Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-23
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 maps show the changes in the layout of the central library over the period of 20 years ago.
As can be seen the library are become more modernized with better facilities. such as a cafe, lecture room , computer room. there are many changes in the central library but the Entrance remains in same position.
Twenty years ago , the library divided into two parts left and right, put the tables and chairs in the central for the reading. CDs videos and computer games were located in the upper left corner in addition lower left side secuated reading room for newspapers and magazines. In right side children's books room designed in right upper corner. and in lower side enquiry desk.
In today, The CDs ,videos , computer games have replaced by a children fiction books rooms. and the adult fiction room now located in right side central. reading room has been replaced by an computer room. enquiry desk are totally removed and added a cafe. children's books has been converted into lecture room moreover the central space become more large because the tables and chairs have been removed.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the library floor plan, noting the changes and the constant position of the entrance. However, the overview is slightly weak, and some descriptions are inaccurate or confusing. For instance, stating that the 'CDs, videos, and computer games have been replaced by a children fiction books rooms' is factually incorrect based on standard library diagrams of this type, and the description of the layout is sometimes difficult to follow. While the main features are identified, the lack of precision in reporting the spatial changes limits the score. To improve, ensure that the overview clearly highlights the most significant transformations and that the details are described with greater accuracy and logical flow.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'In today' and 'In right side'. There is a lack of variety in linking words, and some transitions between sentences feel abrupt. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to track the spatial changes being described. To reach a higher band, you should use a wider range of cohesive devices (e.g., 'whereas', 'subsequently', 'in contrast') and ensure that the progression of ideas is smoother and more logical throughout the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher score. There are several errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'secuated' (likely meant 'situated'), 'become more large', and 'enquiry desk are totally removed'. These errors occasionally impede the clarity of the description. While you attempt to use topic-specific vocabulary like 'facilities', 'layout', and 'converted', the overall range is limited. Focusing on using more precise verbs and adjectives to describe spatial changes and ensuring correct word forms will significantly improve your lexical range and accuracy.
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 affect the quality of the writing. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('the library are become', 'enquiry desk are'), incorrect tense usage ('have replaced' instead of 'have been replaced'), and missing articles. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage and spacing. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Prioritising accuracy in sentence construction and proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement will help improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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