Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-30

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)

Overall, the area underwent substantial redevelopment, with the former fish market, history museum, library, bandstand, bar and fish restaurant being removed or repurposed. In their place, a supermarket, an art gallery, plant beds, a children’s playground and covered seating were introduced, while the town hall remained unchanged.

In 2014, the central area was dominated by a large open space containing a fountain and a bandstand. A fish market occupied the north-western corner, while a history museum and a library stood along the western side. To the south were a fish restaurant and a small bar. The town hall was located in the north-east, with administrative buildings along the eastern edge.

By 2020, the western side had been considerably altered. The fish market was replaced by a supermarket, while the former history museum became a local artists’ gallery. The library was removed, and the open central space was redesigned with two plant beds and a children’s playground. A covered seating area was also added in the south-central section, while the fountain was retained.

The southern and eastern sections were likewise modernised. The former fish restaurant and bar were replaced by a continuous row of bars and restaurants along the southern boundary. Several shops were also introduced on the eastern side. Despite these extensive changes, the town hall remained in its original position, and the main road layout surrounding the center was largely unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have provided a very strong response that fully addresses all parts of the task. You successfully identified the main features of the town square in 2014 and the planned changes for 2020. The overview is clear and effectively summarises the key trends, such as the removal of older facilities and the introduction of modern amenities. You made excellent use of comparisons throughout the text, such as noting that the town hall remained unchanged while other areas were repurposed. The information is well-selected, and the report is logically structured to guide the reader through the changes chronologically and spatially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organised, with a clear progression from an overall summary to specific spatial details. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the 2014 layout from the 2020 developments. Cohesive devices are used naturally and flexibly, such as 'In their place', 'while', 'By 2020', and 'Despite these extensive changes'. The flow of information is smooth, and the referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the changes described in the diagram. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for describing maps and development plans. Phrases such as 'substantial redevelopment', 'repurposed', 'considerably altered', and 'continuous row' show a high level of lexical control. You use topic-specific vocabulary accurately, such as 'north-western corner', 'administrative buildings', and 'boundary'. The language is natural and sophisticated, with no errors in word choice or collocation that would impede communication or detract from the professional tone of the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your writing displays a wide range of complex structures used with high accuracy. You effectively combine simple and complex sentences, such as the use of participial phrases ('containing a fountain') and subordinate clauses ('while the town hall remained unchanged'). Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence structure, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The control over tense and aspect is consistent, accurately reflecting the transition from the past state to the future development plan. The writing is error-free, demonstrating a high level of grammatical maturity.

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