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 following layout plan displays the floor plan of public library 20 years ago along with latest changing in floor plan. However, its covered area and other masonry walls are almost same.
There are several changings have been seen in this diagram. likely, the chairs and sitting area in old library is across the entrance in living area nevertheless now it is shifted in children's fiction books section. Moreover, the masonry walls are also same as in previous library.
Furthermore, In today diagram, Draftman include the amenity like cafe for library students refreshment. Consequently, they also add a lecture room in modern library which is very beneficial for the library members. It also replace the enquiry desk chamfer wall in straight wall in new library. In the modern design, there are significant changes like computer room, cafe or lecture room according to the latest education system they provide many facilities as compared to old diagram there are cd's, videos, and computer game room or reading room or only children's room.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the floor plan, such as the addition of the cafe and lecture room, and the relocation of the seating area. However, the description is somewhat fragmented and lacks a clear overview of the most significant changes. While the response identifies several modifications, it fails to clearly contrast the 'before' and 'after' states in a structured way. Some details, such as the mention of 'cd's, videos, and computer game room', are unclear in their relation to the provided diagram. To improve, ensure you provide a clear summary statement in the introduction and group related features logically to highlight the transformation of the library space.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow between sentences is often disrupted by awkward phrasing and mechanical use of cohesive devices. For example, the transition 'likely, the chairs and sitting area...' is unnatural. The use of linking words like 'consequently' and 'furthermore' is sometimes inappropriate for the context, as they do not always logically connect the ideas being presented. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the comparison between the two time periods. Improving the use of cohesive devices and ensuring a smoother progression of ideas would significantly enhance the clarity of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are several non-standard word choices, such as 'latest changing' instead of 'recent changes' and 'Draftman' instead of 'the architect' or 'the designer'. The phrase 'masonry walls are also same' is simplistic. While the student attempts to use topic-specific vocabulary like 'amenity' and 'enquiry desk', the overall range is restricted. There are also issues with word formation, such as 'changings' (a non-count noun used as a plural). To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise terminology for describing spatial changes and avoid repeating basic adjectives like 'same'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'There are several changings have been seen'), article usage (e.g., 'in today diagram'), and sentence structure (e.g., 'It also replace the enquiry desk chamfer wall in straight wall'). The range of structures is limited, relying mostly on simple sentences with some attempts at complex ones that are often faulty. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, verb tenses, and ensuring that pluralization and articles are used correctly.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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