Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-06
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)
It is clearly seen that the digram shows difference between the floor plan of library from now to 20 years ago. It shows the development of the library over 20 years.
It is clear that 20 years ago there were four sections for different kind of things. On the right side of entrance there were enquiry desk and in front of the enquiry desk there were reading room for newspapers and magazines. In the centre there were tables and chairs and on the left side there were adult fiction books and on the opposite side there were adult non fiction books. On the above left corner of the library there were CDs, videos and computer games and on the opposite side there were children books section.
In the todays central library there are also 4 sections. On the right side of the entrance there is cafe and on the opposite side there is computer room. In the middle right side of the library there is adult fiction books, information desk and self service machines and on the opposite side there is all reference books and on the right corner of the library there is lecture room and on the left corner there is childrens fiction books with 2 sofas and story telling events.
Overall, central library is developed in the last 20 years with many features and facilities.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the task by describing the changes in the library floor plan. However, the analysis is largely descriptive and lacks a clear overview of the most significant changes, such as the shift from a media-focused layout to one incorporating social and service-oriented spaces like the cafe and lecture room. While the main features are identified, the comparison is somewhat mechanical, listing items rather than synthesizing the transformation. To reach a higher band, you should provide a more analytical summary that highlights the key trends or major shifts in the library's layout rather than just listing the contents of each room.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the past to the present. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and basic. Phrases like 'On the right side' and 'on the opposite side' are used frequently, which makes the writing feel a bit mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking words and transition phrases to create a smoother flow between sentences. Additionally, ensure that your referencing is clear; for instance, 'the opposite side' is used multiple times, which can occasionally make it difficult to track exactly which area is being described.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the various sections of the library. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'sections', 'things', and 'side'. There are also some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'all reference books' instead of 'reference books' and 'childrens fiction books' (missing the apostrophe). To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise vocabulary related to floor plans, such as 'layout', 'designated areas', 'reconfigured', or 'transformed', and ensure correct pluralization and possessive forms.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the digram', 'the library', 'the enquiry desk') and prepositions. For example, 'On the above left corner' is non-standard; 'In the top-left corner' would be more accurate. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and pluralization, such as 'there were reading room' (should be 'a reading room') and 'childrens fiction books'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focusing on article usage and consistent verb tense will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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