Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-27

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 map illustrates the floor plan of a public library and it compares the development within the 20 years.

As we see the central library 20 years ago, There is an enquiry desk at the entrance of the library which provides tickets, book return and etc for visitors. The library is having compartments for CD's, videos, computer games also providing a room for reading which includes newspapers and magazines . However, there is a section of an adult fiction book is placed between the video game room and reading room. Whereas on the opposite there is a area for childrens books. And an adult non fictional books are placed at the exact opposite of adult fiction. We can also see the table and chair facilities for the readers in front of the entrance which is also the Centre of the library.

In comparison, the central library we see today is now developed by providing more facilities to readers where the entrance is same as earlier and the enquiry desk is now changed to cafe where readers cam enjoy there coffee and snacks while reading but the video games room is now replaced with childrens fiction book with 2 sofa where storytelling events can take place. Adult Fiction books are replaced with all reference books in library and reading room Is now a computer room. Whereas childrens books is replaced to a lecture room with that an adult fiction books are kept instead of non fiction and an information desk with a self service machines facilities for the visitors.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the floor plan changes well. You successfully identified the key transformations, such as the conversion of the enquiry desk into a cafe and the repurposing of the reading room into a computer room. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends, such as the shift from a traditional reading-focused space to a more interactive, technology-oriented environment. While you mention specific changes, the report would benefit from a more analytical approach that groups these changes logically rather than listing them sequentially. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure for this task. You use some cohesive devices like 'In comparison', 'However', and 'Whereas' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by mechanical phrasing and some awkward transitions. For instance, the transition between the description of the old library and the new one could be smoother. Additionally, the use of 'And' at the start of sentences is slightly informal for an academic report. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing (e.g., 'the entrance is same as earlier') is more precise would elevate the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the library layout, using terms like 'compartments', 'repurposed', and 'facilities'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'development within the 20 years' (should be 'over the last 20 years') and 'the entrance is same as earlier' (should be 'remains the same'). There is also a lack of more sophisticated, topic-specific vocabulary that would demonstrate a higher level of control. To improve, focus on using more precise verbs and nouns related to spatial changes and layout descriptions.

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. Common issues include subject-verb agreement ('The library is having compartments'), missing articles ('a area for childrens books'), and punctuation errors. Some sentences are quite long and become slightly confusing due to poor clause management. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic grammatical accuracy, particularly with articles and prepositions, will significantly improve the clarity of your report.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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