Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-18

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 plans below demonstrate the arrangements of a university's sports center in present and how it will be after reconstruction.

In present condition, University sports center has pool in middle, in right there is seating area whereas in left its changing room. Similarly, above the pool there is Gym and below the pool there is reception and entrance door. Along this there are two outdoor courts opposite to each other, side-side with main hall.

In Future, the present sections will be unchanged, but the area will be elongated occupying both outdoors courts. In the eastern parts there will be two new dance studios and changing room below it whereas in western parts there will be massive leisure pool and changing room at the opposite side of pool. In the entrance section two new shops will be added at the side attached to both changing rooms. The Gym section will be wider and long.

Overall, new sections will be enhanced properly with better facilities and wider section rooms.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the plans, identifying the key changes such as the expansion of the gym and the addition of new facilities like dance studios and shops. However, the description of the 'present' layout is slightly confusing; for instance, stating the pool is 'in middle' and the changing rooms are 'in left' lacks precision. While the main features are reported, the comparison between the two plans could be more analytical. The summary is functional but lacks a clear overview of the most significant changes, such as the overall expansion of the facility's footprint.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, body paragraphs for the present and future, and a brief conclusion. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally inaccurate. For example, the phrase 'Along this there are two outdoor courts' is a weak transition. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as 'in right' and 'in left', which makes it difficult for the reader to visualize the layout. The progression of ideas is generally logical, but the flow between sentences could be improved with more varied linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There is a reliance on basic descriptors like 'in middle', 'in right', and 'side-side'. Some word choices are slightly unnatural, such as 'elongated' to describe the building's expansion or 'section rooms'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it does not demonstrate the range or flexibility required for a higher band. There are no significant spelling errors, but the lack of sophisticated collocations limits the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Articles are often missing (e.g., 'has pool in middle', 'in entrance section'), and there are issues with prepositions and word order (e.g., 'in right there is seating area'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. The student attempts to use complex sentences, but they are often marred by these basic grammatical inaccuracies, preventing a higher score.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.