Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-03
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 current layout of a town called Islip demonstrating its centre at current and the proposed future planned changes in it’s area.
Overall, the town has planned major developments by making a circular area in which bus stations , pedestrian only lanes and shopping centres have upgraded. An introduction of a dual carriageway has been made around the central area and several new public and commercial facilities have been added .
At present the town is divided into a single lane parted by main road and shops located at either side . Major developments can be seen where later it will be divided into dual carriageway around the central area where bus stations, shopping centres , car parks , new housing on either side between the pedestrian lane .
The residential areas will also be modified occupying both the southern and northern parts of the central area as well as the south west direction remaining slightly altered. However the school remains in the south west showing no absolute changes with the park also being in the same area with slight alternations.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, including the introduction of the dual carriageway and the relocation of facilities. However, the description of the current layout is slightly confusing, and the comparison between the two maps lacks precision. For example, stating that the town is currently 'divided into a single lane' is inaccurate, as the map shows a single main road. The overview is clear, but some details, such as the specific locations of the new housing, are described in a way that is difficult to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that spatial relationships are described more accurately and that the distinction between the 'current' and 'proposed' states is consistently clear.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall', 'At present', and 'However', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions are mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly in the third paragraph where the description of the layout becomes cluttered. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the internal structure of the sentences could be improved to ensure a smoother flow of information between the current state and the proposed changes.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'dual carriageway', 'pedestrian only lanes', and 'commercial facilities'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'demonstrating its centre at current' and 'showing no absolute changes'. The phrase 'slight alternations' is likely a misuse of 'alterations'. While the range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band score. Improving the accuracy of collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing would enhance the quality of the writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as the misuse of the apostrophe in 'it’s area' (should be 'its') and issues with subject-verb agreement and preposition usage (e.g., 'in the south west direction remaining slightly altered'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy and punctuation rules would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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