Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-03

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 maps illustrate the layout of present university sports centre and other map of future plans about some changes.

It is clearly seem that in future both outdoor courts will knock down. On west side, leisure pool will build with changing room. On the east side it covert into sports hall and enhances the area and construct two dance studio with common changing room for east sides rooms.

Furthermore, reception area will expand and add sports shop and cafe near reception. Moreover, gym will be doubled from now in the future. No boundary of sports centre currently, so it will build in upcoming years.

Overall, immense areas will develop in future. Some of them will completely knocked down. Leisure pool, cafe and sports shop will add in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main features of the redevelopment, such as the removal of outdoor courts and the expansion of the gym and reception, the description is somewhat superficial. You have not fully developed the comparisons between the 'now' and 'future' states, and the lack of detail regarding specific dimensions or locations makes the report feel incomplete. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview and include more specific details from the diagrams to reach the required length and depth.

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 somewhat mechanical and limited (e.g., 'Furthermore', 'Moreover'). There are instances where the logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'No boundary of sports centre currently, so it will build in upcoming years.' The progression of ideas is present but lacks sophistication. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that each sentence connects smoothly to the next, avoiding abrupt transitions between the different areas of the sports centre.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic verbs like 'build', 'add', and 'knock down'. There are also some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'it covert into' (should be 'it will be converted into') and 'immense areas will develop' (which is not the most natural way to describe architectural changes). To improve, focus on using more academic vocabulary related to maps and changes, such as 'demolished', 'extended', 'transformed', or 'renovated'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement and passive voice construction, such as 'leisure pool will build' (should be 'will be built') and 'both outdoor courts will knock down' (should be 'will be knocked down'). Additionally, there are missing articles and awkward sentence structures throughout the text. While you attempt some complex ideas, the lack of control over basic grammar limits the range and accuracy. Focus on mastering the passive voice, which is essential for describing processes and map changes.

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

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