Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-11
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 maps illustrate layout of central library 20 years ago and at the moment.
Overall, it underwent significant changes, with almost all the rooms and areas being converted into be used for different purposes. By placing self-service machines and computer rooms, it became more modern.
It has four rooms on the each side of the library. Back then, there was a room for children’s books on the north east side and an enquiry desk for tickets, book returns on the south east. Between them adult non-fiction books were situated. On the north west side, a room for CDs, videos, and computer games were located, and reading room on the south west side, with adult fiction books situated between. From the entrance, in the middle of the library, there were tables and chairs.
Today, the children’s books room is converted into lecture room, and enquiry desk was removed and cafe is built. In the middle of them, adult fiction books area, information desk, and three self-service machines are located. Where the adult fiction books was located back then is a place for all reference books now. The room for CDs, videos are now became bigger and have two sofa, place for storytelling events, and children’s fiction books inside. Also, the reading room is now computer room
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 covers all parts of the task by identifying the main features of the library's layout 20 years ago and comparing them to the current floor plan. You successfully highlighted key changes, such as the conversion of the children's room and the addition of self-service machines. However, the description of the layout is occasionally confusing; for instance, stating there are 'four rooms on the each side' is inaccurate based on the visual evidence. To reach a higher band, ensure that spatial descriptions are precise and that the overview clearly synthesizes the most significant transformations rather than just listing changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, moving from an introduction and overview to specific details of the past and present. While the progression is generally clear, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'on the north east side', 'on the south east'). Some transitions between sentences feel abrupt, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'In the middle of them' when referring to the new layout. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between the past and present descriptions would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'converted', 'significant changes', and 'self-service machines'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and minor errors, such as 'are now became bigger' and 'have two sofa'. These errors do not impede communication, but they highlight a need for more precise control over verb forms and pluralization. To improve, focus on using more sophisticated collocations related to describing changes in maps and ensure consistent subject-verb agreement.
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 frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the layout of central library'), prepositions, and verb tenses ('Where the adult fiction books was located'). Some sentences are slightly ungrammatical, such as 'converted into be used for different purposes'. While these errors rarely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and article usage will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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