Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-02
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 7.5)
The map illustrate the current layout of Islip town and proposed changes after the redevelopment.
Overall, the town centre will undergo substantial redevelopment. The main road will be pedestrianised and surrounded by a new ring road, while several new commercial and residential facilities will be introduced. However, the school and park will remain in their current locations.
At present, a main road runs from east to west through the centre of Islip, with two rows of shops located on either side of it. Countryside lies to the north, while housing occupies much of the area to the south. A park is situated in the eastern part of the town centre, and a school is located in the southwest. A smaller curved road connects the main road to the southern housing area.
Following the planned development, the main road will become a pedestrian-only area, with a single row of shops remaining in the centre. A shopping centre, bus station and car park will be constructed to the north-west of this area, while new housing will be added in the north-east and eastern parts of the town. A large ring road will surround the central area, connecting to a new dual carriageway entering from the west. The existing school and park will remain unchanged, as will some of the existing housing.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
You have provided a clear and accurate summary of the main features of the Islip town maps. You successfully identified the key changes, such as the pedestrianisation of the main road, the introduction of the ring road, and the addition of new facilities. The comparison between the current and proposed layouts is well-structured, and you have correctly noted which features remain unchanged. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the most significant developments, which is essential for a high band score in Task 1. You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The response is logically organised, with a clear introduction, a description of the current state, and a description of the proposed changes. Each paragraph has a clear focus, and the progression of information is easy to follow. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'at present', 'following the planned development', and 'while', which help to connect ideas smoothly. The use of referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task. The overall structure is coherent and professional.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and urban development, such as 'pedestrianised', 'redevelopment', 'dual carriageway', and 'commercial and residential facilities'. The word choice is precise and contributes to the clarity of your report. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated or varied synonyms for 'added' or 'located' could elevate the response further, but the current range is sufficient for a high score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
Your grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used throughout the text. You have successfully employed complex sentences, such as 'The main road will be pedestrianised and surrounded by a new ring road, while several new commercial and residential facilities will be introduced.' There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and punctuation is used correctly. The control over verb tenses, particularly the future passive forms used to describe the plans, is excellent. The writing is fluent and error-free, demonstrating a high level of grammatical competence.
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.