Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The plans below show the layout of a university’s sports centre now, and how it will look after redevelopment.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 9.0)

The diagrams compare the current layout of a university sports centre with the proposed design following a major redevelopment.

Overall, the sports centre is expected to become substantially larger and offer a much wider range of facilities. While the existing gym, swimming pool and reception will remain, several new amenities, including a leisure pool, sports hall, dance studios, café and sports shop, will be added.

At present, the complex consists of a central 25-metre swimming pool with seating on its eastern side and a changing room on the west. A gym occupies the northern end of the building, while reception is located at the main entrance in the south. Outdoor courts are situated on both the eastern and western sides of the centre.

Following redevelopment, the outdoor courts on the western side will be replaced by a large leisure pool, whereas those on the eastern side will give way to a sports hall and two dance studios. New changing rooms will be constructed in both the south-west and south-east corners to improve access for users. In addition, a sports shop will be introduced beside the western entrance, while a café will occupy the corresponding position on the eastern side. Despite these extensive additions, the central swimming pool, gym, reception and seating area will remain largely unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response is excellent. You have successfully identified all the key features of the sports centre redevelopment, including the additions and the elements that remain unchanged. The overview provides a clear summary of the transformation, and the body paragraphs are well-structured, moving logically from the current state to the proposed changes. You have made effective comparisons, such as noting that the outdoor courts will be replaced by the sports hall and leisure pool. The information is accurate, relevant, and fully addresses the prompt requirements without any omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the introduction to the overview, followed by detailed descriptions of the current and future layouts. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the current state from the proposed changes. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'whereas', 'in addition', and 'despite' are used naturally and accurately to link ideas and contrast the two plans. The flow of information is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, making it very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Phrases such as 'major redevelopment', 'proposed design', 'amenities', and 'largely unchanged' are used effectively. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes to the professional tone of the report. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey the spatial changes clearly and concisely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

Your writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as the contrastive 'While...' clause in the second paragraph and the 'Following..., ...will be...' structure in the final paragraph. Punctuation is accurate, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the use of passive voice (e.g., 'will be replaced', 'will be constructed') is perfectly suited for describing a process or plan.

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