Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-18
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 given picture shows comparison of central library in different time period from twenty years ago till today .let's summarize this in following paragraphs. . If we look at library twenty years ago,we see different corners like videos and computer games in one corner while children books in other corner.In centre we find adults fiction and non fiction books.Reading room is in one corner and enquiry desk in other corner.Tables and chairs are in middle of library and Infront of entrance . In comparison to past ,today in library ,we find children fiction books with sitting arrangements in one corner and lecture room in another corner.informative desk is in middle of room with adults fiction books and service machines.Books with all references are found in centre of Libra in left side .Now we find cafe in right side of entrance and computer room on left side of entrance. In comparison to past ,much progress has been made today as compared to past .More facilities are provided to people.
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 library floor plan, identifying key changes such as the addition of a cafe and computer room. However, the overview is weak; it lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends, such as the shift from a focus on media/games to a more academic and service-oriented layout. The description is somewhat repetitive and relies on a list-like approach rather than a cohesive comparison. To improve, ensure you highlight the most striking changes in an introductory overview and group information logically by area or function rather than simply listing items in each corner.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is hindered by repetitive phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. Phrases like 'In comparison to past' are used repeatedly, which makes the flow feel mechanical. While the reader can follow the description, the transition between the past and present layouts lacks fluidity. Improving the use of linking words (e.g., 'whereas', 'subsequently', 'in contrast to') and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would significantly enhance the coherence of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Words like 'corner', 'middle', and 'centre' are used frequently. There is a lack of variety in describing spatial relationships or the nature of the changes. The student attempts to describe the library features, but the terminology is often imprecise (e.g., 'informative desk' instead of 'enquiry desk' or 'information desk'). To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to floor plans and spatial descriptions, such as 'situated', 'relocated', 'replaced by', or 'adjacent to'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple sentence structures. There are frequent errors in punctuation, such as missing spaces after periods and incorrect capitalization (e.g., 'Libra' instead of 'library', 'Infront' as one word). Articles are also frequently omitted or misused (e.g., 'in library', 'in centre'). While the meaning is generally clear, the high frequency of minor grammatical errors and the lack of complex sentence structures limit the score. Focusing on basic sentence construction, proper article usage, and consistent punctuation will help improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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