Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-10

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 5.5)

The diagram compare the layout of the university Sports Centre at a present day and how it will look in future after redevelopment.

Overall, the sport centre is expected a significant development, with several new facilities being added and some existing areas being replaced.

Currently, there are no changing areas as you enter the facility but in future we are considering two big change areas on both side of the building as you enter. Building is also expected to introduce cafe and sports shop near to the reception area. Left side of outdoor court is being replaced by the leisure pool and right side court is with sports hall and dance studio.

There are no changes with the inside 25m pool but the gym areas is being doubled as per the future plan. Seating area is same as before and also the inside change room expected to be same.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the sports centre redevelopment, such as the new changing areas, the cafe, and the conversion of outdoor courts. However, the response falls just short of the 150-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the score. While the overview is present, the description of the changes is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more sophisticated synthesis of the information. To improve, ensure you meet the word count and provide a more detailed comparison between the 'now' and 'future' states, ensuring all key features are clearly highlighted and described with precision.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing the changes. The progression of ideas is generally clear, moving from the entrance to the outdoor areas and then to the interior. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'on both side' and 'left side of' are used, but the transition between sentences could be smoother. To reach a higher band, incorporate a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the former', 'the latter') is used to connect ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. You rely on basic descriptors such as 'big', 'same', and 'introduce'. While the meaning is clear, the range is limited, and there are some awkward collocations, such as 'expected a significant development' (should be 'expected to undergo') and 'on both side' (should be 'on both sides'). To improve, aim to use more academic vocabulary related to maps and diagrams, such as 'transformed', 'relocated', 'expanded', or 'converted', to demonstrate a more flexible command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex structures, but there are several grammatical errors that hinder fluency. For example, 'The diagram compare' (subject-verb agreement error), 'at a present day' (incorrect article usage), and 'right side court is with sports hall' (awkward phrasing). Additionally, there are missing articles throughout the text. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent tense usage when describing future plans, and the correct application of articles to improve accuracy.

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

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