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 two floor plans illustrates the changes that have taken place in the Central Library Over a 20-year Period, from the past to the present.
Overall. the library has undergone considerable modernization. several traditional facilities, such as the reading room and enquire desk, have been removed, while new facilities including a computer room, leisure area, self-service machines and a cafe have been introduced.
Twenty years ago, the library was mainly divided into areas for different types of books and reading. Childrens books were located in the upper-right section, while adult non-fiction books occupied the middle-right area. On the left, there were CDs, videos and computer games at the top , adult fiction books in the middle, and a reading room for newspaper and magazines at the bottom. Tablets and chairs were situated in the centre with an enquiry desk in the lower-right corner.
Today, the layout is significantly different. The former media section has been replaced by sofas and a study area, while the childrens fiction books are located beneath it. The library also has an all-reference-books section and a computer room on a left.
Overall, the library has become more modern and multifunctional, providing visitors with more opportunities for studying, relaxing
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
You have successfully identified the main features of the library's transformation, including the removal of traditional facilities and the addition of modern amenities. You provided a clear overview and supported it with specific details from the floor plans. However, the response ends abruptly mid-sentence, which prevents a full completion of the summary. To reach a higher band, ensure that all descriptions are finished and that the comparison between the two time periods is fully integrated. The overview is well-structured, but the final paragraph lacks the necessary closure to fully address the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow a chronological progression. You use some cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Twenty years ago' and 'Today'. However, the abrupt ending of the final paragraph negatively impacts the overall coherence. Additionally, while paragraphing is used, the transition between the description of the past and the present could be smoother. To improve, ensure that each paragraph is complete and that you use a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'modernization', 'multifunctional', and 'self-service machines' appropriately. There are some minor errors, such as 'enquire desk' (should be 'enquiry desk') and 'Childrens' (missing apostrophe). You attempt to use less common vocabulary, which is good, but the range is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise collocations and ensure consistent accuracy in word formation and spelling throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The former media section has been replaced by...'. While the majority of your sentences are clear, there are several grammatical slips, including subject-verb agreement issues like 'The two floor plans illustrates' (should be 'illustrate') and punctuation errors such as 'Overall. the library'. These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and punctuation to improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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