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 redevelopment plans for the near future.

Overall, the town centre is set to undergo a major modernization. The primary updates involve the construction of a peripheral dual carriageway, the full pedestrianization of the central road, and the expansion of residential and retail spaces at the expense of open countryside.

At present, Islip town centre is split horizontally by a main road flanked by commercial shops on both sides. Directly north of these shops lies untouched countryside. To the south, there are two distinct areas allocated for housing. A local school is positioned further southwest, connected by a small branch road, while a public park sits in the southeastern sector.

According to the development blueprints, a large dual carriageway will completely encircle the main town centre to manage vehicular traffic. This change allows the original main road to be converted into a pedestrian-only zone. While the shops on the southern side of this central path will remain intact, the northern row of shops will be completely demolished. In their place, several new facilities will be built, including a new bus station, a structured shopping centre, and an adjacent car park.

Furthermore, the green space to the north will see the introduction of a new housing estate. In the southern quadrant, the school will remain in its original position. However, the original park area is planned to be downsiz

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and detailed comparisons between the current layout and the proposed development of Islip. Key features such as the new dual carriageway, pedestrianization of the central road, and changes to retail and housing facilities are accurately reported. The overview effectively captures the main trends, including modernization and the expansion of residential zones at the expense of countryside. Although the text cuts off slightly before completing the final sentence, the essential information required for Task Achievement is already well established. This meets the criteria for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The response demonstrates clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly into an introduction, a strong overview paragraph, a description of the current layout, and details of the future development plans. Cohesive devices are used naturally to link ideas, such as 'At present', 'According to the development blueprints', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different temporal stages and aspects of the maps. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring the reader can easily follow the spatial comparisons between the two diagrams.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student displays a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to describing maps and urban development. Examples of sophisticated language include 'peripheral dual carriageway', 'full pedestrianization', 'residential and retail spaces', and 'completely encircle'. Word choice and collocations are used precisely with only minor limitations. While the vocabulary is not completely native-like at a Band 8 level throughout, it comfortably exceeds Band 7 requirements by incorporating precise cartographic and urban planning terminology effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating excellent control over complex verb forms and subordinate clauses, as seen in sentences like 'While the shops on the southern side of this central path will remain intact, the northern row of shops will be completely demolished.' Grammatical control is very strong, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the body of the text. Only very minor slips could be conceived, placing this comfortably in the Band 8 category.

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

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