Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-08

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 4.0)

This is comparison map where it is explaining the information the middle of a small town with lslip now and with plans for it development.

The both maps are totally different, because first map constructed without preparation and second the second map build with plan.

The lslip area center now is very differ rather than with plan, the first things, there are majority of people places, countryside, shops main road, and shops are locate on the middle side and various sides bit direction such as park it is right side corner and other area direction corner school.

The second map with planned development, there are the most places were illustrated on other positions rather than now map like that bus station, city park, pedestrian only and two shopping center first above and second citizen area etc. On the other hand, the school and park side shelter were in same positions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response attempts to describe the maps but fails to provide a clear overview or a structured summary of the main features. While it identifies that the maps show the town 'now' and 'with plans', the description of the changes is fragmented and lacks precision. For example, phrases like 'majority of people places' and 'shops are locate on the middle side' are vague and do not accurately convey the spatial information provided in the diagrams. The response lacks a clear comparison of the key developments, such as the introduction of the bus station or the pedestrianization of the town center, which are essential for a high-scoring Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.5

The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression of ideas is weak. The transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is disjointed. Cohesive devices are used in a very mechanical and often incorrect way, such as 'the first things' and 'on the other hand', which do not accurately signal the relationship between the ideas. The referencing is frequently unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial descriptions of the town. The overall structure lacks the necessary flow to guide the reader through the comparison of the two maps effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.0

The vocabulary is very limited and often inaccurate, which significantly impedes communication. There is a heavy reliance on basic, repetitive words like 'map', 'places', and 'side'. Many word choices are inappropriate for an academic report, such as 'without preparation' to describe the current town layout. There are also frequent errors in word formation and collocation, such as 'lslip area center' and 'various sides bit direction'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe the features of the maps with any degree of precision or academic tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often distort the intended meaning. Sentence structures are simple and often incomplete or poorly constructed, such as 'This is comparison map where it is explaining the information the middle of a small town'. There are persistent issues with verb tense, subject-verb agreement, and article usage (e.g., 'the second map build with plan'). Complex sentence structures are attempted but are almost always faulty, leading to a lack of clarity. The high frequency of errors makes the text difficult to read and understand.

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

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