Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-16

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 6.5)

The maps delineate the layout of a university's sports centre now and how it will look after redevelopment.

Overall, it is clear that the university sports centre is expected to undergo several changes, including the construction of new facilities, dance studios, changing rooms, cafes, sports shops, and sports halls, and the relocation or removal of some existing structures. However, certain features, such as the seating and the reception, will remain unchanged.

Looking at the first map, the outdoor courts are located on the western and eastern sides of the university sports centre. Moreover, the changing room, reception, seating, and gym are placed around the 25m pool.

Turning to the second map, several noticeable changes can be observed. Firstly, the changing room, reception, seating, gym, and 25m pool will remain unchanged. Furthermore, the outdoor courts are expected to be replaced by a leisure pool. However, another changing rooms, sports shops will be newly built in the southwest corner; additionally, a cafe and another changing room are projected to be newly built in the southeast corner of the map. On top of that, dance studios are likely to be newly built in the eastern part of the map. Finally, another outdoor courts are likely to be replaced by a sports hall

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The candidate successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main features of the university sports centre before and after redevelopment. An appropriate overview is provided, highlighting the general expansion and the retention of specific core facilities like the reception and seating. Key spatial relationships and changes, such as the replacement of outdoor courts with a leisure pool and a sports hall, are clearly reported. The data is accurately derived from the visual stimulus without significant misinterpretations, fulfilling the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response effectively. Minor details could have been integrated slightly more cohesively, but the overall coverage is comprehensive and well-structured.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is organized logically with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs dedicated to the present and future layouts. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different sections of the maps. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Looking at the first map', 'Turning to the second map', and 'Furthermore' are employed to guide the reader through the comparison. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive, particularly the frequent use of 'newly built' and 'another'. Despite these minor limitations, the logical progression is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The candidate demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully utilizing terms related to maps and architectural changes, such as 'delineate', 'redevelopment', 'relocation', and 'projected'. Less common lexical items are attempted with reasonable success, though there are some slight lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'another changing rooms' and 'another outdoor courts are likely to be replaced' (when referring to the removal of outdoor courts). Nevertheless, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including passive voice constructions ('will remain unchanged', 'are expected to be replaced') which are appropriate for describing maps. There is good control over basic grammar and punctuation, and meaning is clear throughout. However, there are a few noticeable grammatical errors, such as singular/plural disagreements ('another changing rooms', 'another outdoor courts') and some slight awkwardness in verb tenses. Despite these errors, they do not impede overall communication.

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