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)
There are two maps presenting public library 2 decades ago and how it changed till today.
Overall, twenty years back there were 2 tables and chairs at the centre which is removed. There were no sofas in the whole library but now there are 2 in Children's fiction books section which is located at the north west corner of the library.
Two decades back, on the north west and north east corner of the library, there were cds, videos, computer games and Children's books room but now it is being replaced by storytelling events and children's fiction books occupied by two sofas and lecture room respectively.
On the other hand, when we enter into the library there were 2 tables and chairs which is cleared now. On the right and left hand just after entering the library, now there is a computer room and a cafe. The adult fiction books just next to the computer room was turned to all reference books section. Also there are new machines into library which was not present twenty years back, it is located just adjacent to cafe.
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 floor plan, identifying key changes such as the removal of tables and the addition of new facilities like the cafe and computer room. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it focuses on specific details rather than summarizing the most significant trends, such as the library's shift from a study-focused space to a more diverse, modern facility. While the task is addressed, some descriptions are slightly confusing, such as the reference to '2 tables and chairs' being removed, which could be more clearly articulated as a change in the central layout. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the most prominent transformations rather than just listing individual changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the logical progression is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. While some cohesive devices are used (e.g., 'On the other hand', 'Overall'), the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the third paragraph where the description of the north-west and north-east corners becomes cluttered. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing for the description of the library layout. There are some attempts at more specific vocabulary, such as 'storytelling events' and 'reference books'. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'which is removed' (should be 'which have been removed') and 'occupied by two sofas and lecture room respectively'. The range is sufficient to convey the main points, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and nouns related to spatial changes would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency, such as 'there were 2 tables... which is removed' and 'there are new machines into library which was not present'. Additionally, there are issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall clarity. To reach a higher band, focus on ensuring that verbs agree with their subjects and that tenses are used consistently when describing past versus present states.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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