Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-30

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 7.0)

The maps illustrate the current layout of Islip town centre and the proposed redevelopment plan.

Overall, the town centre is set to undergo significant modernization. The most notable changes include the construction of a ring road around the centre, the conversion of the main road into a pedestrian-only area, the addition of new facilities such as a bus station, shopping centre and car park, and the replacement of some existing housing with new developments.

At present, Islip town centre is divided by a main road running east to west. Shops are located on both sides of this road, while the northern area consists mainly of countryside. To the south of the main road, there are residential areas, a school in the southwest corner, and a park in the southeast. Access to the school is provided by a road branching off from the western side of the main road.

Under the proposed plan, a dual carriageway ring road will be built around the town centre, connecting with the existing road network at both ends. The current main road will become a pedestrian-only street, with the row of shops on the southern side remaining largely unchanged. In contrast, the shops on the northern side will be replaced by several new facilities, including a bus station to the west, a shopping centre in the middle, and a car park to the east.

Further changes are planned in the southern part of the town. The existing park will be reduced in size to make room for new housing, while the school will be relocated and positioned further to the south-east, connected to the ring road by a new access road. Although some residential areas will remain, the overall layout will become more focused on commercial activity and transport infrastructure.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the prompt, providing a clear and comprehensive comparison between the current map of Islip town centre and the planned development. An effective overview is included in the second paragraph, highlighting key overarching trends such as modernization, the addition of a ring road, and the transition of the main road into a pedestrian zone. Specific features are accurately reported and contrasted, such as the replacement of northern shops with a bus station, shopping centre, and car park, and the modifications to the park and housing areas. However, there is a minor factual inaccuracy in the final paragraph regarding the school: the visual data shows the school remaining outside the loop in its original southern position, whereas the student states it will be 'relocated and positioned further to the south-east'. Overall, the task is handled very well.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is logically organised and flows smoothly from an introductory overview to detailed body paragraphs comparing the 'now' and 'future' states. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the maps (e.g., introduction, overview, current layout, proposed changes). Cohesive devices such as 'At present', 'Under the proposed plan', 'In contrast', and 'Further changes' are employed effectively to guide the reader through the spatial comparisons without being overly mechanical. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to a coherent overall arrangement that meets the requirements for a Band 7.0 or 8.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to describing maps and urban changes. Appropriate functional language is used throughout, including phrases like 'undergo significant modernization', 'dual carriageway ring road', and 'transport infrastructure'. Word choices are generally precise, and less common lexical items are attempted with good awareness of collocation (e.g., 'pedestrian-only area', 'access road'). There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, making this a solid performance in lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. The student demonstrates good control over complex clauses and participial phrases, such as 'connecting with the existing road network at both ends' and 'leaving the row of shops on the southern side largely unchanged'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled accurately throughout. While there is a minor misreading of the visual data regarding the school's relocation, the grammar used to express that point is structurally sound. The control displayed places this comfortably in the Band 8 category.

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