Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The figure illustrates a town square and its surrounding area in 2014, as well as a plan for improvements to the area that are scheduled to be completed by 2020.

Overall, the town square was planned to undergo a number of changes, including the removal of some buildings and their replacement with more suitable facilities. However, some buildings were planned to remain unchanged. Consequently, the town square would become more developed and provide more facilities by 2020 compared with its original layout.

In 2014, there was a fountain and a bandstand in the centre of the square, giving it a relatively empty appearance. The surrounding area contained several buildings. At the top was a fish market, with a town hall located beside it. Below the town hall was a large administrative building. At the bottom, there was a small bar next to a fish restaurant. Furthermore, below the fish market was a medium-sized history museum, with a small library beneath it.

However, the plan for 2020 shows several changes. The fountain and the town hall were planned to remain unchanged. However, flower beds were to be added around the fountain, while new covered seating areas and a children's playground were planned nearby.

Furthermore, the administrative buildings were to be replaced by shops, while the history museum was to be replaced by a local artists' gallery. The bar and restaurant, meanwhile, were planned to be completely removed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have successfully identified the main features of the town square in 2014 and the proposed developments for 2020. The overview is clear and highlights the key changes, such as the removal of certain buildings and the addition of new facilities. You have made relevant comparisons between the two time periods, such as noting the addition of flower beds and the replacement of the administrative buildings. The information is accurate based on the provided diagram, and the report is well-structured to guide the reader through the changes logically.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that group information by time and specific areas of the square. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'meanwhile' are used effectively to transition between ideas and contrast the 2014 layout with the 2020 plan. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the description of the original state from the proposed changes. The progression of ideas is smooth, making the information easy to follow throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and development plans, such as 'undergo a number of changes', 'original layout', and 'scheduled to be completed'. The use of descriptive language like 'relatively empty appearance' and 'medium-sized' adds precision to your report. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific terms related to urban planning could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient and used with good control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a variety of complex sentence structures, including the use of passive voice ('were planned to be completely removed', 'were to be added') which is highly appropriate for this type of task. Punctuation is accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing good control over tense usage when discussing past states versus future plans. The writing is clear and professional, with no issues that impede communication.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.