Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The given map illustrates the information about the planned development of a small town named Islip, and how it looks today.
Overall, the town will experience a significant change from having only few shops to multiple complexes to be built. A major change would be a newly constructed main road that will cover the whole town.
The main road between the country side shops and near housing would be replaced by pedestrians walk-way, and main road would be converted form single to dual carriageway which will cover the entire town. Countryside shops would be extended into shopping Centre, between newly constructed designated spot for car park and bus station. New housing spot would take place in the north east side of the town.
Park that is located in the south east side of the town would be decreased in size, and that space would be used for new housing. School would connects the dual carriageway.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the maps, including the new road layout, the shopping center, and the housing developments. However, the description is somewhat superficial. For example, the mention of the school connecting to the dual carriageway is vague and does not clearly explain the spatial relationship shown on the map. While the overview identifies the main trends, the report lacks a more detailed comparison between the current and future states. The inclusion of specific details, such as the relocation of the park and the addition of a bus station, is good, but the overall development of ideas could be more precise to reach a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear, moving from the road changes to the specific facilities and housing. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. For instance, the transition between the description of the shops and the housing could be smoother. Referencing is generally clear, but some sentences feel slightly disjointed, such as the final sentence regarding the school, which lacks a clear link to the preceding information. Improved use of linking words would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the changes effectively. Terms like 'dual carriageway', 'designated spot', and 'planned development' are used appropriately. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'country side shops' (should be 'countryside shops') and 'School would connects' (grammatical error affecting lexical precision). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To improve, the student should incorporate more varied and precise terminology related to urban planning and spatial description to demonstrate a higher level of lexical control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. Examples include 'School would connects' (incorrect verb form), 'pedestrians walk-way' (should be 'pedestrian walkway'), and 'converted form' (should be 'converted from'). Additionally, there are missing articles, such as 'Park that is located' (should be 'The park that is located'). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable but do not significantly impede communication. A greater focus on subject-verb agreement and article usage would improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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