Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-08
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 diagram depicts the central library's ground plan from 20 years ago and how it looks today.
Overall, only the entrance remained the same, while the older table and chair zone has now been replaced by a free area. Several service centres are constructed in the brand new plan, for instance, on the south-west and south-east sides the enquiry desk and reading room are now modified into a cafe and a computer room, respectively. In addition , three self-service booths, and an information desk have been constructed in the middle of the west, previously, only adult non-fiction books existed. Moreover, the non-fiction books collection has been replaced by fiction books today.
The north-east computer room area is now broader than two decades ago and new sofas are installed; the room is also used for storytelling programs and children's fiction books.The children's books room on the north-west side is converted into a lecture room and in the place of adult fiction books, a reference book corner is installed. However, the entry gate for the north-side rooms remained on the same side of the construction.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
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 introduction of the cafe, computer room, and the relocation of book collections. However, the report could be improved by providing a more structured overview of the spatial changes. While you mention specific areas, the description of the layout is slightly cluttered. To reach a higher band, ensure that the 'main features' are clearly highlighted in the overview and that the comparison is consistently precise, avoiding minor inaccuracies in describing the locations of the new facilities.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction and body paragraphs that group information by area. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'In addition' and 'Moreover', to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by mechanical phrasing, and some transitions feel slightly abrupt. For example, the jump between the description of the west side and the north-east area could be smoother. Paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the second paragraph is quite dense, making it harder to follow the spatial progression of the changes. Improving the variety of linking words would enhance the overall cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'modified', 'converted', and 'collection' appropriately. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'depicts' and 'brand new', which fit the context well. However, there are minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'service centres are constructed' (facilities are installed/created) and 'the middle of the west' (the western section). While these do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on more precise collocations related to floor plans and architectural changes would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the enquiry desk and reading room are now modified' (should be 'have been modified') and 'previously, only adult non-fiction books existed' (which is a comma splice). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas (e.g., 'In addition ,'). While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the information, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall accuracy. Increasing the variety of complex structures while ensuring better control over verb tenses and punctuation will improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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