Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-19

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 6.0)

The two maps outlines a contrast between the current condition of Islip town centre and the proposed developments in the area.

The current map illustrates a main road with countryside in the north and a large area dedicated to residence in the south. The main road is surrounded by shops at both sides with school and park facing the southern side.

The proposed plan depicts a circular dual carriageway and a more shopping oriented city centre. The middle area in between the carriageway is occupied rows of shops and pedestrian friendly walkaway. Opposite to the walkaway are multiple zones dedicated to bus station, shopping centre and car parking, respectively. New housing areas are planned to be developed, one at the northern and southern side of the road.

Overall the maps highlight the proposed changes to be made to the town centre, improving facilities such as introducing more housing complexes. and increase access to various transport parking and stations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the main contrast between the existing town centre and the proposed redevelopment, including the dual carriageway, pedestrianised central street, transport facilities and additional housing. These are relevant features, and the overview recognises that the plan will add facilities. However, some details are inaccurate or unclear: the current map shows housing in the central southern area, not one large area covering the south, and the school and park are not both simply “facing” the southern side of the main road. The plan also retains the southern shops and reduces the park, while the school and some housing remain outside the loop; these useful comparisons are omitted. Develop the overview around the major changes and describe the locations more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall arrangement: it moves from the current map to the proposed plan and ends with a summary. Paragraphing helps distinguish these stages, and linking expressions such as “Overall” and “Opposite to” guide the reader. This coherent progression is a strength. However, some connections are imprecise: “Opposite to the walkaway” does not clearly identify which side of the pedestrian street contains the bus station, shopping centre and car park, and “one at the northern and southern side” leaves the locations of the new housing vague. The final sentence also joins ideas awkwardly. Use clearer spatial references and connect the overview directly to the most important changes to make cohesion more natural and precise.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of topic vocabulary, including “dual carriageway,” “pedestrian friendly,” “shopping centre” and “transport,” so the main features are generally understandable. There are also attempts at more descriptive phrasing, such as “dedicated to residence.” However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for map reporting: “residence” is not the best term for housing, “shopping oriented city centre” is vague, and “walkaway” is not the appropriate word for a pedestrian route. “Car parking” is understandable but less precise than “car park,” the label shown on the map. Aim for accurate, conventional terms and avoid broad descriptions when the map provides specific labels; this will make your vocabulary more precise without requiring unnecessarily complex wording.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use both simple sentences and more developed structures, including “The proposed plan depicts…” and a sentence listing the planned facilities. Most meanings remain clear, but some grammatical errors are present. The opening subject is plural (“maps”), so it should take “outline,” not “outlines.” In “the middle area … is occupied rows of shops,” the passive construction is incomplete; use “is occupied by rows of shops.” The phrase “one at the northern and southern side” also needs a plural construction and more accurate articles or prepositions. Finally, the full stop before “and increase” creates a sentence fragment. Check subject–verb agreement, passive forms and sentence boundaries, while continuing to vary sentence structures.

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