Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-12
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 GIVEN MAPS DESCRIBE THE PRESENT LAYOUT OF ISLIP TOWN ALONG WITH PROJECTED DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD BE BROUGHT THERE IN UPCOMING YEARS.
IT SEEMS TOWN WILL UNDERGOES MANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGES DUE TO WHICH IT LOOKS MORE CONVINIENT AND PURPOSEFUL FOR THE DEWELS.
INITIALLY, THE SHOPS IS CONSTRUCTED ON THE BOTH SIDE OF THE MAIN ROAD WHILE HOUSING IS AT THE CENTRE OF THE TOWN WHICH IS PROJECTED TO BE SHIFTED TO THE WEST WEST SIDE. IN ADDITION, THE PARK AND SCHOOL IS REMAINED AT SAME DIRECTIONS.
SUBSEQUENTLY, THE MAJOR DIFFERENCE COULD BE SEEN IN THE NORTHERN DIRECTION OF THE TOWN LIKE BUS STATION, SHOPPING CENTRE AND CAR PARKS SUPPOSED TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN THE NORTH SIDE WHILE NEW HOUSING ARE LIKELY TO BE BUILT IN THE NORTH EAST SIDE. MOREOVER, INSTEAD OF PLAIN MAIN ROAD , DUAL CARRIAGEWAY IS PREDICTED TO BE CONSTRUCTED.NEXT COMES, PEDESTRIANS ROAD IS SUPPOSED TO BE BUILT ON THE MAIN ROAD.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| 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, noting the present layout and the projected developments such as the new housing areas, dual carriageway, and northern facilities like the bus station and shopping centre. However, the use of ALL CAPS throughout the text is inappropriate for an academic essay and creates a poor visual impression. Furthermore, some details lack precision and clarity, such as the statement that housing is projected to be shifted to the 'west west side', whereas the maps indicate relocation to other areas. Overall, all parts of the task are addressed, but the development and accuracy of comparisons place this response at Band 5.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response uses some basic cohesive devices such as 'INITIALLY', 'SUBSEQUENTLY', and 'MOREOVER' to sequence information, although they feel somewhat mechanical. Paragraphing is attempted, with the text broken into several distinct blocks corresponding to different parts of the maps. However, progression is occasionally disjointed, and referencing between sentences is not always completely clear, such as the sudden transition at 'NEXT COMES'. Overall, the organization provides a discernible structure, aligning with the Band 5.5 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The lexical range is limited and adequate for the task, featuring basic vocabulary items such as 'shops', 'housing', 'park', and 'school'. There are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'DEWELS' (likely intended for 'dwellers' or 'residents'), 'CONVINIENT', and repetitive use of 'constructed'. These errors cause some difficulty for the reader and prevent the response from achieving a higher score. Therefore, a band score of 5.0 is appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control is inconsistent. There are several noticeable grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues like 'THE SHOPS IS CONSTRUCTED' and 'THE PARK AND SCHOOL IS REMAINED', as well as awkward phrasing like 'IT SEEMS TOWN WILL UNDERGOES'. Punctuation is also affected by the persistent use of all-caps writing and missing spaces after commas. Frequent errors restrict the grammar score to a Band 5.0.
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