Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-15
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 illustrates the changes in floor of the Public library now and before 20 year ago. Overall , it is evident that public library has undergone many changes and adding new facilities and constructed new rooms and cafe
Turning to details,the Cd and video ,computer room constructed 20 years ago is demolish by storytelling events and new sofas added on both side of room .The children,s books section remove by new Lecture room .Adult fiction books relocated below the lecture room .the table and chairs located in the middle of the public library has removed
Probing further,the entrance remain unchanged ,the adult non fiction section demolished by constructing of self service machines .next the reading room is removed by the new computer room .the adult fiction section is replaced by all reference books . thereafter enquiry desk is replaced by new cafe in the east side of the central 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 | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the floor plan changes, but the presentation is somewhat mechanical. While you identify key alterations like the removal of the CD/video room and the addition of the cafe, the overview is quite brief and lacks a clear synthesis of the overall trends. Some descriptions are slightly inaccurate, such as stating the entrance remains unchanged when the layout clearly shows modifications. To improve, ensure you group information more logically—perhaps by area or type of facility—rather than listing changes in a way that feels like a simple inventory. A more analytical approach to comparing the 'before' and 'now' states would elevate the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'Turning to details', 'Probing further', 'next', 'thereafter'). The flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed, making the progression of ideas feel like a list rather than a cohesive report. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus. Referencing is sometimes unclear, which occasionally forces the reader to re-read to understand which part of the library is being discussed.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for higher bands. You rely on basic verbs like 'removed', 'added', and 'demolished' repeatedly. While these words are accurate in context, the range is limited. There are also some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'floor of the Public library' instead of 'floor plan' and 'constructing of self service machines' instead of 'the installation of'. To improve, incorporate more specific terminology related to architectural changes and spatial descriptions to demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the Cd and video... is demolish'), missing articles (e.g., 'in the east side'), and punctuation errors (e.g., 'children,s'). These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader, though they do not fully impede communication. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly tense consistency and the correct use of articles and prepositions. Proofreading for common slips like pluralisation and verb forms will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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