Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-24
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)
This library layout diagrams illustrate massive reconstruction of current public library compared to 20 years ago.
Overall, the library layout underwent substantial modernization, highlighted by the addition of 3 self-service machines, a dedicated computer room, and the removal of tables and chairs in center.
By present central library, significant changes had been implemented to streamline efficiency while utilize information desk and self-service machines.
Additionally, CDs, videos, and computer games room shifted dramatically to Children’s fiction books room simultaneously enhancing library’s official storytelling events. Furthermore, enquiry desk notably reconstructed to cafe instead of create adverse noise. Removal of two tables and chairs which located in center junction enable to be overwhelmingly minimized noise predicament and inconvenience of movements. In addition, previously adult fiction and non-fiction books were situated in separately opposite directions, as for, currently it shifted to one all reference books to reduce any inconvenience. A dedicated lecture room considerbably more outweigh and offering vulnerable opportunities than reading newspapers 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
The response covers the main features of the floor plan changes, such as the addition of the cafe and the computer room. However, the description of the changes is occasionally inaccurate or confusing. For example, stating that the enquiry desk was 'reconstructed to cafe' is a misinterpretation of the layout, and the claim that adult fiction and non-fiction were 'situated in separately opposite directions' is not clearly supported by the visual data. While the overview identifies key trends, the lack of precision in reporting the spatial changes limits the effectiveness of the summary. To improve, ensure that the description of the layout changes strictly reflects the provided visual information without adding external assumptions.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, and there is a clear attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'Overall,' 'Additionally,' and 'Furthermore.' However, the flow of ideas is sometimes disrupted by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For instance, the sentence 'By present central library, significant changes had been implemented' is confusing and lacks logical connection to the previous paragraph. The use of referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial progression of the library's transformation. Improving the logical link between sentences and ensuring that cohesive devices are used to clarify rather than obscure meaning would enhance the coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but there are several instances of imprecise word choice and awkward collocations. Phrases like 'massive reconstruction,' 'adverse noise,' and 'vulnerable opportunities' do not accurately convey the intended meaning in this context. The student attempts to use more complex vocabulary, but the lack of precision often leads to confusion. There are also minor errors in word formation, such as 'considerbably' (spelling) and 'utilize' (incorrect grammatical form). To reach a higher band, focus on using vocabulary that is both accurate and appropriate for describing spatial changes and floor plans.
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 communication. Issues include incorrect verb forms ('utilize' instead of 'utilizing'), missing articles ('in center'), and awkward sentence construction ('Removal of two tables and chairs which located in center junction enable to be overwhelmingly minimized'). Subject-verb agreement and preposition usage are also inconsistent. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors prevents the text from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence structure and proofreading for common grammatical slips would significantly improve the clarity of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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