Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 18 · 2026-09-19
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 provided illustrates the floor plan transformation of the central library over two decades.
In an overall prespective, it is clearly seen that significant changes have taken place in the central library's layout , with alteration in the allocation of space and facalities rendering it more contemporary and user friendly.
To commence with , in the library arrangement twenty years prior, distict areas were allocated for CDs , videos , computer games , children's literature , adult fiction , and non fiction , complemented by space for perusing newspapers and magazines . moreover, the entrance , table with seating and an inquiry desk were positioned. This setup sccommodated a wide array of interest .
Moving forwards, the current layout of the central library adopts a more contemporary approach , with distinct zones earmarked for children's fiction , reference materials , a computer lab, seating arrangements for storytelling sessions.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to summarise the main features of the floor plan transformation, noting overall changes in layout and function. However, the description is incomplete as it cuts off mid-sentence and fails to cover the entire layout of the library 'now' compared to '20 years ago' (omitting significant additions like the café and lecture room). Furthermore, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement, containing only 149 words. While the overview is partially stated, the under-length penalty and incomplete coverage of key visual details restrict the score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The text demonstrates a basic attempt at logical organisation, using introductory and transitional markers such as 'In an overall prespective', 'To commence with', and 'Moving forwards'. However, paragraphing is somewhat disjointed, and the abrupt ending disrupts the overall progression of ideas. Cohesive devices are used, but referencing is occasionally mechanical. Overall, the essay maintains a discernible structure despite the incomplete finish.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'transformation', 'contemporary', and 'allocation'. However, there are noticeable spelling and typographical errors, including 'prespective' instead of 'perspective', 'facalities' instead of 'facilities', 'distict' instead of 'distinct', and 'sccommodated' instead of 'accommodated'. These lexical slips and minor inaccuracies prevent the response from achieving a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'In an overall prespective, it is clearly seen that significant changes have taken place...' Grammatical control is generally adequate for basic communication, but punctuation and word form errors occur (e.g., spacing errors before commas, and the incomplete final sentence). Complex structures often lack full accuracy, though they do not entirely obscure the intended meaning.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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