Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-10
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 development in Islip town, comparing its current layout and future layout
Overall, it is evident that Islip town that under go transformation, there are some new facilities are introduce. The most notable changes a roundabout constructed and expand the area of shopping, a new car park and housing were added.
Looking first at the current layout, housing located incenter and on south side of the map. A main road which was running form west to east of the and shops were along the side of road. In addition, a park located on the southeast, while school remains on the southwest of the town.
According to the new plan, there are major changes will be made a roundabout will be constructed all the town will constructed inside the it. pedestrians walk will be there in middle of the roundabout. A new bus stand will be also in the north west of the roundabout. Furthermore, the new shopping center will be located, a car park will be allotted near the new housing area. the location of school will be remained same throughout the period.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, including the new roundabout, housing, and shopping facilities. However, the overview is slightly disjointed and contains grammatical errors that hinder clarity. While the key changes are identified, the comparison between the current and future layouts could be more precise. For instance, the description of the roundabout and the pedestrian area is somewhat confusing. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview provides a clearer summary of the most significant trends and that all spatial descriptions are accurate and easy to follow.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the current state to the future plan. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'According to the new plan, there are major changes will be made'. Some sentences lack logical flow, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, making the relationship between ideas feel disjointed. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would significantly enhance the overall coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the map features. However, there are frequent errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'under go transformation' instead of 'undergo a transformation' and 'allotted' used incorrectly in this context. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To improve, the student should focus on using more precise terminology for map descriptions, such as 'situated', 'adjacent to', or 'transformed into', and pay closer attention to word forms and collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Examples include 'there are some new facilities are introduce' (incorrect verb form) and 'the location of school will be remained same' (incorrect passive voice). These errors are noticeable and occasionally impede the reader's understanding. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of control over basic sentence construction and verb tenses prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct tense usage is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.