Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-04

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 two provided plans illustrate a town square and surrounding area in 2014 and the plans for development of the area to be finished by 2020.

Overall, there are some changes that were expected to be occurred by 2020 such as constructing two plant beds in the middle of the town from the north side of the fountain. Furthermore, some administrative buildings were located in the east of the town, by 2020, they would be replaced by some shops.

There was a fish market in the northwest of the town, it would be replaced by a supermarket. Moreover, a history museum was existed in the west of the town. Nevertheless, it would be converted into a local artists´gallery.

There was also a library in the west of the town, it would be demolished by 2020. Additionally, a bar and a fish restaurant were planned to be erected in the south of the town. The fountain which was in the middle of the town in 2014, was proposed to remain in its place.

In addition to that, a children´s playground would be constructed between shops and the fountain.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the task partially and attempts to cover the main changes between 2014 and 2020. However, some key features are missed or under-developed, and the overview paragraph is weak, mentioning only minor changes like plant beds instead of capturing the broader transformation of the area, such as the shift from administrative and civic buildings to commercial and recreational spaces. For instance, the mention of the library being demolished is factually imprecise since the map shows the building footprint remaining, albeit reconfigured. To move higher, the report needs a more comprehensive overview and a clearer summary of the overall spatial reallocation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay displays some organization, but there is no clear overall progression or logical grouping of features. The details are presented in a somewhat disjointed sequence of individual sentences rather than grouped thematically (e.g., northern changes, western changes, southern changes). While some cohesive devices are used, such as 'Furthermore' and 'Moreover', referencing and transitions can be mechanical and repetitive. Paragraphing is attempted, but sentences often stand alone instead of forming cohesive units of thought. To achieve a higher band, the writer must group related information logically and ensure smoother transitions between spatial descriptions.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with clear attempts to use less common items such as 'demolished', 'converted', and 'erected'. However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation issues, such as 'were expected to be occurred' instead of simply 'expected to occur', and 'was existed' instead of 'existed'. Spelling and word forms are generally acceptable and do not impede communication. To reach the next level, the writer should use a wider variety of precise spatial and comparative vocabulary, avoiding awkward phrasing and ensuring more natural lexical collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The text demonstrates a limited range of structures, relying mostly on simple and repetitive complex forms. There are frequent errors in grammar and verb tenses, particularly with passive voice and past/future time references, such as 'were expected to be occurred' and 'some administrative buildings were located in the east... they would be replaced'. Punctuation and articles also show occasional lapses. To improve, the writer needs to increase sentence variety, eliminate awkward passive constructions, and maintain better control over tense consistency when describing future plans based on past data.

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

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