Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-17
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 picture compares the floor area of a public library 20 years ago and the current area.
Overall, the tables and chairs in the centre are removed. A cafe is constructed in the north-west side by replacing information desk. The entrance to the library remained untouched.
Turning to the details, CDs, videos, computer games that were in the top left corner is shifted down to the left corner by removing the reading room from there. The old gaming area is enlarged in which children's fiction books are kept and story telling events take place. The area of adult fiction book is reduced and replaced by all reference books.
Moving further, in the centre tables and chairs are removed. The place for children's books is changed by allocating lecture room. The area of adult non-fiction books area is removed and adult fiction books, information enquiry desk, self-service machine are constructed on its place. On the place of enquiry desk a cafe is added. The entrance to the library remained the same
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the library floor plan changes, including the removal of central seating and the addition of a cafe. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the most significant transformations. While the key changes are identified, the reporting is occasionally confusing, such as the contradictory statements regarding the information desk and the cafe. To reach a higher band, ensure that the summary highlights the most striking changes—such as the shift from a study-focused space to a more diverse, community-oriented facility—rather than simply listing every minor movement of furniture.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the comparison. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Turning to the details', 'Moving further'). Additionally, there is some confusion in the referencing; for instance, the text mentions the entrance remaining untouched twice, which disrupts the flow. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the lack of sophisticated linking words makes the transition between the various sections of the library feel disjointed. Improving the variety of cohesive devices would enhance the overall readability.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the changes in the library layout. There are some attempts at specific terminology, such as 'self-service machine' and 'story telling events'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'on its place' instead of 'in its place' or 'in its stead'. The vocabulary is functional but lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band. Using more varied verbs to describe spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'converted', or 'superseded', would improve the lexical quality.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('CDs, videos, computer games... is shifted') and awkward prepositional usage ('on the north-west side'). While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the main points, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall fluency. The punctuation is generally correct, but the sentence structure could be more varied to demonstrate better control. Focusing on consistent tense usage and subject-verb agreement would significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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