Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-02
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 depicts the redevelopment of the layout of university sports centre now and further plans.
firstly, starts with a west side of the university sports center the outdoor courts will be change by leisure pool along side changing room and sports shop. Besides this, the centre of the university sports same as it will be in future with changing room, 25m pool, reception, seating whereas gym will be expanded.
In addition the outdoor courts which is situated in the east side of the map will be upgraded from a sports hall along-side with two dance studio. Nevertheless , further redevelopment with cafe and changing room in the south east side of the university sports centre.
overall, university sports centre will be a further infrastructure like new leisure pool, sports hall, sports shop, two changing room and two dance studios. Moreover a certain expansion of gym in the easten side as well.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the maps, such as the new leisure pool, the sports hall, and the gym expansion. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the most significant changes. While the task is addressed, the reporting of information is occasionally confusing, such as the statement that the centre remains the same while simultaneously noting the gym expansion. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most striking transformations rather than just listing details. The comparison between the 'now' and 'future' layouts is present but could be more clearly articulated to demonstrate a better grasp of the overall development plan.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often awkward or inaccurate, such as 'Nevertheless, further redevelopment with cafe...' which does not logically follow the previous point. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track which part of the map is being described. The progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed, and the transition between the current state and the future plan lacks fluidity. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'the maps depicts' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'along side changing room'. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying heavily on simple descriptors. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise terminology related to maps and changes, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', 'converted', or 'extended'. Additionally, pay closer attention to collocations and pluralisation to ensure your writing sounds more natural and professional.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('The maps depicts'), missing articles ('a west side', 'a sports hall'), and awkward sentence structures ('the outdoor courts which is situated'). While there is an attempt to use complex sentences, they are often marred by errors in punctuation and syntax. The control of grammar is inconsistent, and the frequent slips in basic structures suggest a need for a more thorough review of sentence construction and grammatical accuracy to ensure the message is conveyed without ambiguity.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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