Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-11-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.

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

Central Library 20 years ago

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The given diagrams illustrate the floor plan of a public library 20 years back and how it is now.In old library, right after entering through the main entrance, it had tables and chairs in the middle and adult fiction books to the left and non-fiction books to the right. While in new library plan fiction books are shifted to the right side from the centre right next to the information desk. Right after entering the library, the enquiry desk has been replaced by the cafe on the right side and reading room was being demolished to make computer room on the left side. All the reference books are being shifted to the left side of the library replacing the adult fiction books. At the end of the room, to the right side was children's books' room that is now shifted to the west of the room which used to be the computer games room. Lecture room has now taken the room of children's books.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify several important changes, including the removal of the central tables, the conversion of the former reading room into a computer room, and the addition of a café and lecture room. However, the response only partially covers the plans: it gives no clear overall summary of how the library has been reorganised and omits notable features such as the self-service machines and storytelling area. Some comparisons are inaccurate or unclear. For example, the enquiry desk was in the bottom-right area, but the café is now in an enclosed room there; the new information desk and adult fiction area are in the middle-right, not simply “right next to” the desk as described. A more complete overview and precise account of the main changes would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response follows a broadly chronological comparison, moving from the entrance and central area to the left and right sides, so the reader can identify the general subject. However, it is presented as one continuous paragraph, with no distinct overview to guide the reader through the main changes. Several transitions are awkward or repetitive, particularly the repeated use of “right after” and “right side,” and the sequence from the entrance to “the end of the room” is not consistently clear. The contrast marker “While” also introduces a fragment rather than a complete contrasting clause. Grouping the changes into clear paragraphs and using more precise location references would make the progression easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a reasonable range of vocabulary for describing changes and locations, including “replaced,” “demolished,” “shifted,” and “taken the room of.” These choices help communicate the broad transformations, and the meaning is generally understandable. However, some expressions are imprecise or unnatural for a floor-plan report: “20 years back,” “in old library,” and “at the end of the room” do not describe the plans as clearly as standard map language would. “Shifted” is also repeated and can suggest physical movement rather than a change in function or location. Use more precise terms such as “formerly,” “converted into,” “relocated to,” and “in the upper-left section” to improve accuracy and variety.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response attempts some complex comparisons, but control is uneven. The opening has a punctuation and sentence-boundary problem: “now.In old library” needs a space and a clearer new sentence. “While in new library plan…” is a dependent clause used as a sentence, and “All the reference books are being shifted” uses a progressive form that is unsuitable for describing a completed change. Articles and sentence structure also need attention in phrases such as “In old library” and “the room of children’s books.” Although the main changes can usually be understood, these errors recur and sometimes make relationships between locations less clear. Practise complete comparison sentences and consistent past-versus-present forms.

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