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 two maps illustrates that the layout plan of a central library is for public how it looks before two decades and how it transformed at present.
Overall, the most stricking transformation removal of adults non-fiction books and tables and chairs and the addition of several new facilities in the library.
In 20 years ago, In the midway of the plan there was two tables and chairs for readers. Additionally on the north east side their was sperate section of childern's books Adjoing that there is a Adult non fiction books. The entrance is from south to the righ there was enquiry desk. On the edge of north west side there is room for CDs, videos and computer games and opposite to this their is reading rooms.
At today, the layout of the floor in rectangular shaped, However non-fictions books are trasformed to adult ficition books, information desk and self service machines. However, cafe is constructed on the same place of enquiry desk. Therfore lecture room are develop into children books. On the west side they bulid big room for children fiction and storytelling events.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the library's transformation, such as the removal of tables and the addition of a cafe and self-service machines. However, the description is somewhat disjointed and lacks a clear, analytical approach to the comparisons. While the overview identifies key changes, some details are inaccurate or confusing, such as the claim that non-fiction books were transformed into adult fiction, which is not clearly supported by the visual data. The response would benefit from a more structured comparison between the two time periods rather than listing features in isolation. Overall, it addresses the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression is hindered by frequent errors in cohesive devices and referencing. For instance, the use of 'However' and 'Therefore' is often illogical or grammatically incorrect in context. The transition between the description of the past and the present is abrupt. While there is an attempt to use linking words, they are often used mechanically or incorrectly, which disrupts the flow of information. Improved control over paragraph structure and a more natural use of cohesive devices would significantly enhance the coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'stricking' (striking), 'sperate' (separate), and 'Adjoing' (Adjoining). The range of vocabulary is limited, relying heavily on simple descriptors. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to spatial descriptions and changes, such as 'relocated', 'converted', 'replaced', or 'expanded'. The current level of lexical control is sufficient to convey the general meaning, but the frequent spelling and collocation errors are noticeable.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a high frequency of grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('The two maps illustrates', 'there was two tables'), incorrect prepositions, and tense inconsistencies. Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors that impede clarity. For example, 'In 20 years ago, In the midway of the plan there was two tables' is grammatically incorrect. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalisation. A greater focus on basic sentence construction and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would help improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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