Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-20

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 diagram below provides information about a town square and surroundings areas in 2014 and the plans for growth of the area to be completed by 2020.

Overall, all the places was replaced or changed by something, but the placement of fountain and town hall was same in both years.

It is crystal clear from the diagram, in 2014 the fish market were located on the west side of the area but in 2020 this were replaced by the supermarket. Furthermore, history museum is located after the fish market in 2014 but in next year the place of history museum were taken by local artist's gallery. In 2020 the location were empty and without name but in 2014 this place is known as library.

Remaining data shows that. The area of bars and restaurants was less in 2014 , in another year these area was double. Moreover, the placement of bandstand were remove from area , and the plants beds was introduced in 2020. Shops replaced the administrative buildings area in 2020. Near to the bars and restraunts, the covering seating section was added in early 20s.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the diagram, such as the replacement of the fish market and the expansion of the restaurant area. However, the response lacks precision in describing the spatial relationships. For instance, you mention the library was replaced by an empty area, but the diagram shows the library was replaced by a new building. Additionally, some descriptions are vague, such as 'in another year' or 'early 20s', which do not accurately reflect the timeline provided (2014 to 2020). To improve, ensure you clearly contrast the two time periods using specific labels and avoid making inaccurate claims about the data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'Remaining data shows that. The area...' contains an unnecessary full stop that breaks the flow. Furthermore, the transition between ideas is sometimes abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'this place is known as library' without specifying which location you are referring to. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will help create a more logical progression of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'administrative buildings', 'placement', and 'replaced'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'the placement of bandstand were remove' and 'the covering seating section'. These errors occasionally make the text feel unnatural. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology for describing changes in maps, such as 'demolished', 'constructed', 'extended', or 'converted', and ensure your word forms are consistent with the context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the response, particularly regarding subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'all the places was replaced', 'fish market were located', 'plant beds was introduced'). These errors are persistent and sometimes distract the reader. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often marred by these basic errors. To improve, focus on ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree in number and that you use consistent verb tenses when describing past and future developments. Proofreading for these specific types of errors will significantly improve your score.

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

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