Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-09
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 given map illustrates the information about the public library how it looks in past and after 20 year later .
At the onset , it is evident that a lot of modifications have take place in the public library to enhance its feature .
Looking at the data in more detail , tables and chairs were located in the front of the entrance which are removed in present time . Moreover , enquiry desk was situated in the Southeast side but it is converted into a cafe area . However , the Northeast side was known as children's book area . A lecture room is replaced the children's book area . New adult fiction books , information desk and self service machines are take place between the lecture room and a cafe .
Moving to the remaining categories , adult fiction books area situated between the reading room and CDs, video games room . Now in this place all type of reference books are available . Moreover , reading room change into computer room . Meanwhile , CDs , videos computer games become remove and change into children's fiction book along with story telling event . Its area also has increased and new sofa sets are placed there .
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, identifying key transformations such as the cafe, lecture room, and the relocation of book sections. However, the overview is somewhat weak and lacks a clear summary of the most significant trends, such as the shift towards more digital and social spaces. While the main features are reported, the description of the layout is occasionally confusing, particularly regarding the specific locations of the new additions. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview highlights the most striking changes rather than just listing them, and provide a more precise spatial description of the library's transformation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of changes. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly unnatural, such as 'At the onset' and 'Moving to the remaining categories'. Referencing is occasionally unclear; for instance, the phrase 'In this place' is vague, making it difficult to track exactly which area is being discussed. The flow between sentences could be improved by using more varied linking words and ensuring that the transition between the past and present states is more seamless and logically connected.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the reader to understand the changes described. However, there are several instances of awkward phrasing and incorrect collocations, such as 'modifications have take place', 'are take place', and 'become remove'. These errors indicate a limited control over verb forms and word choices. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology for describing changes, such as 'converted into', 'replaced by', or 'relocated to', and ensure that the vocabulary used is appropriate for a formal report.
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 'how it looks in past', 'A lecture room is replaced the children's book area', and 'all type of reference books'. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement and the passive voice, which is essential for describing floor plans. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the high frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence construction and consistent tense usage will significantly improve the quality of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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