Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-22

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 given diagram compares the floor plan of a public library 20 years earlier and how it looks in present. Overall, the library is undergone through numerous changes in the previous 20 years. In the middle of the library, there were some tables and chairs but they are not available now.

In the past, there was a section in the northeast of the library for CDs, videos and computer games. The northwest corner was associated with books for children's. There were also tables and chairs in the center of the library. A region for adult non-fiction books was on the right side of chairs and tables while adult fiction books were on the left side of tables and chairs. Reading room for newspaper and magazines were present on the left of entrance while there was information desk about tickets, book returns etc was on the direct right of main entrance.

In present, the northwest region which was a room for videos and computer games is now being enlarged and contains two sofas and is used for storytelling events and is also a point for children's fiction books. The room for children's books is converted in lecture room in the present library. Tables and chairs are been removed from the center. The point which was associated with adult fiction books is now allocated for all reference books. The enquiry desk is now combine with adult fiction books and there are three self-service machines also available in the same region. The room for enquiry desk is converted into cafe while the reading room is converted into computer room.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the library's transformation, such as the removal of tables and the conversion of specific rooms. You provide a clear overview and compare the past and present states effectively. However, the report could be improved by grouping the information more logically—perhaps by functional areas rather than just listing changes—to better highlight the 'main features'. While you cover the key changes, some details are slightly repetitive, and the summary could be more concise to allow for a more analytical approach to the data presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized into three paragraphs: an introduction, a description of the past, and a description of the present. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'In the past' and 'In present', to guide the reader. However, the flow within paragraphs is sometimes mechanical. For instance, the transition between sentences in the final paragraph feels like a list of changes rather than a cohesive narrative. Using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in contrast') would improve the flow and help connect the ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'floor plan', 'allocated', and 'converted'. However, there are several instances of awkward phrasing and minor errors, such as 'is undergone through' (should be 'has undergone') and 'is now combine' (should be 'is now combined'). Additionally, 'the point which was associated with' is a bit wordy and imprecise. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive sentence structures when describing the changes to the library layout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'tables and chairs are been removed' (should be 'have been removed'), 'books for children's' (should be 'children's books'), and 'reading room... were present' (should be 'was present'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing changes in diagrams.

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