Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The maps illustrate the present condition of Islip town along with the future development, which is planned to make it modern and well-connected.
Overall, Islip town will undergo significant changes as the structure of the town is going to change. The main highlights will be a dual carriageway and various amenities such as bus station, a shopping center and a car park. In addition, new residences will also be built for inhabitants.
At present, there is only one main road with shops on both sides of the road facing each other. On the south-east side, there is a big park. Furthermore, there is a school on the south-west at the end of the road that is connected to the main road. Housing colonies can also be seen at the center between school and the park.
In contrast, the future development model is well-designed. First of all, all the facilities will be connected through a dual carriage way for convenience. Moreover, the main road will be converted into a lane dedicated to pedestrians only. There will be a bus station, a shopping center and a car park on the north side of the lane, while the shops on the south side will remain unchanged. Two new housing colonies will be constructed, one adjacent to the car park and another one close to the park.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and highlighting the major transformations shown in the maps. The response successfully points out the introduction of the dual carriageway, the pedestrianisation of the central road, and the replacement of northern shops with a bus station, shopping centre, and car park. Key comparisons between the present layout and the proposed future development are effectively made, such as the northern shops being replaced while the southern shops remain. The ideas are well-developed and grounded in the visual data, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.0 performance.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is suitably divided into paragraphs, starting with an introductory overview, followed by the body paragraphs detailing the present layout and the future development respectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'At present', and 'In contrast' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparison. Referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using less common items and town-planning terminology such as 'dual carriageway', 'pedestrians only', and 'future development model'. Word choice is generally appropriate, though there are minor slips or slightly unnatural phrasings such as 'housing colonies' instead of simply 'housing' or 'residential areas'. However, the vocabulary is adequate to convey meaning with precision, earning a solid Band 6.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with frequent error-free sentences. The student demonstrates good control of grammatical structures, using relative clauses and introductory phrases effectively (e.g., 'The maps illustrate the present condition... along with the future development, which is planned to make it modern...'). Minor punctuation or article slips occur, but they are infrequent and never impede communication, placing this securely at Band 7.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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