Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-12
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 diagrams illustrate the changes made to the floor plan of a central library over a 20-year period.
Overall, the diagram shows major changes between the old floor plan of same library with today, where tables and chairs have been removed now from the center of the library which were placed in front of the entrance.
Initially, 20 years ago, the library had a sperate space for tables and chairs for the visitors and a room for CDs, videos and computer games in the end of the left side and a room for children's book in the opposite direction, it has a room in the right side of the entrance and a reading room in the left side.
By contrast, nowadays, it shows a cafe in the right side after we made entrance and computer room shifted in the left side just near the entrance, the information desk space and reference book spaces are in the right and left side respectively next to the cafe and computer room. Moreover, a room with multiple things in the left end where it has children's fiction books two sofas in the left and right directions and a space for storytelling events, it shows a lecture room in the right end of the library.
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 changes, identifying key additions like the cafe and lecture room, and removals like the seating area. However, the description is somewhat disorganized and lacks a clear, comparative overview. While the main features are mentioned, the spatial relationships are sometimes confusingly described (e.g., 'in the end of the left side'). To reach a higher band, ensure that the comparison between the two time periods is more systematic and that the overview clearly highlights the most significant transformations rather than just listing changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the flow of ideas is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. Cohesive devices are used (e.g., 'Initially', 'By contrast', 'Moreover'), but they are sometimes applied mechanically or incorrectly, such as the transition into the final paragraph. The referencing of locations is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to visualize the layout changes accurately. Improving the variety and precision of linking words would enhance the logical progression of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the library features. There are some spelling errors (e.g., 'sperate' instead of 'separate') and instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'a room with multiple things' and 'after we made entrance'. These choices are somewhat informal and lack the precision expected in an academic report. To improve, focus on using more specific terminology related to floor plans and spatial descriptions, and ensure that common words are spelled correctly to maintain a professional tone.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect preposition usage (e.g., 'in the end of the left side' instead of 'at the end of the left side'), subject-verb agreement errors, and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'where it has children's fiction books two sofas'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma splices. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence boundary control and prepositional accuracy is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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