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 the north-east side of the library. Reading room was located on the 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 the children's book section and enquiry desk. Enquiry desk was located just before the entrance where tickets could be purchased and readers could return the books there.
Currently, the developed library has many new facilities. The children's book section has been replaced by a lecture room and the self-service machines have been added. The reading room has changed to a computer room.
In summary, the library has become more modernised and digitally advanced by adding self-service machines and a computer room.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
You have successfully identified the main features of the library's transformation. You provided a clear overview and compared the past and present states. However, the response lacks detail regarding the layout of the current library. While you mentioned the lecture room and computer room, you omitted other significant changes, such as the relocation of the book shelves and the addition of the cafe. To reach a higher band, ensure you describe the spatial changes more comprehensively, as the task requires a full summary of the floor plan changes, not just a list of new facilities.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a summary. You use basic cohesive devices such as '20 years ago', 'Currently', and 'In summary' to guide the reader. However, the flow between sentences is sometimes mechanical. For instance, the transition between describing the past layout and the current one could be smoother. Additionally, some referencing is slightly repetitive. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'infrastructure', 'modernised', and 'digitally advanced'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'developed in the field of technology' is slightly unnatural in this context. You also repeat 'located' and 'section' frequently. To improve, try to use more precise synonyms for spatial descriptions and avoid repeating the same verbs. Expanding your vocabulary to include more descriptive adjectives and varied verbs for change would help you achieve a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('the' library, 'a' computer room) and minor punctuation issues. For example, 'non-fictional book for adults were' should be 'non-fiction books for adults were'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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