Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-29

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The plans below show a public park when it first opened in 1920 and the same park today.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The picture compares the Grange recreational park when it was built in 1920 with today's structure.

Overall, picture shows how grange park evolved with structural changes. An underground car parking area has developed today. On some places of garden, streets are also replaced with buildings.

In 1920, Grange garden had a huge fountain in the middle of park, which is now replaced by rose garden surrounded by several seats. On the west side of the garden, stage for artists and streets are altered with amphitheater for concerts. A cafe is constructed now on the area of rose garden. While both the entrances are remained unchanged.

Furthermore, Glass house on the north side of park is replaced with water feature and pond for water plants with children's play area. A parking area for visitors also constructed in contemporary era. Eldon street and Arnold avenue are on same areas without any modification.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the park's transformation, such as the addition of the amphitheater, the water feature, and the car park. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it lacks a clear summary of the most significant changes. Additionally, there are some inaccuracies in the description of the layout, such as the claim that a cafe is now on the site of the rose garden, which contradicts the visual information. While the key changes are identified, the reporting of these features could be more precise and analytical to reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear, moving from the central features to the peripheral ones. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'In 1920', 'Furthermore'). Some transitions between sentences feel abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'On some places of garden', which lacks appropriate articles and sounds unnatural. Improved use of linking words would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the changes using terms like 'evolved', 'structural changes', 'amphitheater', and 'modification'. However, there is a lack of variety and precision. Some word choices are slightly awkward, such as 'today's structure' or 'contemporary era', which are not the most natural collocations for describing a park. There are also minor errors in article usage and prepositional phrases that slightly limit the range of expression. To improve, the student should focus on more precise descriptive vocabulary for spatial changes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include missing articles ('on the area of rose garden', 'on north side of park'), incorrect verb forms ('both the entrances are remained unchanged'), and awkward phrasing ('On some places of garden'). These errors occur frequently enough to be noticeable but do not significantly impede communication. A greater focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would help improve the accuracy of the writing.

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

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