Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-10
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 given diagrams illustrate the floor plan of a public library . Comparing the look of today's library with it's past look about 20 years ago.
overall it shows a comparison between the map of a library , with its toda'ys look and it how it was 20 years before.
Starting with the entrance , it is at the same place from 20 years . After entering the library, on the left side there's a computer room which was the reading room in the past where individuals rode the newspapers and magazines. On the right after the enterence there was an enquiry desk which was used for buying tickets, returning books but now it has become cafe.
The children's book area has been shifted from top right (by replacing it with lecture room) to the top left . They also added storytelling events in the same room and added a sofa there. They removed the adult non-fiction books by replacing the adult fiction bookes from middle left to its place on the middle right and also added a self-service machines with it.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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 changes, such as the conversion of the enquiry desk to a cafe and the relocation of the children's area. However, the overview is repetitive and lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends, such as the modernization of the library's facilities. The description of the layout changes is generally accurate, but some details are slightly confusing, such as the mention of 'adult fiction' moving from the middle left to the middle right, which is not clearly supported by the provided visual information. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the most striking transformations rather than just restating the task prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the changes. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited and occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'on the right', 'on the left'). The introductory section is particularly weak, as it repeats the same information in two separate paragraphs, which disrupts the flow. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, distinct purpose without redundant introductory statements.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several spelling errors, such as 'toda'ys' and 'bookes', and some awkward phrasing like 'rode the newspapers' (likely meant 'read'). The range of vocabulary is limited to basic descriptions of location and movement. To improve, incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to spatial changes, such as 'transformed', 'relocated', 'converted', or 'partitioned'. Expanding your range of descriptive language will help you achieve a higher score in this criterion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'it is at the same place from 20 years' (should be 'has remained in the same location for 20 years') and 'added a self-service machines' (incorrect article usage). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with apostrophes. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles to improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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