Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The given visual prompt consists of two maps that display the layout of a small town called Islip. The frist map presents how the town centre looks now a day's while other illustrate the same town while planning.
On one hand, a closer look on map indicates that some of the features which were present in the plan are not in the town in current time as well: Bus station, shopping centre, car park, and new housing. Whereas the park has negligible change.
On the other hand , an even closer look at the map reveals some aspects in the map while planning are nowhere to be seen in the present time map. Some of t
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely limits the ability to provide a full overview or detailed comparison of the maps. The content is incomplete, as the text cuts off mid-sentence, meaning the task is not fully addressed. While there is an attempt to introduce the maps, the lack of development and the failure to complete the summary mean that the main features are not adequately reported. To improve, you must ensure you cover all key changes (such as the new road, the pedestrian area, and the relocation of facilities) and provide a clear, finished summary that meets the length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows some attempt at logical organization through the use of linking phrases like 'On one hand' and 'On the other hand'. However, because the text is incomplete, the overall progression is interrupted. The paragraphing is present, but the abrupt ending prevents a coherent conclusion or a cohesive flow of information. To improve, focus on completing your thoughts and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear purpose, such as grouping the changes logically (e.g., transport infrastructure vs. residential/commercial developments) rather than just listing features.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive. There are several errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'frist' instead of 'first' and 'now a day's' instead of 'nowadays'. The phrasing 'nowhere to be seen in the present time map' is slightly unnatural for an academic report. To achieve a higher band, you should aim for more precise vocabulary related to map descriptions, such as 'demolished', 'constructed', 'relocated', or 'remained unchanged'. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs will help you convey the changes more accurately.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that hinder clarity, such as 'the other illustrate' (should be 'the other illustrates') and 'some of the features which were present in the plan are not in the town in current time'. The sentence structure is relatively simple, and the punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas. The incomplete nature of the final sentence also reflects a lack of control over sentence construction. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that your sentences are fully formed with correct punctuation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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