Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-26
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 diagramas shows two different versions of a public library floor plan, considering the 20 years of difference between both images.
Overall, the central library floor plan looks more well-distributed, comfortable and convenient for users if compared with the same space 20 years ago, since it was included sofa, information desk, self-service machines and a Café station, helping people to have a for agradable experience in the place.
I believe one of the most relevant change between the two diagrams is the technological update. For example, the "Reading room" sector was replaced for "Computer room", or in the case of "Adult non-fiction book" space was divided by three sectors, including "Self-service machines".
In conclusion, the diagrams show that the public library structure has adapted to the technological changes over the last 20 years. It is also possible to see space for more interactions such as "Storytelling events", "Information desk" and "Café".
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response identifies the main features of the library floor plan, such as the technological updates and the addition of new facilities like the café and storytelling area. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. The student includes personal opinions ('I believe'), which is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. Furthermore, the description of the changes is slightly inaccurate; for instance, stating the adult non-fiction section was 'divided by three' is unclear. To reach a higher band, the response needs a more objective, analytical tone and a more precise description of the spatial changes, ensuring all key features are clearly compared rather than just listed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, overview, body, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall,' 'For example,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally weak. For example, the transition between the overview and the body paragraph could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the overall progression of ideas lacks the sophistication required for a higher band. The use of cohesive devices is functional but lacks the flexibility seen in higher-scoring responses.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the changes in the library. There are some attempts at less common vocabulary, such as 'technological update' and 'well-distributed.' However, there are noticeable errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'for agradable experience' (which contains a non-English word) and 'relevant change' (where 'significant' would be more precise). The range is limited, and the errors occasionally detract from the clarity of the report. To improve, the student should focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensuring accurate spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that persist throughout the text. Examples include 'The diagramas shows' (subject-verb agreement/spelling), 'replaced for' (incorrect preposition), and 'if compared with' (awkward phrasing). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. The student should focus on subject-verb agreement, correct preposition usage, and ensuring that complex structures are formed accurately to demonstrate better control over grammar.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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