Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The map illustrates the information about development in the plan to re-establish the centre of a small town known as Islip now and in the future .

In the north direction, there is a countryside area which would be removed in future and shop will be converted into bus station in north west area. while, shopping centre and car park will be constructed on the north side. Also, new housing in the north east direction. Moreover, main road will be converted into pedestrian road .

The School which is situated in the south west direction and park in south east direction will witnessed at the same place after the development, respectively. however, there will be no change in the shops which are located near pedestrians. while, new houses would be constructed near the park. Also, there will be construction of dual carriageway around the town centre

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you have identified the main features of the maps, the description is somewhat fragmented. You mention the removal of the countryside and the addition of a bus station, shopping centre, and housing, but the overview is underdeveloped. The comparison between the current state and the future plan is present, but the lack of sufficient detail and the failure to reach the minimum length prevent a higher score. To improve, ensure you provide a clear overview and expand on the spatial relationships between the features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into two paragraphs, which is a logical approach for this task. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as the use of 'while,' 'also,' and 'moreover' at the start of sentences. The progression of ideas is sometimes disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes clearly. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that sentences flow more naturally into one another would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You rely on basic verbs like 'removed,' 'converted,' and 'constructed' repeatedly. There are also some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'will witnessed at the same place' (should be 'will remain in the same place') and 'pedestrian road' (should be 'pedestrianised zone'). To improve, try to incorporate more specific terminology related to urban planning and maps, such as 'demolished,' 'transformed,' or 'residential development.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'The map illustrates the information about development in the plan to re-establish' is wordy, and 'will witnessed' is grammatically incorrect. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases, such as 'In the north direction' (should be 'In the north'). While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors limits the score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage for future plans.

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

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