Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-19
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 layout is blueprint of university sports center, of different times, one indicates the current state of sport centre, and the later one is future blueprint of how the sports center is going to transform with redevelopment.
In the current centre, the facilities provided are quite limited compared to the future plan, as there are two outdoor courts on both ends of west and east and a small gym, seating and changing room in the opposite direction with the pool in the centre.
The future blue print has some striking features which were previously not seen in the plan, for eg : They have also built a Dance studio, in the east and in the west they have added a leisure pool as well. Both these spots were previously used just for outdoor courts but now they have changed to recreational activities. There is mini cafe in the south next to reception and a sports shop in the west south of the reception.
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 student attempts to address the task by comparing the current layout of the university sports centre with the proposed future redevelopment plan. Key features such as the outdoor courts being replaced by a leisure pool and a dance studio are correctly identified. However, the response lacks a well-developed overview, which is a key requirement for Academic Task 1. Furthermore, several significant changes shown in the future plan—such as the expansion of the gym, the addition of a sports hall, and the inclusion of a new café—are omitted or only partially mentioned. While the general direction of the changes is clear, the selection and reporting of main features are somewhat incomplete, fitting the Band 5.5 to 6.0 profile. Band score: 5.5
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is divided into three paragraphs, including an introduction and two body paragraphs. There is an attempt to logically sequence the information, moving from a general introductory statement to specific comparisons of the current and future layouts. However, paragraphing is underdeveloped, and the progression of ideas lacks smooth transitions. Cohesive devices are basic and repetitive, such as 'In the current centre' and 'The future blue print', and referencing is occasionally unclear (e.g., 'later one is future blueprint'). Overall organization provides a basic structure, but cohesion is mechanical. Band score: 5.5
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms directly related to the visual stimulus such as 'facilities', 'redevelopment', 'recreational activities', and 'reception'. However, the range is limited and repetitive. There are noticeable lexical and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'blue print' written as two words and the informal phrasing 'mini cafe'. Word choice is sometimes simplistic ('the later one is future blueprint', 'striking features which were previously not seen'). While meaning is generally conveyed, the vocabulary lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Band score: 5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mixture of simple and complex sentence forms, but grammatical control is weak. There are several run-on sentences and punctuation errors, particularly in the opening sentence ('The layout is blueprint of university sports center, of different times, one indicates...'), which lacks necessary articles ('a blueprint') and prepositional precision. Other errors include missing articles ('sport centre', 'future plan') and awkward phrasing ('in the west south of the reception'). Complex structures are often faulty and require re-reading. Frequent errors persist throughout the text, impeding smooth readability. Band score: 5.0
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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