Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-28
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 show the current layout of the town centre of Islip and the proposed changes for its future development.
Overall, the town centre is planned to become more developed and convenient for pedestrians. The main changes include a new dual carriageway around the centre, a bus station, a shopping centre, a car park and several areas of new housing.
At present, the main road runs through the town centre from west to east. There are shops on both sides of this road, while most of the housing is located in the central and southern parts of the town. A school is situated in the south-western area, and a park is located in the south-east. The countryside is mainly found to the north of the town.
According to the plan, the main road will be replaced by a dual carriageway surrounding the town centre. The central area will become a pedestrian-only zone. A new bus station will be built in the north-west, next to a new shopping centre. A car park is also planned beside the shopping centre.
There will be several changes to housing as well. New houses will be built in the north-east and south-east areas, while some existing housing will remain in the south-west. The park in the south-east will remain, although its position will be closer to the new housing. The school will also remain in the southern part of the town.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the current layout of Islip and the planned developments. An appropriate overview is included in the second paragraph, highlighting the main changes such as the dual carriageway and pedestrianisation. Key features are accurately reported and compared against the current map, such as the replacement of shops with a bus station, shopping centre, and car park, as well as modifications to housing and the park. The information is fully grounded in the visual data without significant omissions or inaccuracies, meeting the requirements for a strong band score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression from introduction to overview, current layout, and future developments. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the maps. Cohesive devices such as 'At present', 'According to the plan', and 'while' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the spatial comparisons. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to a coherent and easy-to-follow text.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The vocabulary used is appropriate and accurate for an Academic Task 1 response. The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary relating to urban planning and spatial description, using terms such as 'proposed changes', 'pedestrian-only zone', 'dual carriageway', and 'surrounding the town centre'. While the lexical range is standard rather than exceptionally wide or sophisticated, word choice is precise and communication is fully natural and unimpeded throughout.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, utilizing a mix of simple and complex sentence structures accurately. Examples of complex structures include 'While most of the housing is located...' and 'New houses will be built in the north-east and south-east areas, while some existing housing will remain...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and any minor issues do not impede communication or affect readability.
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