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)
The two plots illustrate the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and present time.
Overall, the library has modernized compare to past years. Many facilities including computer room, cafe, information desk and many more have been provided current time at the library. Table and chairs are replaced by sofa.
In 20 years ago, an entrance was in south direction and there were tables and chairs at the centre of the library. On the left hand side of entrance there was a reading room where every one could read newspapers and magazines while on right hand side there was enquiry desk. Children's books area and CDs and computer games were on the north- west and north- east corner of the library. Adult fiction and non- friction books shelves were located either side of table and chairs.
In the current layout, instead of reading room and information desk, computer room and cafe have been built. Adult fiction books, information desk and self service machines are added between lecture room and cafe. Moreover, children' s room is kept separate and added some facilities like storytelling and sofa.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a clear overview of the changes, identifying the main trends such as modernization and the introduction of new facilities. You successfully highlight key features like the replacement of the reading room and the addition of the cafe. However, the report lacks precision in describing the spatial layout. For instance, stating the entrance was in the 'south direction' is slightly vague, and the description of the new layout could be more detailed regarding the specific locations of the new additions. To reach a higher band, ensure that all major changes are clearly contrasted with their previous states using more precise directional language.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the past and present respectively. The progression of ideas is generally clear. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Phrases like 'on the left hand side' and 'on the right hand side' are used repeatedly, which makes the flow feel a bit repetitive. Improving the variety of linking words and transition phrases would help the text flow more naturally and improve the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the library features, such as 'modernized', 'facilities', and 'self-service machines'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'non-friction' (likely meaning non-fiction) and 'in 20 years ago' (which is grammatically incorrect). The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the sophistication required for higher bands. Focusing on more precise terminology for describing floor plans and ensuring correct word forms will help improve your score in this area.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that persist throughout the text. Examples include 'the library has modernized compare to past years' (should be 'compared to'), 'In 20 years ago' (should be 'Twenty years ago'), and 'added some facilities' (should be 'has added' or 'facilities have been added'). These errors occur frequently enough to be noticeable, though they do not prevent the reader from understanding the main points. Increasing the accuracy of verb tenses and prepositions is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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