Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-04

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)

There are two layout plan of central library ,one showing layout plan from 20 years ago and other showing layout plan of today. From observing the layout plan of library 20 years ago, plan shows that there was three room ,top left corner of room was for CDs, videos, games etc. ,bottom left corner of room was for reading purposes and top right corner of room for children's books and one separate compartment at the entry of building or bottom right corner of room for enquiries ,book issues and returns and tickets counters. In between of those room a open type planning space was left for adult and non-adult fictions book section at both left and right corner of room and tables and chairs are kept at the centre of room or adult and non-adult sections.

Looking onto the plan of library today, the major change is that difference in size of the room of top left corner and other major change is additional room was added at the place of enquiry desk location.Also the purpose of each of the room is changed, such as computer room is shifted of bottom left corner room,a brand new cafe is added at the location of enquiry desk ,children's fiction books section is at the top left corner of room with well equipped two sofa are now provided and a space of organising storytelling events, and lastly previous children's book room is replaced as lecture roon at the top right corner of room. Different changes are made but no new entrance or location of entrance is kept unchanged.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the library floor plan and made relevant comparisons between the two time periods. You covered the key changes, such as the addition of the cafe and the repurposing of the rooms. However, the response lacks a clear overview paragraph, which is essential for a Band 7 or higher in Academic Task 1. Additionally, some descriptions are slightly repetitive or lack precision, such as the vague reference to 'different changes are made'. To improve, ensure you provide a concise summary of the most significant trends or changes in an introductory or concluding paragraph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into two main paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the chronological shift. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'top left corner of room' is used repeatedly). The transition between ideas within paragraphs could be smoother; for instance, the jump between describing different rooms feels list-like rather than integrated. Paragraphing is present, but the logical progression could be enhanced by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the comparison of the two plans more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the layout and changes clearly. You use some specific terms like 'enquiry desk', 'fiction books', and 'storytelling events'. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'open type planning space' and 'lecture roon' (spelling error). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations and avoid repeating the same phrases (e.g., 'corner of room') by using synonyms or more varied descriptive structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Common issues include missing articles (e.g., 'there was three room'), incorrect pluralisation (e.g., 'three room'), and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'in between of those room'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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