Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-10

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 diagram represents the floor plan of a public library 20 years ago and how it looks after 20 year.

Overall, it is crystal clear that central library before 20 years the facilties are low and if we check after 20 years facilities are advanced and sitting area also moderate.

At a flitting glance hand before 20 years of central library their is 2 tables and chairs are around the tables with the amount of 16 in entrance their is a enquiry desk, tickets and book returns and in left their is a reading room. In hall their is a adult non- fiction books are provided and in left there are adult fiction books. There are also CDs, videos games and computer games and also a children's books section.

After 20 years of central library the facilities are moderate. In entrance there is cafe on right hand and a computer room in left. For sitting they provided sofa's in corners. In hall there is only a Adult fiction books, information desk and Self service machines, on the left there is all type of reference books. There is a lecture in right and children's fiction books in left.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the library floor plan, but the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you identify key changes, such as the addition of a cafe and computer room, the comparison between the two time periods lacks depth. The overview is present but lacks clarity due to awkward phrasing. To improve, ensure you group information logically rather than listing items in a way that feels repetitive. You successfully identified the main trends, but the description of the layout could be more precise to better highlight the transformation over the 20-year period.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as 'At a flitting glance hand'. The progression of ideas is occasionally disjointed, particularly when moving between the descriptions of the two floor plans. Referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult to visualize the exact location of the mentioned facilities. Improving the use of transition signals and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear focus would significantly enhance the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is quite repetitive and lacks the precision required for a higher band. Phrases like 'facilities are low' and 'facilities are moderate' are vague and do not accurately describe the changes in a library setting. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'amount of 16' when referring to chairs. To achieve a higher score, try to use more specific vocabulary related to floor plans and spatial descriptions, such as 'relocated', 'replaced', 'expanded', or 'designated area'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'there is 2 tables'), incorrect pluralization (e.g., 'sofa's'), and awkward sentence structures. While you attempt some complex sentences, they are often faulty. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that subjects and verbs agree, and practicing the correct use of 'there is' versus 'there are' depending on the plurality of the noun that follows.

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

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