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 maps demonstrates the structure and organization of floor of central library 20 years ago and how it seems today.
Overall, there is a slight change in the structure of public library. The size of only one room has changed which is on the upper left corner. Furthermore, one room is changed in shape, while the other two rooms remained same in size and shape.
The room on the right hand when we enter has changed in shape and it becomes a cafe from an enquiry desk. Moreover. the room with CDs, videos, and computer games convert into more spacious one with two sofa's and it now has a storytelling space and children's fiction books. In addition, the corridor on the left becomes narrower and it consists of all reference books.
The room with children's books and the reading room changed into lecture room and computer room respectively. The corridor on the right now contains adult fiction books rather than adult non-fiction books and it also has information desk and self service machines.
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 provides a clear overview and identifies the main changes, such as the conversion of the enquiry desk into a cafe and the repurposing of the children's and reading rooms. However, the description of the changes is somewhat inaccurate; for instance, the text states that 'the size of only one room has changed,' which contradicts the visual evidence of significant structural alterations. Additionally, the summary of the layout changes is slightly confusing, and some details are misidentified. To reach a higher band, ensure that the data reported is strictly accurate to the provided diagram and that the overview highlights the most significant trends rather than focusing on minor details.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing specific changes. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore,' 'Moreover,' and 'In addition' are used to link ideas. However, the progression of information is occasionally disjointed, and the referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the spatial changes. The use of paragraphing is appropriate, but the flow between sentences could be improved to ensure a more natural progression of information. Overall, the structure is coherent, but the mechanical use of some linking words limits the score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'structure,' 'organization,' 'spacious,' and 'repurposed' (implied). However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'The maps demonstrates' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'convert into' (incorrect tense/form). The range is somewhat limited, and there is a lack of more sophisticated vocabulary that would allow for a more precise description of the spatial changes. To improve, focus on using more varied and precise terminology to describe changes in layout and function, and ensure correct word forms are used.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('The maps demonstrates') and punctuation errors ('Moreover. the room'). The use of apostrophes is also incorrect in 'sofa's'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, particularly subject-verb agreement and the correct use of punctuation and pluralization. Increasing the variety of complex structures while maintaining accuracy would also be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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