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 illustrates the floor plan of a public library before 20 years later and currently how it looks now.
Overall, after 20 years significant changes in a library. CDs, videos and computers room upgrade in children's fiction books and story events and added two sofa in the room. In hold area removed chairs and tables, added adult fiction books and self-service machines. Enquiry desk ticket, book return it converted to cafe.
To begin with before in entertainment room available only CDs, videos, computer games, but now added children's fiction books and organised story events there are two sofa added and room expanded. Reading room converted into computer room and front of it built all reference books. In hole area removed the chairs and tables.
Turning to the next details, children's books room replaced by lecture room and enquiry desk replaced by cafe Front of it added self-service machines facilities and adult fiction books.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| 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, identifying key changes such as the conversion of the reading room and the addition of the cafe. However, the report lacks a clear overview of the most significant trends, such as the shift from a traditional library layout to a more modern, technology-focused space. Some information is presented in a fragmented manner, and the description of the 'hold area' is slightly confusing. To improve, ensure that the summary highlights the most striking transformations rather than just listing changes in a disjointed way. The response meets the minimum length requirement, but the lack of a cohesive summary limits the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as the abrupt transition 'In hold area removed chairs'. The logical progression between sentences is often weak, making the text feel like a list of observations rather than a cohesive report. Referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when referring to specific locations on the map. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'consequently', 'in contrast') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus to improve the flow of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There is frequent repetition of basic verbs like 'added', 'replaced', and 'converted'. Some word choices are unnatural or incorrect, such as 'before 20 years later' and 'In hole area'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and the student struggles to use more sophisticated terminology to describe spatial changes or library facilities. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific collocations related to describing maps and diagrams, and try to vary your verbs to avoid repetitive phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with sentence structure, such as missing subjects ('added two sofa in the room') and incorrect preposition usage ('In hold area'). Verb tense consistency is also a problem, as the student mixes past and present tenses inconsistently when describing the changes. While there is an attempt to use complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction, ensuring every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and pay closer attention to article usage and pluralisation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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