Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-04

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 the look of floor setting 20 years ago and now of a public library.

Overall, The structure of library reamin same over the period except some little iterations. But the the use of technology and more confartable envoirment brings significant changes in the view.

The enterance remain the same but the central sitting area wiped out and become more empty. On the either side more general books and information desk along with self-service machines were placed. As the gmaes area removed completely and added a dedicated computer room. In adddition, in place of childrren's books a room for storytelling events and children books along with sofas decorated. A cafe is also made in lower right corner where was previously a enquiry desk. there is no lecture room now as 20 years ago.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main features of the library floor plan, the analysis is somewhat superficial. You mention changes such as the addition of a cafe and a computer room, but the description lacks sufficient detail and comparative depth. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview of the spatial changes and include more specific data points or comparative observations. The under-length nature of the response prevents a full development of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. For example, the transition between the introduction and the body paragraph is abrupt. While you use some linking words like 'In addition' and 'Overall', the flow between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, but the overall structure would benefit from a more sophisticated use of cohesive devices to connect the comparisons between the two time periods more effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the range and precision required for a higher band. There are several spelling errors, such as 'reamin', 'confartable', 'envoirment', 'enterance', 'gmaes', and 'childrren's', which detract from the quality of the writing. While you attempt to describe the changes, the word choice is often repetitive or slightly inaccurate, such as 'iterations' to describe physical changes to a building. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology related to floor plans and spatial descriptions, and proofread carefully to eliminate basic spelling mistakes.

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 occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'The structure of library reamin same' (missing articles and verb agreement), 'the central sitting area wiped out' (passive voice error), and 'where was previously a enquiry desk' (incorrect word order). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with capitalization and comma usage. To reach a higher band, you need to demonstrate better control over basic grammar, including subject-verb agreement, article usage, and sentence construction, while aiming for a wider variety of error-free complex structures.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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