Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-22

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows a town square and surrounding area in 2014 and the plans for development of the area to be completed by 2020. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 8.5)

The maps illustrate the layout of a town square and its surrounding area in 2014, alongside the redevelopment plans completed by 2020.Overall, the area underwent significant modernization, transforming from a primarily open, recreational space with basic dining and shopping facilities into a highly urbanized, pedestrian-friendly zone focused on retail and structured seating.In 2014, the central town square featured a roundabout in the middle, an open-air bandstand to the northeast, and a surrounding grass area. To the north sat a town hall and a supermarket, while the western side was occupied by a clothing restaurant and various shops. The southern edge contained a café alongside an 18th-century monument. Pedestrian access was available only via a narrow path leading in from the eastern road.By 2020, the layout was extensively modified. The central roundabout and the 18th-century monument remained in their original locations, but the grass area and bandstand were removed. They were replaced by a paved pedestrian zone featuring two new public seating areas in the north and an outdoor stage. The original narrow pedestrian access from the east was expanded into multiple wide, designated pedestrian walkways entering from both the east and south.The surrounding buildings also changed significantly. The northern supermarket was converted into a department store, and the clothing restaurant on the west side became a larger clothing store. The single café on the southern border was removed to make way for an array of smaller retail shops that now line the entire southern and southwestern perimeter of the square.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all key features of the town square, including the removal of the bandstand and grass, the addition of the outdoor stage, and the expansion of pedestrian access. The overview is clear and effectively summarizes the main trends, such as the shift toward a more urbanized, pedestrian-friendly environment. You have made relevant comparisons between the 2014 and 2020 layouts throughout the text, ensuring that the reader can easily visualize the changes. The information is accurate and well-selected, fully meeting the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized and flows smoothly. You have used a clear structure, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by two body paragraphs that contrast the 2014 and 2020 layouts. Cohesive devices such as 'In 2014', 'By 2020', and 'The surrounding buildings also' are used effectively to guide the reader through the changes. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and each paragraph has a clear central topic. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the central square to the surrounding infrastructure, which makes the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'extensively modified', 'pedestrian-friendly zone', and 'perimeter of the square' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic report. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is varied enough to maintain the reader's interest throughout the description of the spatial changes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'The maps illustrate the layout... alongside the redevelopment plans...' and 'The original narrow pedestrian access... was expanded into multiple wide, designated pedestrian walkways...'. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and voice is consistent with the requirements of describing a development plan.

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