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 map illustrates the floor plan of a public library named Central library showing 20 years ago and how it looks now.
Overall, it is clear that the area became more developed and accessible. The most noticeable change was the construction of all the rooms. Another significant change was the removal of Tables and chairs, Adult fiction books and Adult non-fiction books.
The Games room was replaced by Children's fiction books room which were renovated with the sofas and it is used for storytelling events. Children's books was converted into a lecture room which is located to the north-eastern corner. The noticeable change was the removal of the tables & chairs in the centre area.
Adult non-fiction books area was transformed into adult fiction books, information desk and self-service machines. Enquiry desk was renovated into cafeteria. Adult fiction books which is located in the west of the library20 years ago and it was renovated into all reference books.
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 conversion of the Games room and the removal of central seating. However, the overview is somewhat inaccurate; stating that 'all the rooms' were constructed is factually incorrect as many were simply repurposed. Furthermore, the description of the changes is occasionally confusing, such as the claim that adult non-fiction was transformed into adult fiction, which contradicts the visual evidence of the layout. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview captures the most significant trends accurately and that specific details are described with greater precision to avoid misrepresenting the data provided in the diagrams.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the description. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For example, the phrase 'The noticeable change' is used twice in close proximity, which disrupts the flow. Additionally, some sentences lack clear logical links, such as the transition between the description of the lecture room and the central area. While the paragraphing is appropriate for the task, the internal cohesion within paragraphs needs to be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and better referencing to connect ideas more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing for the identification of library features. However, there is a lack of variety and some inaccuracies in word choice. For instance, the phrase 'renovated with the sofas' is unnatural; 'furnished with sofas' would be more precise. Similarly, 'converted into all reference books' is awkward phrasing. The range of vocabulary is limited to basic descriptors, and there is a lack of more sophisticated terminology related to spatial changes or architectural features. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and a wider range of verbs to describe the transformation of spaces.
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. For example, 'Children's books was converted' contains a subject-verb agreement error, and 'which were renovated with the sofas' is grammatically awkward. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases, such as 'in the west of the library20 years ago'. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage when describing past and present states 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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