Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-05
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 maps illustrate the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and its current layout.
Overall, the library became more modern and changed. New facilities were added, and several sections were rearranged.
Looking at the first map, there were four different sections in each corner, while two tables with chairs were located in the centre of the library.
There were adult fiction books between the games section and the reading room.
There were adult non-fiction books opposite the adult fiction books and between the children's books section and the enquiry desk at the same time.
Looking at the second map, the children's books section was converted into a lecture room, while the enquiry desk was converted into a café.
Storytelling events and sofas were added. The reading room was converted into a computer room, and every section was changed.
An information desk and self-service machines were added between the café and the lecture room, and the tables and chairs were removed.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the library floor plans, identifying key changes such as the conversion of the children's section and the addition of new facilities. However, the report lacks a clear overview of the spatial relationships and the overall transformation. While you mention that the library 'became more modern', this is a vague summary. To improve, you should group information more logically—for example, by describing the static elements versus the replaced ones. The description of the layout is somewhat disjointed, and you missed the opportunity to provide a more comprehensive comparison of the spatial shifts, such as the relocation of the entrance or the expansion of specific zones.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into short paragraphs, which helps readability. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. You rely heavily on simple sentence structures and basic transition phrases like 'Looking at the first map' and 'Looking at the second map'. The use of cohesive devices is limited, and the connection between sentences could be smoother. For instance, instead of listing changes in separate, short sentences, you could use linking words like 'consequently', 'meanwhile', or 'in contrast' to show the relationship between the old and new layouts more effectively. Paragraphing is present but could be more balanced.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. You use basic verbs like 'changed', 'added', and 'converted' repeatedly. While these are accurate, they do not demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more descriptive language related to spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', 'replaced', or 'expanded'. There are no significant spelling errors, and the terminology used for the library sections is appropriate, but the overall lexical range remains somewhat limited and repetitive throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically correct, and the meaning is clear. However, the range of structures is limited; you rely heavily on 'There were...' and '...was converted into...' patterns. To improve, try to vary your sentence beginnings and use more complex grammatical structures, such as relative clauses or participial phrases (e.g., 'The children's section, previously located in the corner, was replaced by a lecture room'). Punctuation is generally accurate, and errors are infrequent, but the lack of structural variety keeps the score in the mid-range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.