Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-30
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 8.5)
The maps illustrate the current and future layouts of a university sports center.
Overall, it is evident that the university sports center is predicted to undergo extensive development, particularly in the eastern, western, and southern parts, with the addition of several facilities, including a leisure pool, a changing room, a sports shop, a cage, and a dance studio.
In detail, at present, the university sports center consists of a 25-meter swimming pool in the center, a seating area to the east, a changing room to the west, a reception area to the south, and a gym to the north. There are two outdoor courts, one on the eastern side and the other on the western side.
Looking at the future layout, the swimming pool, the changing room, the reception area, and the seating area are expected to remain unchanged. The gym will be expanded towards the north. The outdoor court on the western side is expected to be replaced by a leisure pool, while two changing rooms will be constructed on the south-western and south-eastern sides. A sports shop and a cafe will be developed on the southern area, whereas the outdoor court on the eastern side will be replaced by a sports hall. The two dance studios will be added on the eastern and north-eastern sides.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response effectively covers all requirements of the task. You have provided a clear overview of the main changes and successfully identified the key features of both the current and future layouts. The comparison between the two maps is logical and accurate, with specific details regarding the expansion of the gym and the replacement of outdoor courts with new facilities like the leisure pool and sports hall. The information is well-selected and presented in a way that allows the reader to easily visualize the transformation. No significant information was omitted, and the response maintains a professional tone throughout.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is well-organized, with a logical progression of ideas. You have used a clear structure, starting with an introduction and an overview, followed by two body paragraphs that contrast the current and future states. Cohesive devices such as 'at present', 'looking at the future layout', 'whereas', and 'on the other hand' are used effectively to guide the reader through the comparison. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general overview from the specific details. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different parts of the sports center is clearly established.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a task describing maps and changes. Phrases like 'undergo extensive development', 'remain unchanged', and 'constructed on the south-western... sides' show a good command of descriptive language. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context well. While the range is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'developed' or 'added' could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response exhibits a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, effectively. For example, the use of passive voice ('will be expanded', 'will be replaced', 'will be constructed') is highly appropriate for describing changes in a layout. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The control over tense—switching between the present for the current layout and future forms for the redevelopment—is consistent and accurate. The writing is clear, fluent, and error-free for the most part.
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