Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-09
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)
The below given maps depicts to small town know lslip as it is now plans for it reconstruction.
Overall it can be seen that along with main road there is several building design bus station and new housing development is noted.
lslip town center now before development there is main road goes but opposite can only seen shops and housing too in east side there is only park while south west school.
In lslip town center of planned development is clear map which show lot of details in depth inside middle of islip east side bus station also the down side of south west housing while south east side new housing and park in the circle of Islip the main can seen directly go new housing of north east side however in the center of town pedestrians along near with car park just close shopping center which is all centrally connected.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response attempts to describe the maps, but it fails to clearly identify the main features or provide a meaningful comparison between the current town and the proposed development. The description of the locations is confusing and lacks precision, making it difficult for the reader to visualize the changes. For example, phrases like 'down side of south west' and 'in the circle of Islip' are vague and do not accurately reflect the spatial information provided in the diagrams. The overview is also underdeveloped, failing to highlight the most significant changes, such as the pedestrianization of the town center or the expansion of housing. To improve, focus on clear, objective reporting of the key changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The essay lacks a logical structure. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the ideas within the paragraphs are disjointed and difficult to follow. There is a lack of cohesive devices to link sentences and ideas, which makes the text feel like a series of disconnected observations rather than a coherent summary. The referencing is unclear, and the progression of information is not logical. For instance, the transition between the description of the current town and the planned development is abrupt and confusing. Improving the use of linking words and organizing information by specific areas or features would greatly enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.0
The vocabulary is very limited and often inaccurate, which frequently impedes communication. There is a reliance on basic, repetitive words, and many phrases are misused, such as 'depicts to small town know lslip' and 'the main can seen directly go'. The student struggles to use precise terminology to describe map features, such as 'housing development' or 'pedestrianized area'. There are also significant spelling errors, such as 'lslip' instead of 'Islip'. To reach a higher band, you need to expand your range of vocabulary to include more specific terms related to urban planning and map description, and focus on correct word choice and spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0
The grammatical control is weak, with frequent errors that often distort the meaning of the sentences. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the simple sentences used are often grammatically incorrect. Examples include 'there is main road goes but opposite can only seen shops' and 'the below given maps depicts'. Issues with subject-verb agreement, missing articles, and incorrect word order are pervasive throughout the text. The punctuation is also inconsistent, which further hinders readability. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subject-verb agreement, and using articles correctly before attempting more complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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