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 picture depicts the information about the floor plan for a public library, how it looks now comparing 20 years ago.
Overall, lecture room and cafe are newly added to centre library with existing facilities. Self service machines and information desk are now available in the adult friction book department.
In 20 years ago, after entrance reading room and inquiry desk are there in first floor then middle space is used for relaxation with tables snd chairs. Second floor is for adults, mainly two rooms one is for adult fiction books and other is for non fiction books. Lastly, children books and computer games are located.
Now after 20 years, computer room and cafe is on first floor, second floor is equipped with all reference books and adult fiction books and last floor is available for lecture room and story telling events where sofas are available in the section of children's fiction books alongside of storytelling events.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response provides a basic overview of the changes, but it lacks the precision required for a higher band. While you identify the addition of the cafe and lecture room, the description of the layout is confusing. For instance, you mention 'second floor' and 'last floor' in a way that does not clearly align with the visual data provided. The summary of the 'adult fiction' department is also somewhat inaccurate, as the information desk and self-service machines were not clearly distinguished in the original layout. To improve, focus on grouping information logically (e.g., by floor or by function) and ensure that comparisons are accurate and easy to follow.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the progression of ideas is often disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'In 20 years ago' and 'Now after 20 years'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to track the changes between the two time periods. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through the comparison.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite basic. There are some errors in word choice, such as 'adult friction' (likely meant 'fiction') and 'centre library' (likely 'central library'). The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on simple descriptors. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise terminology related to floor plans and spatial descriptions, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', 'converted', or 'situated'. Additionally, ensure you proofread for spelling errors that may distract the reader.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include incorrect preposition usage ('In 20 years ago'), subject-verb agreement ('computer room and cafe is'), and awkward phrasing ('the picture depicts the information about'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with commas. While these errors do not completely prevent the reader from understanding the general message, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall flow. Focus on mastering basic sentence construction and subject-verb agreement before attempting more complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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