Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-05
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 developmental changes of a public library 20 years ago and now. overall, the central sitting area of table and chairs completetly removed while the room on top left side room was replaced by storytelling events and addition of computer room and cafe in public library after renovation.
On the first hand, the library before 20 years ago was simple such as chairs and table in the center of the library while there were four rooms allocated for different books such as on the top left corner there was game and videos room while adjacent to this there was room for childern books. moreover, in the bottom left corner for reading of newspaper and magazines and on both sides of tables on left side the area for adult fiction books in fronts of this there was non-fiction books. On entrance enquiry desk was on bottom right side.
on the other hand after renovation the CDs and videos room which has replaced by storytelling events room while reading room replaced by computer room. Moreover the childern books room which has converted into lecture room whereas, the enquiry desk area changed into cafe. furthermore selfservice machine installed beside the cafe on the top of that there is information desk.
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 of the changes, identifying the main features such as the removal of the central seating area and the introduction of new facilities like the cafe and computer room. However, the description of the layout is somewhat confusing. For instance, the location of the 'adult fiction' and 'non-fiction' books is described in a way that is difficult to follow, and the spatial relationships between rooms are not always clearly articulated. While the main features are covered, the lack of precision in describing the spatial changes prevents a higher score. The response would benefit from more accurate referencing of the specific locations on the floor plan.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure for this task. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. Phrases like 'On the first hand' are used incorrectly, as this is not a standard way to introduce the first point. Additionally, the transition between the description of the past and the present is somewhat abrupt. While there is an overall progression, the referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to track the changes between the two floor plans effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'the room on top left side room' and 'which has replaced by'. The range of vocabulary is limited to basic descriptors, and there is a lack of more sophisticated terminology to describe spatial changes or library facilities. Spelling errors, such as 'completetly' and 'childern', also detract from the overall quality of the writing.
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. Issues include incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'which has replaced by' instead of 'which was replaced by') and missing articles or prepositions. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences lacking proper capitalization at the beginning. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors indicates a lack of control over complex structures, keeping the score in the mid-range.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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