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 diagram illustrates the floor plan of public library 20 years ago and how it currently looks.
Overall, the central library has been developed in the field of technical and infrastructure. Many new facilities like cafe, computer room and self service machine have been developed.
20 years ago the library had four men areas first one was children's books section which was located on northern east side of the library. Reading room was located on south west side where individuals could read newspaper and magazines.
Tables and chairs were located in the centre of the library and non fictional book for adults were in between of children's books section and enquiry desk. Enquiry desk was located just before the entrance where could be purchased and readers can return the book there.
Currently, The developed library has many new facilities. Children's book section has been replaced by lecture room and self service machines has been added. Reading room has changed to computer room.
In summary, The library has become more modernise and digital advance by adding self service machines and computer room.
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, identifying the key changes such as the replacement of the children's section and the addition of the computer room. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. For instance, you mention the enquiry desk but do not clearly contrast its current status or location relative to the past. While you identify the main trends, the report lacks a more detailed comparison of the spatial layout changes. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview of the specific shifts in the library's layout, ensuring all key areas mentioned in the diagram are accounted for in your comparison.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the past to the present. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like '20 years ago' and 'Currently' are used to start paragraphs, but there is a lack of sophisticated linking words to connect ideas within the paragraphs. For example, the transition between the description of the tables and the enquiry desk is abrupt. Improving the variety of transition signals and ensuring that referencing (e.g., 'the former', 'the latter') is used more effectively would enhance the flow of the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'infrastructure', 'facilities', and 'digital advance'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and minor errors, such as 'men areas' (likely meaning 'main areas') and 'non fictional book' (should be 'non-fiction books'). Additionally, 'modernise' is used as an adjective, whereas 'modernised' would be correct. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and ensuring that word forms are used correctly in context. Expanding your vocabulary to include more descriptive spatial terms would also be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'the floor plan of public library' (missing an article), 'self service machine have been developed' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'where could be purchased' (missing a subject). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of capital letters in the middle of sentences. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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