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 technology and infrastructure. Many new facilities like a cafe, a computer room and self service machines have been developed.
20 years ago the library had four main areas, the first one was the children's book section which was located on north-east side of the library. Reading room was located on south-west side where individuals could read newspapers and magazines.
Tables and chairs were located in the centre of the library and the non-fictional book for adults were in between of the children's book section and enquiry desk. Enquiry desk was located just before the entrance where tickets could be purchased and readers can return the book there.
Currently, the developed library has many new facilities. The children's book section has been replaced by a lecture room and self service machines have been added. The reading room has changed to a computer room.
In summary, the library has become more modernise and digitally advanced 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 key changes such as the addition of the cafe and the conversion of the children's section. However, the report is somewhat superficial. It fails to mention several significant details, such as the relocation of the entrance, the addition of the information desk, or the specific changes to the book shelving layout. While the overview is present, it lacks the depth required for a higher band. The description of the past layout is a bit disjointed, and the comparison between the two time periods could be more integrated to highlight the transformation more effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the past to the present. There is a clear introduction and a summary. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'the first one was', 'the reading room was'). The transition between the description of the past and the current layout could be smoother. While the paragraphing is appropriate, the internal flow within paragraphs is occasionally hindered by simple sentence structures that lack sophisticated linking words or referencing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. You rely on basic descriptors like 'developed' and 'new facilities' multiple times. While you successfully use terms like 'non-fictional' and 'digitally advanced', there is a lack of more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific vocabulary related to floor plans (e.g., 'situated in the corner', 'adjacent to', 'replaced by'). The word 'modernise' is used incorrectly as an adjective; it should be 'modernized'. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and adjectives would significantly improve your score in this criterion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'non-fictional book for adults were' (subject-verb agreement) and 'return the book' (missing article/pluralization). You also have issues with articles, such as 'on north-east side' instead of 'on the north-east side'. While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the message, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. To improve, focus on consistent subject-verb agreement and the correct use of definite and indefinite articles when describing locations.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.