Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-07-26

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)

I would like to talk about a public library 20 years ago and now.First of all i will talk about central library 20 years ago.In the library there are different sections like reading room, Enquiry desk, children's books,(CD's, videos, computer games).In the library there is also chairs and tables are available for sitting in the library.There is also Adult fiction and Adult non- fiction books are also available in the library.After that i will talk about central library today.In the central library now lots of facilities are added.The cafe is also available in the new library,also a self service machines are available in the library, lecture room also available.The information desk is available for ask specific information.The sofa is available in the library for sitting. There is lots of different in 20 years ago library and the central library now.The infrastructure of library is also very attractive and aligence.All types of books are available in the new library.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response attempts to describe the changes in the library, but it fails to provide a clear summary or a structured comparison. Instead of grouping information logically, the text reads like a list of items present in each version. It lacks an overview, which is essential for Task 1. Furthermore, the response is overly descriptive and repetitive, failing to highlight the 'main features' as requested. The tone is informal and conversational ('I would like to talk about'), which is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. To improve, you must focus on identifying key trends and significant changes rather than listing every individual item.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay lacks paragraphing, which makes it difficult to follow. The progression of ideas is mechanical and repetitive, relying on simple transitions like 'After that' and 'First of all'. There is no clear logical flow between the past and present descriptions. Cohesive devices are used in a very basic and sometimes inaccurate way. To reach a higher band, you should organise your response into clear paragraphs (e.g., an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing specific changes) and use a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You frequently use the word 'available' and 'library' throughout the text. There are also issues with word choice and spelling, such as 'aligence' (likely meant 'elegance') and 'lots of different' (should be 'differences'). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe the visual information with precision. To improve, try to use more specific terminology related to floor plans, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', 'replaced', or 'expanded', and avoid repeating the same basic verbs and adjectives in every sentence.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The grammar is restricted to very simple sentence structures. There are frequent errors in subject-verb agreement and article usage, such as 'there is also chairs' and 'a self service machines'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after commas and periods. The response lacks complex sentence structures, which are necessary for higher band scores. You should focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that plural nouns match with plural verbs, and practicing the correct use of articles ('a', 'an', 'the') to improve the overall accuracy of your writing.

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