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 diagram compares how the library look like 20 years ago with current diagram.
20 years ago, tables and chairs were located in front of entrance door and it was the center of library. While in the current time, this seating arrangement has been removed from the center. Four corners owned by different section of the library. First north-west corner, 20 years ago, there was room for CDs, Videos and computer games, although the area covered for children's fiction books, space for story telling events and sofa has been arranged. Reading room. On the eastern side, North-east corner use as lecture room, which was used as children's books. Enquiry desk removed and cafe installed at that place. The self service machines installed in front of cafe. The area in-between used as information desk and Adult fiction books arrange instead of non-fiction books.
Overall, the library diagram shows that almost whole floor of library change in the current time with some modern requirements.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the library floor plan, noting the changes in layout and function. However, the description is somewhat fragmented and lacks a clear, logical structure. While you identify key changes like the removal of the enquiry desk and the addition of a cafe, the reporting of the spatial changes is occasionally confusing. For example, the transition between the north-west and north-east corners is abrupt, and the description of the 'area in-between' is vague. To improve, ensure you group information logically (e.g., by area or by type of facility) and provide a more cohesive summary of the overall transformation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay lacks effective paragraphing, which makes it difficult to follow the progression of ideas. While there is an attempt at an introduction and a brief conclusion, the body of the text is a single, dense paragraph that jumps between different areas of the library without clear signposting. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of '20 years ago' and 'in the current time'. To reach a higher band, use clear paragraph breaks to separate distinct themes and employ a wider range of linking words to connect your observations more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher score. You rely on basic verbs like 'owned', 'use', and 'arrange', which are often used incorrectly in context (e.g., 'Four corners owned by different section'). There are also some awkward phrasings, such as 'current diagram' instead of 'current layout'. To improve, focus on using more descriptive, topic-specific vocabulary related to floor plans, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', 'converted', or 'situated'. Expanding your range of collocations will help you convey your observations with greater accuracy and sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('library look like', 'Four corners owned by'), missing articles ('in front of entrance door'), and awkward sentence structures ('the area covered for children's fiction books... has been arranged'). The range of structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and ensuring consistent verb tenses when describing past and present states. Proofreading for small errors like missing prepositions or articles will also significantly improve the overall quality of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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