Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-26

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 7.5)

The maps illustrate the current layout of the town centre of Islip and the proposed changes that are planned for its future development.

Overall, the town centre is set to undergo substantial redevelopment, most notably through the construction of a dual carriageway around the centre. The existing main road will be pedestrianised, while several new facilities, including a bus station, shopping centre, car park and residential areas, will be introduced.

At present, the main road runs through the centre of the town, with shops located on both sides. Under the proposed plan, this road will be converted into a pedestrianised area and transformed into a central plaza. The shops on the northern side will be replaced by a new bus station, shopping centre and car park. In addition, new housing is planned to the east of the plaza, close to the entrance.

On the southern side, the school, houses and park will remain in their existing locations, although the size of the park will be reduced. The houses currently situated in the central area will be relocated to the west of the plaza, while another residential area will be constructed near the park. Finally, the entire town centre will be enclosed by a new dual carriageway, with new entrances providing access to the redeveloped area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student provides a well-developed and accurate overview of the changes shown in the maps, highlighting key features such as the pedestrianisation of the main road, the construction of the dual carriageway, and the replacement of northern shops with a bus station, shopping centre, and car park. Specific details, such as the reduction of the park's size and the relocation of houses, are correctly reported and compared against the current layout. All parts of the task are fully addressed with no significant omissions, demonstrating a clear understanding of visual data summarisation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The text is logically organised into clear paragraphs, beginning with a broad introduction and overview, followed by a well-structured body paragraph detailing specific spatial transformations. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'At present', 'Under the proposed plan', 'In addition', and 'Finally' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the comparison. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring a smooth and logical progression of ideas from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary suitable for an Academic Task 1 response, incorporating precise terms such as 'substantial redevelopment', 'pedestrianised', 'dual carriageway', and 'relocated'. Word choice and collocations are used skillfully, with only occasional minor instances that could be more polished (e.g., 'entrance' referring to the town access). Overall, the lexical range is more than sufficient to convey precise spatial and structural changes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

A wide variety of complex structures is employed effectively throughout the response, including participial phrases ('leaving the park reduced in size' style structures adapted smoothly) and passive voice constructions ('will be pedestrianised', 'will be replaced', 'will be constructed'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong. Errors are virtually absent, allowing the message to be communicated with absolute clarity.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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