Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-21

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)

There are two maps given that shows the floor plan of public library before 20 years and at present times.

The floor plan of library before 20 years ago, had enquiry desk on right side from the entrance and on the other side there was a reading room. It also had tables and chairs at the center of the library. On the both side of chair and tables, the adult fiction book and adult non-fiction book kept. Children's books are kept in top right side of map in different section. Opposite side of children's room there was section for CDs, games. At present times, the library is completely change like cafe take place of enquiry desk. A new computer room is made on left side from the entrance. The tables and change were removed fully from the center. At top left side section, the children fiction books were kept and it also has sofa available in room. Children's books rooms is now lecture room and adults fiction books and information desk is now take place beside cafe.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the library floor plan, noting the key changes such as the removal of the enquiry desk and the addition of a computer room. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant trends. While the task is addressed, the reporting of features is occasionally imprecise (e.g., 'top right side of map'), and the comparison between the two time periods could be more analytical. To improve, ensure you provide a clear introductory overview that highlights the most striking changes, such as the shift from a traditional reading space to a more modern, technology-oriented facility.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into two paragraphs, which is a logical approach. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'on the other side' and 'at present times' are used, but the flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases to connect ideas more fluidly, such as 'whereas,' 'subsequently,' or 'in contrast to the previous layout.'

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. You rely on basic descriptors like 'kept,' 'made,' and 'change.' There are also some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'at present times' (should be 'at present' or 'currently') and 'tables and change were removed' (likely meant 'chairs'). To improve, incorporate more specific vocabulary related to floor plans and spatial changes, such as 'relocated,' 'converted,' 'replaced by,' or 'designated area.'

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. Examples include 'There are two maps given that shows' (subject-verb agreement error: 'show'), 'before 20 years' (should be '20 years ago'), and 'adult fiction book and adult non-fiction book kept' (missing auxiliary verbs and articles). Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that passive voice constructions are formed accurately (e.g., 'books were kept' instead of 'books kept').

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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