Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-19
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 diagrams illustrate the layout of the Central Library 20 years ago and at present.
Overall, the central library underwent many significant changes. The enquiry desk was replaced by a cafe. In addition, the reading room was converted into a computer room, while tables and chairs in the center of the library were removed and sofas were added to the children's fiction books area.
An analysis of the image reveals that the northwest side of the library, which previously contained CDs, videos and computer games, was replaced by an area for storytelling events and children's fiction books, with two sofas. Moreover, the adult fiction books were replaced by all reference books. Just below this area, the reading room which contained newspapers and magazines, was converted into a computer room.
From the image, it is evident that the northwest side of the library contained the children's books section which has now been replaced by a lecture room. In addition, the adult non-fiction books were replaced by adult fiction books with an information desk and three self-service machines. Furthermore, the enquiry desk, where people could book tickets, returns were replaced by a cafe.
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 floor plan changes, but there are significant factual inconsistencies and contradictions. For example, you state that the northwest side was replaced by an area for storytelling, but later claim it was replaced by a lecture room. Additionally, the description of the adult fiction and non-fiction books is confusing and contradicts the visual evidence provided in the prompt. While you identify the main changes, such as the cafe and computer room, the lack of accuracy in reporting the spatial layout prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure that your description strictly matches the provided diagram and avoid contradictory statements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. You use some cohesive devices like 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' to link ideas. However, the progression of information is sometimes confusing due to the factual contradictions mentioned earlier. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when describing the movement of specific sections. While the paragraphing is logical, the internal coherence is weakened by the conflicting information provided in the second and third paragraphs. Improving the logical flow between sentences and ensuring consistency in your descriptions will help improve this score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'converted', 'significant changes', and 'illustrate'. There is some attempt to use specific terminology related to the library layout. However, there are some repetitive structures and minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'adult fiction books with an information desk'. The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'replaced' or 'changed' and focus on precise collocations when describing the relocation of library sections.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The enquiry desk, where people could book tickets, returns were replaced by a cafe.' However, there are grammatical errors, particularly with sentence construction and punctuation. The sentence mentioned above is grammatically awkward and lacks clarity. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and preposition usage. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focusing on sentence structure and ensuring that your complex sentences are grammatically sound will help you achieve a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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