Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-14
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 given diagram compares the layout of a university's sports center with present time with how it will look like after refurbishment.
Overall, sports center will undergone significant changes and it will be more convenient in the future. In addition sports center is now a one single building consists of several new facilities while the pool in the middle , seating the changing room and reception will remained intact.
To commence with, for the west side the outdoor courts will be replaced with leisure pool along with changing room and sports shop just besides it . while the court in the east side will be switch with sports hall.
Furthermore, the gym will be expand and couple of dance studios will be introduce at the east side of the building. Just below it, new cafe will be introduce which will followed by changing room. Lastly the entry, reception, seating and middle pool will remained untouched.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the redevelopment plan, identifying the key changes such as the replacement of outdoor courts and the expansion of the gym. However, the overview is somewhat inaccurate; the text claims the center is 'one single building' in the future, yet the plans show the layout remains a single building in both the present and future. Additionally, the description of the layout is occasionally confusing, such as the mention of a 'leisure pool' which is not clearly distinguished from the existing pool. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant transformations rather than minor details, and verify that all descriptive claims align precisely with the provided visual information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on different areas of the center. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'To commence with', 'Furthermore', and 'Lastly', which help guide the reader through the description. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'Just below it' which lacks a clear antecedent. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that the spatial relationships between the new facilities are described more precisely.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'refurbishment', 'redevelopment', and 'intact'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and collocation errors, such as 'will undergone' (should be 'will undergo'), 'will be switch' (should be 'will be switched'), and 'will be expand' (should be 'will be expanded'). These errors indicate a lack of control over verb forms and passive constructions. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology for describing changes, such as 'transformed', 'converted', or 'extended', and ensure that word forms are used correctly in context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response demonstrates 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. Examples include 'will undergone', 'will be switch', 'will be introduce', and 'will followed'. These errors are persistent throughout the text. While the student attempts to use complex structures, the lack of accuracy in these forms prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on consistent subject-verb agreement and correct passive voice formation would significantly improve the quality of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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