Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-30

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 4.0)

The maps below illustrate the centre of a small town called Islip as it is now, and plans for its construction. All in all, the Islip town now is different with the planned development for this town in some aspects. However, it is same with planned map in some aspects.

Both of the maps contain shops, shopping centre, housing, park as well as road but the both of them are different from each other because the locations are changed. Now, the map has

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the topic as a comparison between Islip now and its planned development, and it mentions several relevant features, including shops, housing, a shopping centre, a park and roads. However, it does not report the main changes shown in the maps: for example, the northern shops are replaced by a bus station, shopping centre and car park, and the main street becomes pedestrian-only. The overview is vague, saying only that the maps are different “in some aspects” and the same in others, without specifying how. The response is also incomplete and contains only 67 words, below the required 150; this leaves the task minimally addressed. Describe the key changes and retained features in a complete summary.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 3.5

There is a basic attempt to organise the response: an opening sentence introduces the maps, followed by a general comparison. Phrases such as “All in all” and “Both of the maps” signal the intended progression. However, the response stops mid-thought at “Now, the map has”, so there is no developed sequence of details or concluding overview. The repeated contrast that the maps are both different and the same is not clarified, and “because the locations are changed” does not explain which locations. To improve, use a clear overview followed by logically grouped details about the northern and southern parts of the town, and complete each sentence and paragraph.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant map vocabulary, including “centre,” “shops,” “housing,” “park,” “road” and “planned development,” so the reader can recognise the general subject. However, the range is narrow and several expressions are imprecise or repetitive, such as “different … in some aspects” and “same with planned map.” “Construction” is also not the most suitable description of the planned changes to an existing town centre. More precise terms for map changes would help communicate the information, for example “is replaced by,” “remains,” “is relocated” and “is converted into.” Aim to use these accurately and avoid repeating general words such as “different” without naming the specific change.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts connected sentences using “However” and “because,” and the basic meaning of the opening is understandable. However, grammatical control is uneven. In “the Islip town now is different with the planned development,” the comparison pattern is incorrect; use “differs from the planned development” or “is different from the planned plan.” In “it is same with planned map,” the article is missing and the comparison structure is faulty. “Both of the maps … but the both of them” also shows an inaccurate determiner pattern, while the final sentence is unfinished. Practise accurate comparative structures, articles and sentence completion, then check each sentence for a clear subject and verb.

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