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 following picture shows the difference between a floor plan of a public library today and 20 years ago, given that, there is much modern advancement in new look.
The first and most noticeable change is the removal of tables and chairs from the central area and the second one is the addition of information desk and self-service machines alongside the cafe which is located right beside the entrance and was an Enquiry desk before. Though if you notice the lecture room, you'll see that it was a children's books room before.
And now if you walk towards the left side, you'll witness the maximisation of a block, which was a tech room 20 years ago and now has been transformed into a storytelling events and children's fiction books section also there is addition of a two L-shaped sofas.While the gallery which contained adult fiction books before has now all reference books and next to that there's a computer room now which was a reading room previously.
In summary, the central library today has the same area as it had 20 years back but now it is more organised and looks clean, includes everything a library should have.
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 removal of the enquiry desk and the transformation of the children's room. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends, such as the shift towards digital and self-service facilities. While the comparison is generally clear, some details are slightly imprecise, such as the description of the 'maximisation of a block'. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the most striking changes rather than just listing them, and maintain a more formal, objective tone throughout the report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the description of the floor plan. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly informal, such as 'And now if you walk towards the left side' or 'Though if you notice'. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the transition between the description of the central area and the side rooms could be smoother. Using more varied linking phrases would improve the flow and help the response move beyond a simple list of changes.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for a clear description of the library's layout. You use some specific terms like 'self-service machines' and 'reference books' effectively. However, there is a reliance on simpler phrasing, such as 'new look' or 'maximisation of a block', which lacks precision. To reach a higher band, incorporate more sophisticated collocations related to spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'converted into', or 'underwent a significant reconfiguration'. The range is sufficient to convey meaning but lacks the flexibility required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'given that, there is much modern advancement in new look' and 'now has been transformed into a storytelling events and children's fiction books section'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage and run-on sentences. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Increasing the variety of complex structures while ensuring they remain error-free will help elevate your score in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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