Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-17
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 shown illustrates how the floor plan of a public library looked like 20 years ago, and what changes it has undergone now.
Overall, it shows that a lot of development is carried out to facilitate people, and to help them enjoy their library visits. The tables and chairs, from the middle area are removed. The cafe and the computer room is added near the entrace and self-service machines are also added for easy access to books.
The layout of a library is almost changed completely. The inquery desk area is replaced by cafe on the right hand side of library right after enterance. Reading room on southern west is converted into computer room. Tbles and chairs in the moddle are removed for ease in walking.
Children's books area is replaced by a lecture room in north-east side and computer games are is remodelled to a place for storytelling events and two sofas are added. Adult non-fiction books on right side is replaced with adult fiction books, information desk and self service machines while left side adult non-fiction is replaced with all reference books.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features and changes shown in the diagrams, noting additions like the café and computer room, and removals such as the tables and chairs. An overview is attempted in the second paragraph, though it contains some vague phrasing. Some spatial descriptions contain minor inaccuracies or confusion regarding directions and specific room conversions (for instance, the transition of the adult non-fiction area). However, the overall transformation is communicated clearly enough to satisfy the requirements of a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The text is arranged into paragraphs, moving from an introduction and overview to specific sections of the library. However, the logical progression is occasionally hindered by abrupt transitions and repetitive structuring. Cohesive devices are minimal and sometimes mechanical. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of ideas lacks smooth flow. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as ambiguous pronoun use or unclear spatial links, placing it firmly at Band 5.5.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with domain-specific terms such as 'floor plan', 'enquiry desk', 'self-service machines', and 'lecture room'. There are several noticeable spelling and word choice errors throughout the text, including 'entrace' for entrance, 'inquery' for enquiry, 'southern west' for southwest, and 'moddle' for middle. These errors do not impede overall communication, but they restrict the lexical score to Band 5.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'The diagram shown illustrates how the floor plan...'. However, grammatical accuracy is weak, with multiple errors including subject-verb agreement issues ('the cafe and the computer room is added', 'layout of a library is almost changed') and missing articles. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but frequent errors in basic sentence construction cause some difficulty for the reader, leading to a score of 5.0.
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