Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-07
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 layout of the centre public library 20 years ago and present time.
Overall, it is observed that the library has transformed at a great expend. Numerous facilities such as self-service machines, sofa, references books area, cafe and many more are added while table and chairs are removed.
In the plan of 20 years ago, tables and chairs were present at the centre of the library. Reading room and enquiry desk were on the left-hand and right-hand side of the entrance respectively. Gaming region located on north-west corner and children's books were kept in north-east direction. Adult fiction and non-fiction books were kept separately on either side of tables.
In current plot, reading room and enquiry desk are replaced by computer room and cafe. Gaming zone has been converted into children area where they can enjoy reading friction books along with storytelling events while sitting on sofa. Further, instead of adult non-friction books area only, there are adult-friction books shelves along with information desk and self-service machines. Lecture room is also built in the region of children's books shelves. The library also provide reference books for all subjects.
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
You have successfully identified the main features of the library's transformation. You provided a clear overview and supported it with specific details regarding the changes in layout and facilities. However, the response could be improved by ensuring more precise comparisons. For instance, while you mention the removal of tables and chairs, you could more explicitly contrast the previous layout with the current one to highlight the shift from a study-focused space to a more diverse, multi-functional environment. The description of the 'gaming region' being converted into a children's area is a good example of reporting key changes, but ensure that all spatial references are accurate to the provided diagram to avoid minor inaccuracies.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized into clear paragraphs, moving from an overview to specific details of the past and present layouts. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'In the plan of 20 years ago' and 'In current plot', which help the reader follow the progression. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas more fluidly. Some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be more precise to ensure the reader can easily track the changes between the two time periods.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'transformed', 'facilities', and 'converted'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and spelling, such as 'at a great expend' (should be 'extent'), 'friction' (should be 'fiction'), and 'non-friction' (should be 'non-fiction'). These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your writing. To reach a higher band, focus on using more sophisticated collocations and ensuring the correct spelling of subject-specific terminology.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'The library also provide' (should be 'provides') and 'In current plot' (should be 'In the current plot'). Additionally, there are minor issues with article usage and subject-verb agreement. While these errors are noticeable, they rarely impede the reader's understanding. To improve, focus on proofreading for small grammatical slips and aim for more consistent control over complex sentence structures.
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.