Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-05

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 5.5)

The diagrams illustrate the town square and its development blueprint which will be finished by 2020.

Overall, the expansion plan includes planting of soil beds, arranged covered seating area and shops. In addition, setting more bars, resturants and supermarkets.

Previously the town square had a fountain located in the middle of square along with a bandstand to right of fountain. A fish market and town hall occupied the upper left and right corners of the square. while in left lateral side, history museum and a library occupied the space. The administative buildings were erected to the opposite of the history museum and the library. A fish resturant and bar were situated in lower sides of the square.

However, in future blueprint the fish market is replaced by the supermarket, a children's play ground is buit closer to central

fountain with covered seating areas. the administrative buildings are replaced by small shops.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides a basic overview of the changes, but it lacks sufficient detail and analytical depth. While you identify some key features, such as the replacement of the fish market and the addition of a playground, the description of the 2014 layout is somewhat cluttered and lacks a clear comparative structure. To reach a higher band, you should focus on grouping information more logically (e.g., comparing the north and south sections) rather than listing features in isolation. Additionally, the overview is quite brief and could be more comprehensive by highlighting the most significant transformations, such as the shift from a commercial/administrative focus to a more leisure-oriented space.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is hindered by some awkward phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. For instance, the transition between the 2014 description and the 2020 plan is abrupt. While you use some linking words like 'However' and 'In addition', the flow between sentences is often mechanical. To improve, try to use a wider variety of cohesive devices to connect ideas more fluidly, and ensure that your paragraphing clearly separates the 'before' and 'after' states to provide a more coherent comparison.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. There are several spelling errors, such as 'resturants' and 'administative', and some word choices are slightly unnatural, such as 'left lateral side' or 'erected to the opposite'. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology for describing spatial arrangements and urban development, such as 'situated in the northern quadrant' or 'redeveloped into'. Expanding your range of descriptive adjectives and verbs will help you convey the changes more effectively and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Examples include missing articles ('in middle of square', 'to right of fountain'), incorrect prepositions ('to the opposite of'), and tense inconsistencies. While the meaning is generally clear, these errors are persistent. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and consistent tense usage when describing past and future states. Practising complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or passive voice, will also help improve your grammatical range.

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

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