Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-08-29
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 image is represents layout of Central library. That used to be 20 years ago which is compared with the present design.
Overall, with the change out time significantly there are many updates seen, such in furniture and sections of book self.
In the older layout the section of CDs, Videos, computer games was in the left end from the entrance, which was re-designed to place where people often spend time doing activities like Story telling, and sitting on sofa and reading Children fiction books.
Furthermore, Children's books room was changed to a Lecture Room. Moreover, reading room which consisted newspaper and magazines was transformed to computer room. In, the old layout there was no space for self service machines so the Adult non-fiction book space was changed to adult fiction books with information Desk and Self-Service counters. Below that before was a Enquiry desk which was then transformed to Café, also the curve was removed and made a rectangular shaped room with the gate. Lastly the Adult fiction books division was shortened a new All reference book section has emerged.
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 library layout changes, identifying key transformations such as the conversion of the reading room to a computer room and the addition of a café. However, the overview is somewhat weak and lacks a clear summary of the most significant changes. While the response addresses the prompt, some descriptions are slightly confusing, such as the mention of a 'curve' being removed, which is not clearly explained in relation to the provided diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview highlights the most striking trends rather than just listing individual changes, and ensure all descriptions are precise and easy to follow for the reader.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the information. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, such as the repetitive use of 'Moreover' and 'Furthermore' at the start of sentences. The progression of ideas is generally logical, moving from the entrance area to the back of the library, but the transitions between these sections could be smoother. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to visualize the exact location of the changes described. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring clear signposting would enhance the overall flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the changes in the library. There are some attempts at more specific vocabulary, such as 'transformed' and 'emerged', but there are also instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'change out time' and 'book self' (likely meant 'bookshelves'). Some phrasing is unnatural, which occasionally hinders the clarity of the description. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology for describing spatial changes and ensure that collocations are accurate. Expanding the range of vocabulary to include more descriptive verbs and nouns related to architectural layouts would be beneficial.
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 affect the quality of the writing. Issues include missing articles ('the layout of Central library'), incorrect verb forms ('The image is represents'), and awkward sentence construction ('In the older layout the section of CDs... was in the left end'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would significantly improve the accuracy of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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