Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-20
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 two maps illustrate the transformation of the public library into a central library over a 20-year period. Several facilities have been added for students.
Overall, the tables and chairs have been replaced, whereas there is an addition of self-service machines have been added next to the information desk.
Initially, the children's books room was replaced by a lecture room and next to a lecture room, an adult fiction section has been added along with that information desk is available for individuals. However, the enquiry desk, where individuals could generate tickets and return books is now has been converted into a cafe. In addition, the reading room, where children used to read newspapers and magazines, was replaced by a computer room. In the left corner, the area containing CDs, videos, computer games was replaced by a children's fiction books and now two sofas have been installed, and storytelling events can now be held in the corner and the children's fiction section has also been enlarged. A reference section has been added between the children's fiction books and the computer room.
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
You have successfully identified the main features of the library's transformation, such as the conversion of the reading room into a computer room and the addition of self-service machines. However, the response lacks a clear structure. The overview is somewhat weak, as it focuses on minor details like tables and chairs rather than the significant structural changes. Additionally, some descriptions are slightly inaccurate or confusing, such as the mention of an 'adult fiction section' being added 'next to a lecture room' without clearly referencing the original layout. To improve, ensure you group information logically—perhaps by area or by type of facility—and provide a more comprehensive overview of the major shifts in the library's purpose.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is coherent, but the progression of ideas is occasionally disjointed. While you use some cohesive devices like 'Initially', 'However', and 'In addition', the paragraphing is insufficient. The entire body of the report is contained in one long paragraph, which makes it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the two time periods. To achieve a higher band, you should divide your response into distinct paragraphs: one for the introduction and overview, and one or two for the detailed body paragraphs. This would help organize the information more effectively and improve the overall flow of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the changes clearly. You use terms like 'transformation', 'converted', and 'installed' appropriately. However, there are some repetitive phrases and minor inaccuracies, such as 'generate tickets' (which is not the standard term for library services) and 'children's fiction books' (which is slightly redundant). To improve, try to vary your vocabulary further by using more precise synonyms for 'replaced' or 'added', such as 'superseded', 'transformed into', or 'incorporated'. Focusing on more natural collocations will help you move into a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are several grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. For example, 'there is an addition of self-service machines have been added' is grammatically incorrect due to the double verb structure. Similarly, 'is now has been converted' is redundant. There are also issues with punctuation and preposition usage, such as 'next to a lecture room, an adult fiction section has been added along with that information desk is available'. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and avoiding redundant verb phrases will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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