Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-18
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 given in the question shows us how the current public library's floor plan is different from the plan that was made 20 years ago.
We have two plans here: First one shows the old map of library's floor while the second one shows the new one. Here we need to look out the illustration to draw a clear difference between both plans.
In the old plan, as we enter the library from entrance, round tables and chairs are kept in front of us to sit and exactly on both sides of sitting, adult fiction and non-fiction books are adjusted.There is a reading room, computer room, children's books section and enquiry desk. These four sectons are in four corners presenting a sequential layout.
In the new library's floor map, entrance is same as before but front area is empty with all reference books on the left centre and information desk with adult fiction books is on the right side where self-service machines are also kept. The four corners are presenting computer room, cafe, lecture room and sitting section where storytelling events happen and children'n fiction books are also there.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The candidate attempts to describe the changes shown in the floor plans of the central library over a 20-year period. However, the response lacks a clear overview or summary of the main trends, which is essential for Band 6 and above. While the description identifies several specific features such as the entrance remaining the same and the relocation of certain rooms like the computer room and café, the referencing of details is occasionally imprecise or conversational in tone. The information is drawn from the visual data, but the organisation of features lacks the synthesis and comparative overview expected in a well-developed Academic Task 1 response. Consequently, it achieves a band score of 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The text is divided into four short paragraphs, representing an introduction, an overview-style paragraph, and two body paragraphs detailing the old and new plans respectively. However, the logical progression is hindered by repetitive conversational framing (e.g., 'We have two plans here', 'Here we need to look out the illustration'). Cohesive devices are basic and sometimes mechanical or repetitive, such as 'In the old plan' and 'In the new library's floor map'. Paragraphing is attempted, but internal cohesion within paragraphs lacks sophistication, leading to a score of 5.5.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for basic description, incorporating terms such as 'sequential layout', 'enquiry desk', and 'self-service machines'. However, there are instances of unnatural word choice and phrasing, such as 'books are adjusted' instead of 'housed' or 'located', and 'front of us' instead of 'the central area'. Spelling and word formation errors also appear, notably 'sectons' and 'children'n'. The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive, preventing the response from reaching Band 6.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'In the old plan, as we enter the library from entrance, round tables and chairs are kept in front of us...'. However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are several minor errors, including missing articles ('from entrance', 'on right side') and awkward prepositions. While meaning is generally communicated despite these errors, the frequent minor inaccuracies in grammar place the response firmly in the Band 5.5 category.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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