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)
The diagram illustrates the planning of the floor of public library. There are two diagrams- 1. 20 years ago, and
2. recent plan
As per two decades ago, the library has an entrance from the south and there were four sections gaming, children's books, reading room, enquiry desk on all four corners. whereas tables and chairs are placed in the center of the library as adult friction books on the left section and adult non-friction books on the right section. Which make space looks conjugated.
As per today, things are being more accessible and easier to find as the entrance remain the same with a huge walking lobby and empty space, but all four corners are changed. computer room is located on the left side of the entrance and cafe facilities on the right. on the up left side there is a room of storytelling events and section of children's friction books with sitting arrangement. on the up right there is a special space for lecture room only. the section of adult fiction book is changed to right side with the facilities of information desk and self-service machines.
as all reference books are holding the place in the left lobby. this shows the easy to reach and with more facilities for the students.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the library floor plan, comparing the past and present layouts. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary of the most significant changes, which is essential for a high band score in Task 1. While the student identifies specific changes, the description is sometimes confusing, such as the mention of 'adult friction' and 'non-friction' books, which are likely misspellings of 'fiction' and 'non-fiction'. The response would benefit from a more structured approach, grouping the changes logically rather than listing them corner by corner, to better highlight the transformation of the space.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The transition between the past and present is abrupt, and the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical (e.g., 'As per two decades ago', 'As per today'). Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes. For instance, the phrase 'on the up left side' is informal and lacks precision. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring a clearer flow between sentences would significantly enhance the coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are noticeable errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'friction' instead of 'fiction' and 'conjugated' instead of 'congested'. The phrase 'holding the place' is also unnatural in this context. While the student attempts to describe specific areas of the library, the lack of accurate terminology for floor plan features limits the effectiveness of the communication. A wider range of descriptive language related to spatial layout and facility changes is needed.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'things are being more accessible'), missing articles, and awkward phrasing. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of capitalization and sentence boundaries. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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