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 diagram illustrates the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks now.
Overall, the look of the central library was completely changed after 20 years. There are many things that installed in today's library to make it more useful. Today's library is more established and developed as compared 20 years old library.
The central library was 20 years ago, there was a single entrance gate for students. Enter to the entrance there was a two huge tables and chairs, in the right side of these chairs and tables there was a adult non-fiction books. Similarly, in the left side adult fiction books was there. In the right upper corner, there was a rectangular room for children's books which was replaced by lecture room in today's library.
In contrast, tables and chairs are completely removed in the front of the entrance. Adult fiction books are changed their location from left to right, along with this self-service machines are also introduced on the same side. However, CDs, videos and computer games are replaced by storytelling events and two sofas are introduced in the corner of this room. Cafe is also build which was absent in past's 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 | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the library floor plan, identifying key changes such as the replacement of the children's area and the addition of a cafe. However, the report lacks a clear overview of the most significant trends, such as the shift from physical media to digital and social spaces. Some descriptions are slightly inaccurate or confusing, such as stating that tables and chairs were 'completely removed' when the layout simply changed. To reach a higher band, ensure that the summary highlights the most important transformations rather than just listing changes, and provide a more precise comparison between the two time periods.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the comparison. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'In contrast', 'Similarly'). There are also issues with referencing; for example, the phrase 'in the right side of these chairs' is grammatically awkward and hinders the flow. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the transition between the description of the past and the present could be smoother. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that pronouns clearly refer to their antecedents would enhance the overall coherence.
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 unnatural phrasing, such as 'the look of the central library was completely changed' and 'Cafe is also build'. The student relies on basic descriptive language rather than using more sophisticated terms related to spatial changes or architectural features. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of variety and the presence of word-choice errors (e.g., 'past's library') limit the score. Expanding the range of vocabulary to include more precise verbs and nouns would be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'There are many things that installed', 'as compared 20 years old library', and 'Adult fiction books are changed their location'. Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency are problematic throughout the text. While the reader can understand the intended meaning, the high frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on correct verb forms and prepositional usage will 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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