Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-02
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 demonstrates a public library's floor plan 20 years ago and how it looks now.
Overall, the Central library is renovated with some major changes in it.
The diagram illustrates that there were tables and chairs in the middle by entering into the library. It has been developed now as tables and chairs got removed and some replacements. The area with having adult fiction books has been replaced by all reference books. On the other hand, adult non-fiction books got exchanged by adult fiction books with an additional information desk and self-service machines.
There is a cafe near to the entrance in place of enquiry desk now, however reading room containing newspapers and magazines is converted into computer room. Moreover, lecture room is in the place of children's books area. There were CDs, videos and computer games at the top left corner which is substituted with storytelling area and children's fiction books with two sofas being added.
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 floor plan changes, such as the relocation of the cafe, computer room, and various book sections. However, the overview is somewhat simplistic, and the description of the changes lacks precision. For instance, stating that tables and chairs were 'removed and some replacements' is vague. To reach a higher band, you should group the information more logically—perhaps by functional areas—rather than listing changes in a somewhat disjointed manner. While all parts of the task are addressed, the development of the comparison is limited, and the report would benefit from a more analytical approach to the spatial changes.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. While you use some cohesive devices like 'on the other hand' and 'moreover', the transition between the description of the old layout and the new one is sometimes abrupt. The referencing is generally clear, but the logical progression could be improved by grouping related changes (e.g., all book-related changes together) rather than jumping between different areas of the library. Paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the body paragraph is slightly cluttered, making it harder for the reader to follow the transformation clearly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'renovated', 'substituted', and 'converted'. However, there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'The area with having adult fiction books' and 'tables and chairs got removed'. These phrases sound slightly unnatural. To improve, focus on using more precise verbs and nouns related to spatial changes, such as 'relocated', 'transformed', or 'replaced by'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the flexibility and precision required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The Central library is renovated with some major changes in it' (which should be 'has been renovated') and 'The area with having adult fiction books' (which is grammatically incorrect). Additionally, the use of 'got' is informal and should be avoided in an academic report. While these errors do not impede overall communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and avoiding informal phrasing will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.