Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-22

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 maps illustrate the difference between the university sports center's current and future changes that will occur after reconstruction.

Overall, portions of outdoor courts merged into the central portion to make a single point. The reception, pool, and changing area, as well as seating, will stay at the same point as present, but there will be the addition of some amenities.

Firstly, on the northwestern side of the center, outdoor courts will change into leisure pool, while there will be an addition of a changing room adjacent to the leisure pool on the southwestern corner. On the left side of the entrance there will be a sports shop, and there will be a cafe on the right side of the entrance.

Although there will be the addition of dance studios, one on the northeastern corner and the other on the eastern side of the center. The changing room will be adjacent seating on the east side, while the gym will be on the north side of centre.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main changes, such as the conversion of outdoor courts into a leisure pool and the addition of new facilities like the cafe and sports shop. However, the response lacks precision in describing the spatial layout. For example, stating that the gym is on the 'north side' is vague, and the description of the dance studios is slightly confusing. To reach a higher band, ensure that all locations are clearly referenced against the original plan. While you have covered the main features, some details are under-developed, and the comparison between the 'now' and 'future' layouts could be more explicitly linked to demonstrate a clearer overview of the transformation.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the description. You use some cohesive devices like 'Firstly' and 'Although', but the transition between the second and third paragraphs is somewhat abrupt. The use of referencing is occasionally unclear; for instance, in the final paragraph, the sentence starting with 'Although' is a fragment and does not logically connect to the previous information. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall flow and coherence of your report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the changes, using terms like 'reconstruction', 'amenities', and 'adjacent'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'make a single point' is not a natural way to describe the merging of areas, and 'change into leisure pool' is missing an article. While your vocabulary is adequate for the task, you need to incorporate more precise, topic-specific language related to architectural plans and spatial descriptions to demonstrate a higher level of lexical control and flexibility.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that occasionally affect clarity, such as missing articles ('into leisure pool', 'on north side of centre') and awkward phrasing ('the changing room will be adjacent seating'). Additionally, the sentence starting with 'Although' is grammatically incomplete, as it lacks a main clause. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement, consistent use of articles, and ensuring all sentences are complete will significantly improve your accuracy.

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