Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-14
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 map shows how a central library looks 20 years ago and how it has been changed now. There has been several changes, the most noticeable change being table and chairs which were seen while entering the lobby has now been removed
To begin with, the right side of the library after entering the lobby is now being enquiry desk in the place of cafe after passing through there is an adult fiction books which was a adult non-fiction books area. In addition, children's books is now replaced with lecture room. when it comes to left side of the library we have seen a dramatic change after entering at the left there is a computer room before it was reading room where students used to read newspapers and magazines. at left corner of a library there was a computer gaming area and now room has become larger with two sofas where storytelling events will manifested
overall, there is a dramatic change where at the right side books area has been made. Meanwhile in left there is major change in computer gaming area
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 identifies the main features of the floor plan changes, such as the removal of the lobby seating and the conversion of the reading room into a computer room. However, the overview is weak and lacks a clear summary of the most significant transformations. While the response covers the right and left sides, the description of the changes is sometimes imprecise, such as stating 'adult fiction books which was a adult non-fiction books area' without clearly contrasting the two time periods. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most striking trends, such as the shift from a quiet reading space to a more technology-focused environment, rather than just listing changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the flow between ideas is often mechanical and sometimes confusing. For example, the transition 'after passing through there is an adult fiction books' is grammatically awkward and makes the spatial progression difficult to follow. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often repetitive or incorrectly applied, such as the frequent use of 'after entering'. The lack of clear referencing makes it difficult for the reader to visualise the layout changes. Improving the use of spatial markers (e.g., 'adjacent to', 'situated in the north-east corner') would significantly enhance the logical flow of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of word-choice errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'storytelling events will manifested' and 'there has been several changes'. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on basic descriptors like 'dramatic change' and 'major change'. To achieve a higher score, you should incorporate more precise terminology related to floor plans and architectural changes, such as 'converted into', 'relocated', 'replaced by', or 'transformed into', and ensure that nouns and verbs are used with correct collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'There has been several changes'), tense consistency (e.g., 'how a central library looks 20 years ago'), and article usage. Sentence structures are generally simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors, such as 'the most noticeable change being table and chairs which were seen while entering the lobby has now been removed'. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring consistent verb tenses when describing past and present states, and proofreading for subject-verb agreement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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