In detail'), and the punctuation around 'Moreover' and 'However' is inconsistent, with commas used where full stops or semicolons would be more appropriate. Improving the variety and accuracy of your linking phrases will help the flow feel more natural and sophisticated.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'amenities', 'pedestrian zone', and 'dual carriageway' effectively. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'significant number of amenities' (missing 'a') and 'In details' instead of 'In detail'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Incorporating more varied synonyms for 'replaced' or 'surround' would enhance the lexical quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the passive construction 'will be replaced by' and the relative clause 'allowing vehicles to travel'. There are several grammatical slips, including missing articles ('the town centre', 'a significant number') and punctuation errors, such as comma splices ('...on both sides, Moreover...'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on consistent subject-verb agreement and correct punctuation will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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