Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-16
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 a library two decades ago and it recent look.
Overall, there has been a significant development in the recent plan than the previous one. the recent library plan has more eguipment.
The initial floor plan comprises of six compartments 20 years ago,three on both left and the right side with tables abd chairs positioned at the middle of the library. from the entrace, the right compartment contains the enquiry desk where tickets are purchased and borrowed library books are returned. next is the adult non-fiction books, followed by the section for children's books. on the the left hand side is the reading room where magazines and newspappers are kept. next is the adult fiction book section followed by the section for cds,videos and computer games.
However The recent plan has been significantly redevelopded. it has same number of compartment but with more equipment. from the entrance, on the right hand side is a cafe for refreshment next is the section for adult fiction books,information desk and self service machine followed by the lecture room. there is no chair nor table at the center of the library. on the left side is a computer room , next is the reference books followed by the section for children's fiction books ,sofas for audience during story telling events.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student attempts to cover the main changes between the library floor plan 20 years ago and today, noting the shift in room functions and the removal of the central tables and chairs. However, the overview is extremely brief and lacks precise detail regarding the spatial reconfiguration. Several features are mentioned, such as the enquiry desk, reading room, and various book sections, but the description is somewhat superficial and fails to make deeper comparisons. According to Band 6 descriptors, the task is addressed, but certain parts are under-developed. To improve, the overview needs to synthesize the major structural transformations more clearly.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into four paragraphs, including an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the past and current layouts respectively. Logical progression is attempted; however, the lack of capitalization at the beginning of sentences (e.g., "the recent library plan", "from the entrace") and missing spaces after punctuation disrupt the flow. Cohesive devices are minimal and basic. While the overall arrangement is coherent, referencing and punctuation errors prevent it from reaching a higher band. Paragraphing is present but mechanical.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for describing a basic floor plan, incorporating words such as "compartments", "redevelopded", "refreshment", and "equipment". However, there are numerous spelling and typographical errors throughout the text, including "eguipment", "entrace", "redevelopded", "newspappers", and "cds,videos". Less common vocabulary is attempted but often marred by inaccurate word form or spelling. The lexical range is minimally sufficient to convey the message, fitting the Band 5 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, though they are frequently compromised by punctuation and capitalization errors. Examples of structural and punctuation flaws include "comprises of" (unnecessary preposition) and run-on phrasing without proper capital letters. While some sentences are grammatically acceptable, frequent errors in punctuation and sentence boundary markers cause some distraction for the reader. The control over grammar is limited, aligning closely with Band 5 criteria.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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