Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-11
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 rendered map illustrates the layout of a university's sports centre now, and how it will look after redevelopment.
In general, it is apparent from the map that, sports centre will undergoes significant changes in future However , reception ,gym , changing room and seating area will be remain same over the time period.
At first glance, looking at the present layout of the map. Currently, the reception area is located in the south direction just next to the main entrance. thereafter , 25m square pool is located in the middle of the sports centre moreover , In the right of the pool there is seating area and in the left side there is a changing room . In the north direction a gym existing . In addition , vicinity contain two outdoor courts in east and west direction.
Looking at the details of future redevelopment plan of university sports centre, reception is located as like wise in present layout but more facilities would be added in future like cafe which is south-east direction next to the cafe a changing room would be establish furthermore, In east direction two dance studio will inserted in future. The gym, seating area, changing room and square pool would be remain same in redevelopment plan . Meanwhile, In right side a new sports hall will be located. A leisure pool will establish in north-west direction and one changing room and sports shop build in south- west corner of the map.Both outdoor courts would be removed in future.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all key features of the two maps, including the static elements and the significant changes. You successfully identified the removal of the outdoor courts and the addition of new facilities like the sports hall and leisure pool. However, the overview is slightly weak; while you mention 'significant changes', it would be more effective to highlight the shift from an outdoor-focused layout to a more indoor-facility-oriented one. The description of locations is generally accurate, though some details, such as the specific placement of the new changing rooms, could be more precise to ensure the reader can clearly visualize the changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, moving from an introduction to the present layout and then the future plan. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'At first glance, looking at the present layout' and 'thereafter'. The transition between sentences could be smoother to improve the flow of information. Additionally, some referencing is slightly unclear, and the punctuation around your linking words (e.g., 'However ,') is inconsistent, which occasionally disrupts the reading experience.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'redevelopment', 'facilities', and 'vicinity'. However, there are several instances of word-choice errors and awkward collocations, such as '25m square pool' (should be '25m swimming pool'), 'gym existing' (should be 'gym exists'), and 'dance studio will inserted' (should be 'will be inserted'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your description. Expanding your repertoire of spatial vocabulary would help elevate the score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and passive voice constructions (e.g., 'sports centre will undergoes', 'changing room would be establish', 'one changing room... build'). Punctuation is also a recurring issue, with inconsistent spacing around commas and periods. To improve, focus on mastering the passive voice for describing changes and ensuring subject-verb agreement throughout your sentences.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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