Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-13

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)

This diagram analyses the floor plan of the public library now and 20 years ago. The differences among the floor plans now and 20 years ago are described clearly in the diagrams.

The middle part of the plan was allocated for tables and chairs 20 years ago but today this area is free or not allocated fore anything. Moreover, children's books section 20 years ago changed into lecture room now, also area allocated or designed for CDs, videos, computer games turned into storytelling events and children's fiction books.

Adult fiction books from 20 years ago amended into All reference books now, also information desk has been laced on the right side, self-service machines has also been installed now. Computer room is designed now where reading room was located 20 years ago. The cafe at the corner is also designed just at the right side after entrance.

Overall, the changes has been made now in the floor plan of a public library and it looks completely different from 20 years ago floor plan.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the library floor plan and made relevant comparisons between the two time periods. You covered the key changes, such as the relocation of the information desk and the introduction of new facilities like the cafe and self-service machines. However, the response lacks a clear overview or summary paragraph that synthesises the most significant trends, such as the shift from a traditional book-focused space to a more modern, multi-functional facility. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide a clear summary of the overall transformation rather than just listing individual changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For example, you frequently use 'also' and 'now' to link ideas, which makes the flow feel a bit disjointed. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to show the relationship between the changes, such as 'consequently', 'in contrast', or 'furthermore'. Additionally, ensure that your referencing is precise so the reader can easily track which area you are describing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'allocated', 'floor plan', and 'self-service machines'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'amended into' (which is not appropriate for describing a change in room function) and 'laced on the right side' (likely a typo for 'placed'). To improve, focus on using more precise verbs to describe spatial changes, such as 'converted into', 'replaced by', or 'transformed into', and ensure you proofread for minor spelling errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that occasionally hinder the flow. For instance, 'the changes has been made' contains a subject-verb agreement error, and 'this area is free or not allocated fore anything' contains a spelling error ('fore' instead of 'for'). Additionally, some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'the cafe at the corner is also designed just at the right side'. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will help improve your accuracy.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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