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 maps illustrate the centre of a town known as Islip in two scenarios: Islip town centre currently and after the planned development.

Overall, the centre of town appears to be significantly changed post planned development. Many facilities like bus station and shopping centre have been added to Islip. However, currently there is only a single main road that passes through the centre.

As of now, the middle of the town has shops on both sides of its main road. The upper side reflects whole countryside, while the lower one has housing areas. Near the houses, arrive the linked roads from the main road. One leads to the school while the other towards a park.

But taking a look at the map of Islip after planned development, there are many noticable improvements. Shops from one side have been swapped with a bus station, a shopping centre, a car parking area, and area for new housing. While the road has been changed from a single main road to a dual carriageway that connects the route for school, park and the new housing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the maps, including the current layout and the proposed developments. You have clearly highlighted the transition from a single road to a dual carriageway and the addition of new facilities like the bus station and shopping centre. However, the description of the 'upper side' and 'lower side' is somewhat vague; using compass directions (north/south) would have been more precise. While the main features are covered, the comparison could be more analytical by focusing on the spatial changes more effectively. Overall, the task is addressed well, providing a clear summary of the transformation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs describing the 'before' and 'after' states. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate these distinct sections. Cohesive devices such as 'However', 'As of now', and 'While' are used to link ideas, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The progression of information is clear, allowing the reader to follow the changes easily. To improve, ensure that referencing is more precise; for example, 'the upper side' is a bit ambiguous without a clear frame of reference.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the maps, such as 'significantly changed', 'planned development', and 'dual carriageway'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'the upper side reflects whole countryside' and 'arrive the linked roads', which sound unnatural. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task and communication is never impeded, there is a lack of more sophisticated or precise terminology that would elevate the score to a higher band. Focusing on more natural collocations will help improve this area.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'Many facilities like bus station' (missing article) and 'the route for school' (preposition choice). The sentence 'Near the houses, arrive the linked roads' is syntactically awkward. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to article usage (a/the) and ensure that word order in complex sentences remains standard.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.